IT Infrastructure Fundamentals

IT infrastructure brings together hardware, operating systems, networks, virtualisation and cloud technologies to support reliable organisational operations. Learners develop the skills to install, configure, troubleshoot and maintain IT systems, while applying industry best practices to improve system performance and security.

Business Analysis and Project Management

Business analysis and project management provide structured approaches to planning, delivering and evaluating IT projects that meet organisational needs. Learners develop the skills to analyse business processes, gather requirements, manage risks and stakeholders, and design digital solutions using industry tools and project management methods such as Agile and Waterfall.

Programming Fundamentals

Programming fundamentals introduce the core concepts, tools and frameworks used to design and build software solutions that meet user needs. Learners develop practical skills in writing, testing and debugging code, working with APIs and data, using version control, and deploying web or software applications.

Technical Support Operations

Technical support operations help organisations resolve user and system issues while maintaining reliable and professional IT services. Learners develop the skills to provide technical support, communicate effectively with users and stakeholders, and apply professional, legal, ethical and culturally inclusive practices in the workplace.

Database Design and Development

Database design and development provide the foundations for creating and managing effective database solutions that support organisational data needs. Learners develop the skills to gather requirements, model and structure data, use SQL to implement databases, and maintain their security, integrity and performance.

IT Service Management and Technical Support

IT service management and technical support provide structured processes for delivering reliable IT services and supporting organisational technology needs. Learners develop the skills to manage incidents, problems and service requests, diagnose technical issues, monitor performance, and improve service quality using ITSM frameworks and industry practices.

Networking Technologies and Infrastructure

Networking technologies and infrastructure provide the foundations for building stable, secure and scalable connections across organisational IT environments. Learners develop the skills to install, configure, troubleshoot and secure network technologies and services, while monitoring and optimising performance to support reliable infrastructure operations.

Systems Administration and Optimisation

Systems administration and optimisation support the stable, efficient and reliable operation of an organisation’s IT systems and services. Learners develop the skills to configure and administer operating systems, manage users and resources, monitor system performance, and implement backup, recovery and optimisation procedures to maintain operational continuity.

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NZ Diploma in Information Technology*

Level 5

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

This programme is made up of eight Level 5, 15 credit compulsory courses.

PROGRAMME LENGTH & TIME STRUCTURE

The programme is taught full-time over four terms, which equates to 36 weeks of delivery. Full-time learners complete 2 courses per term.

Full Time

The programme is taught full-time over four terms, which equates to 36 weeks of delivery. Full-time learners complete 2 courses per term.

Part Time

Part-time study is possible, and the programme must be completed within 2 years of a learner’s first enrolment in the programme. Part time learners complete 1 course per term.

COURSE CONTENT

Career Opportunities

Depending on your chosen strand, this qualification may prepare you for roles such as:

Computer Technician
Help Desk Officer
Technical Support Officer
Entry-level Network Administrator
Entry-level Network Engineer
Applications Support Analyst
Entry-level roles developing or customising web-based or software solutions
Roles using digital tools and systems to support business operations, improve user experiences and drive innovation

Further Studies

This qualification provides a pathway into a range of qualifications at Level 6 or above:

New Zealand Diploma in IT Infrastructure (Level 6) with strands in Networking, and Cloud-Based Systems Administration.
New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (Level 6).
New Zealand Certificate in Applied Software Development (Level 6).
New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity (Level 6).
Further education pathways include higher level IT-related qualifications as well as industry certifications.

Build a pathway towards an in-demand IT career

Information technology skills are needed across organisations throughout New Zealand. This diploma gives you a broad foundation in IT infrastructure, technical support, programming, databases and digital solutions, helping you prepare for entry-level employment and further specialised study.

Depending on your chosen strand and future career development, your studies could contribute towards a pathway into ICT occupations included on New Zealand’s Green List. These include roles such as Software Engineer, Developer Programmer, Software Tester, Database Administrator and Systems Administrator.

To qualify for a Green List residence pathway, graduates must secure an eligible role with an accredited employer and meet all applicable occupation, qualification, experience and pay requirements.

Benefits for students

This programme can help you:

Build practical skills relevant to New Zealand’s technology sector
Prepare for entry-level employment in IT and digital technology
Develop skills across technical support, programming and digital solutions
Choose a specialisation aligned with your career interests
Progress into higher-level IT study and industry certifications
Establish the foundation needed to work towards more specialised ICT roles
Build skills that may support future skilled employment and residence pathways

Understanding the Green List

The Green List identifies occupations that are in demand in New Zealand. It has two pathways:

Tier 1 – Straight to Residence: For people with an eligible Tier 1 job or job offer who meet the role’s requirements.
Tier 2 – Work to Residence: For people who have completed the required period of eligible New Zealand employment in a Tier 2 occupation and meet the applicable requirements.

Completing this diploma does not guarantee employment, a work visa or residence. Immigration eligibility depends on your role, employer, pay, qualifications, experience and personal circumstances at the time you apply.

For current requirements, visit Immigration New Zealand’s Green List pathway and skilled residence pathways.

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.

Study the New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology (Level 5) and gain practical skills across IT infrastructure, technical support, programming, databases and digital solutions. Choose to specialise in Infrastructure and Technical Support, Software Development, or Applied Digital Technologies, preparing you for entry-level IT opportunities or further study at Level 6 and above.

What you will learn

When you complete this programme, you’ll have practical, job-ready skills across IT infrastructure, technical support, programming, databases and digital solutions. You’ll also develop specialist skills through your chosen strand: Infrastructure and Technical Support, Software Development, or Applied Digital Technologies.

You’ll learn how to:

Install, configure and maintain computer hardware, software and networks
Troubleshoot technical issues and provide effective support to users
Gather and analyse business and stakeholder requirements
Use programming languages, frameworks and development tools to create software solutions
Design, develop and maintain database solutions
Apply project management practices to IT projects
Design user-friendly and accessible digital experiences
Test, evaluate and improve software and digital solutions
Apply cybersecurity principles and responsible technology practices
Prepare clear technical and user documentation
Communicate effectively with clients, users and IT professionals
Apply professional, legal and ethical standards within an IT environment
Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to deliver practical IT outcomes
Work independently and collaboratively as part of a technical team

Your chosen strand will also prepare you for entry-level opportunities in technical support, software development or digital technology roles.

NZQA Level 5

120 credits

Full-time duration: 36 teaching weeks

$23,199 International

Not including accomodation and living expenses

Intake Date: 2027

*Subject to NZQA approval