The Graduate Certificate in Computer and Information Sciences is designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree and want to gain computing and IT knowledge in a relatively short period of time. It provides a pathway into the ICT sector without requiring students to complete another full bachelor's degree.

Key Benefits

• Complete the qualification in as little as one semester.
• Suitable for career changers entering the technology industry.
• Flexible course selection based on career goals.
• Strong emphasis on practical computing skills.
• Opportunity to study programming, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, networking, data science, and software development.
• Can provide a pathway to further study in computing and information sciences.
• Study in Auckland, New Zealand's leading technology and innovation centre. 

Programme Structure

Students choose four courses from the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences curriculum to achieve a total of 60 points.

Course Selection Rules

• Four courses required
• Total of 60 points
• Minimum three Level 7 courses
• With approval, one course may be selected from another bachelor's degree

Subjects and Topics Available

The programme offers substantial flexibility, allowing students to tailor studies toward their career interests.

Programming and Software Development

• Programming Concepts and Techniques
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Software Development Practice
• Program Design and Construction
• Web Development
• Programming Languages
• Software Engineering Topics

Data Science and Analytics

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

Cybersecurity

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

Artificial Intelligence

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

Networking and Systems

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

Business and Digital Services

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

Disciplines and Areas of Focus

Although the Graduate Certificate does not have formal majors, students can build expertise in areas such as:

• Software Development
• Computer Science
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Networking
• Cloud and Enterprise Systems
• Digital Services
• IT Project Management

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue roles including:

• Programmer
• Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• IT Manager
• IT Supervisor
• Technical Business Analyst
• Project Leader
• Project Manager
• Research and Development Associate
• Systems Support Specialist

Further Study Opportunities

After completing the Graduate Certificate, students may progress to:

• Graduate Diploma in Computer and Information Sciences
• Postgraduate Certificate in Computer and Information Sciences
• Postgraduate Diploma in Computer and Information Sciences
• Master of Computer and Information Science

Programme Highlights

• Level 7 qualification
• Can be completed in 6 months full-time
• 60-point programme
• Flexible course selection
• Suitable for career changers
• Strong practical computing focus
• Industry-relevant subjects
• Pathway to higher-level computing qualifications
• Study in Auckland's technology hub

Special Requirements and Important Notes

• Applicants must already hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification/experience.
• Course availability varies by semester.
• Enrolment in some courses may require meeting prerequisite requirements.
• Students work with programme advisers to select courses aligned with their career goals.
• At least three of the four selected courses must be Level 7 courses

New Zealand Student Visa Requirements

International students generally require a New Zealand Student Visa.

Typical requirements include:

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