The Graduate Diploma in Computer and Information Sciences is designed for graduates who already hold a bachelor's degree and want to develop comprehensive computing and information technology expertise within one year. It is particularly suitable for career changers, professionals seeking IT qualifications, and graduates looking to enter the technology sector.

Key Benefits

• Gain computing and IT knowledge in as little as one year.
• Develop skills to plan, develop, and apply technologies to solve computing problems.
• Flexible course selection tailored to career goals.
• Ideal pathway into software development, cybersecurity, data science, networking, and IT management.
• Suitable for students from both IT and non-IT academic backgrounds.
• Opportunity to progress to postgraduate qualifications in computer and information sciences.
• Study in Auckland, New Zealand's leading technology and innovation centre.

Programme Structure

Students select eight courses from the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences curriculum to complete 120 points.

Structure Requirements

• Eight courses (120 points)
• At least five Level 7 courses
• Flexible course selection
• Potential inclusion of up to two approved courses from another bachelor's programme

Subjects and Topics Offered

Programming and Software Development

• Programming Concepts and Techniques
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Software Development Practice
• Program Design and Construction
• Programming Languages
• Web Development
• Contemporary Issues in Software Engineering
• Theory of Computation

Data Science and Analytics

• Foundations of Data Science
• Statistics for Data Science
• Data Analysis
• Data Mining and Knowledge Engineering
• Forecasting

Artificial Intelligence

• Artificial Intelligence
• Nature Inspired Computing
• Text and Vision Intelligence

Cybersecurity

• Information Security Technologies
• Information Security Management
• Network Security
• Highly Secure Systems

Networking and Systems

• Networks and Internet
• Operating Systems
• Network and System Administration
• Advanced Network Technologies
• Enterprise Networks
• Distributed and Mobile Systems
• Internet of Things and Applications

Business and Digital Services

• IT Project Management
• Service Modelling
• Service Innovation and Design
• Digital Services in Information Technology
• Needs Analysis, Acquisition and Training
• Microservices

Disciplines and Areas of Specialisation

Although the Graduate Diploma does not have formal majors, students can build expertise in:

• Software Development
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Information Security
• Networking
• Cloud Technologies
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Digital Services
• IT Project Management
• Business Analysis

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue careers such as:

• Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• Programmer
• Technical Business Analyst
• IT Manager
• IT Supervisor
• Project Leader
• Project Manager
• Systems Administrator
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Network Administrator
• Data Analyst
• Research and Development Specialist

Special Requirements and Important Notes

• Applicants must already hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification/experience.
• At least five selected courses must be Level 7.
• Course availability varies by semester.
• Some courses may have prerequisites.
• Students receive academic guidance when selecting courses.
• Enrolment is subject to meeting course requirements and availability

Latest Updates

• AUT currently lists the Graduate Diploma in Computer and Information Sciences as a Level 7, 120-point qualification completed in one year full-time.
• The programme continues to offer extensive course choices in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, networking, data science, and digital services.
• Published upcoming intakes include July 2026, February 2027, and July 2027.

New Zealand Student Visa Requirements

International students generally require a New Zealand Student Visa.

Typical requirements include:

• Valid AUT Offer of Place
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Valid passport
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses
• Medical examinations (if required)
• Police clearance certificates (if required)
• Approved health and travel insurance