NZ Diploma in Information Technology
(Software Development)*

Level 5

Programme Structure

This programme includes five core courses and three Software Development 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 Software Development strand. Term 4 focuses on the remaining two specialist courses.

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 and software development tasks, including analysing user needs, designing interfaces, developing applications, testing software and improving its security and performance.

Assessment

Assessment may include practical tasks, software development projects, design artefacts, prototypes, testing documentation and written project work. You may be asked to analyse requirements, develop and test software solutions, evaluate user feedback, document your processes and recommend improvements.

Where this course can lead

Build practical, workplace-relevant skills for entry-level roles involving the design, development, testing and improvement of web-based and software solutions.

Possible role directions include:

Entry-level Software Development
Web-based Solutions Development
Application Development Support
Software Testing and Evaluation Support
Software Design and Prototyping Support
Application Customisation 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.

* Programmes are subject to NZQA approval

Learn to understand user needs and design, develop, test and improve secure, user-friendly software solutions.

The Software Development strand develops broad IT knowledge alongside practical skills in software design, application development, testing, security and performance optimisation.

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 human-centred software design, software testing and evaluation, and secure and efficient application development.

What you'll learn:

During the programme, you’ll learn how to:

Analyse user and stakeholder needs to inform software design decisions.
Apply human-centred and accessibility principles when designing software interfaces.
Create wireframes, prototypes and other design artefacts to communicate software solutions.
Develop software using appropriate programming languages, frameworks and development tools.
Design and maintain database solutions that support organisational needs.
Plan and conduct testing to assess software functionality and usability.
Evaluate software using testing results and user feedback.
Recommend improvements that enhance software quality and user experience.
Apply secure coding practices, security controls and deployment methods.
Improve application reliability, maintainability, performance and efficiency.
Apply project management, communication, professional, legal and ethical practices in IT environments.

Ready to design and build software solutions?
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

NZ Diploma in Information Technology (Software Development)*