NZ Diploma in Information Technology (Applied Digital Technologies)*

Level 5

Programme Structure

This programme includes five core courses and three Applied Digital Technologies strand courses.

Duration & Study Commitment

This full-time programme is delivered over four terms, with nine teaching weeks in each term. Learners complete two courses per term.

Your Course Journey

Terms 1 and 2 build your shared IT foundation. In Term 3, you complete the final core course and begin the Applied Digital Technologies strand. Term 4 focuses on the remaining specialist courses in digital solution design and implementation.

How You'll Study

This programme uses blended delivery, combining guided learning, practical activities and self-directed study. You’ll apply your knowledge through realistic IT tasks involving technical support, networks and systems administration.

Assessment

Assessment may include practical tasks, projects, written work, presentations and demonstrations of technical skills. Assessments are designed to show that you can apply your learning in realistic IT situations.

Where this course can lead

Build practical, workplace-relevant skills for roles that use digital tools and systems to support business operations, improve user experiences and contribute to innovation.

Possible role directions include:

Digital Operations Support
Business Systems Support
Applications Support
Digital Solutions Support
Junior Digital Project Support
Technology Implementation Support

The programme supports entry-level employment and further study. It does not guarantee employment, a particular job title or professional certification.

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Further study

After completing this qualification, you may progress to higher-level IT study or relevant industry certifications.

Potential study pathways include:

New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity (Level 6)
Bachelor of AI Assisted Information Technology (Software Development) Level 7 *
Bachelor of AI Assisted Information Technology (Infrastructure & Cybersecurity) Level 7 *

Tell us what kind of work interests you, and our team can help you compare the three strands.

Our Courses

Get in touch with our team

* Subject to NZQA Approval

International Learners

Applicants must be 18+ years old
NCEA Level 2 or Level 3 (with University Entrance); or
provide evidence of secondary school achievement at an equivalent level; or
a qualification in Computing, Information Technology or Digital Technology at Level 3 or 4; or
an equivalent qualification in Computing, Information Technology or Digital Technology.

All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language proficiency prior to being accepted into the programme.

English Language Requirements

All applicants must meet the English Language requirements for a Level 5 programme delivered in New Zealand.

Applicants are required to have:

IELTS Test - Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or,
TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) - Score of 46 (with a writing score of 14) or,
Cambridge English Qualifications - B2 First or B2 First for schools with a score of 162. No less than 154 in each skill or,
OET - Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub tests or,
NZCEL- Level 4 (General) or (Employment) or,
Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 42 with no band score lower than 36 or,
Language Cert - International ESOL B2 Communicator with overall HIGH PASS and no less than 25/50 in each skill or Academic with a minimum score of 60 overall and no skill below 55 or,
Trinity ISE - ISE II with no less than merit or 90 in any band

Results must come from one test conducted in the last 2 years.

Applicants must be 18+ years old and meet one of the following:

NCEA Level 2 or Level 3 with University Entrance
An equivalent secondary school qualification
A Level 3 or Level 4 qualification in Computing, Information Technology or Digital Technology
An equivalent qualification in a related field

Applicants who do not meet these requirements may be considered through special entry based on relevant education or work experience.

Special Entry - (Domestic Students Only)

If you do not meet the standard entry requirements, you may still be considered based on relevant education, transferable skills or work experience.

Your application will be assessed through:

A review of supporting documents, such as academic transcripts, your CV and letters of reference
An admissions interview covering your experience, aptitude, problem-solving skills, work ethic and available whānau support

You must also demonstrate an acceptable level of English language proficiency.

*Programme subject to NZQA approval

Learn to evaluate technology, understand stakeholder needs, design practical solutions and implement digital tools that support operations, user experiences and innovation.

The Applied Digital Technologies strand develops broad IT knowledge alongside practical skills in evaluating, designing and implementing digital solutions for organisations.

You’ll complete five core courses covering IT infrastructure, business analysis and project management, technical support, programming and database development. You’ll then complete three specialist courses focused on digital technology strategy, digital solution design and digital solution implementation.

What you'll learn:

During the programme, you’ll learn how to:

Evaluate contemporary digital technologies and how they are used in organisations.
Analyse how technology can support organisational strategy, processes and performance.
Recommend suitable digital technologies based on organisational needs and opportunities.
Analyse stakeholder and user requirements to inform digital solution design.
Apply design thinking and contemporary methods to develop digital solutions.
Create wireframes, mock-ups and prototypes using contemporary digital tools.
Implement, test, troubleshoot and refine digital solutions to meet stakeholder requirements.
Apply project management, communication, professional, legal and ethical practices in IT environments.
Develop foundational skills in technical support, programming and database development.

Ready to use technology to improve how organisations work?
Explore the courses in this strand or start your application.

NZQA Level 5

120 credits

Full-time duration: 36 teaching weeks

$20,000 NZD - Tuition Fees

Intake Date: 2027

Blended Learning