Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Postgraduate Certificate in Information Technology (PGCertInfoTech) is a short, intensive postgraduate qualification designed for graduates who want to move into the fast-growing ICT sector, even when their first degree was in another field such as business, arts or science.
• It develops practical knowledge in programming, web technologies and database-related development rather than requiring students to undertake a full master's degree immediately.
• The programme is particularly useful as a conversion/upskilling qualification for students with an existing bachelor's degree who want to build an IT skill set.
• The qualification can also act as a pathway into Waikato's Master of Information Technology. Waikato states that the PGCertInfoTech and MInfoTech can be completed together as a 240-point pathway in approximately 1.5–2 years, depending on when the student starts.
• It is developed within the Auckland ICT Graduate School initiative, a joint initiative involving the University of Auckland and University of Waikato, with an emphasis on producing industry-ready ICT professionals.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme has a very focused structure: students complete two compulsory 30-point papers.

1. COMPX568 – Programming for Industry

• 30 points.
• Level 500.
• Offered in A and C Trimesters.
• Hamilton, in-person.
• Covers object-oriented programming and design.
• Topics include typing, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism and composition.
• Students study object-oriented modelling and design techniques.
• Students develop application software of reasonable complexity using object-oriented language features, contemporary APIs, frameworks and tools.

2027 A Trimester: 1 March 2027 – 27 June 2027.

2027 C Trimester: 15 November 2027 – 20 February 2028.

2. COMPX569 – Programming with Web Technologies

• 30 points.
• Level 500.
• Offered in A and C Trimesters.
• Hamilton, in-person.
• Covers development of web-based applications.
• Client-side technologies include HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
• Server-side technologies support dynamic web pages and data access.
• Includes fundamental relational database concepts and design techniques.
• Covers web-application design principles.
• Includes human-computer interaction considerations and mobile clients

Disciplines / Specialisations

The main discipline is:

• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Programming and software development
• Web technologies
• Database/web application development

Programme Highlights

• 60-point postgraduate qualification completed in one trimester full-time.
• Two focused 500-level papers rather than a large elective programme.
• Combines programming, software development, web technologies and database concepts.
• Suitable for graduates seeking to add IT skills to a bachelor's degree in another discipline.
• Provides a direct academic pathway into the Master of Information Technology, subject to the master's admission requirements.
• 2027 delivery is in person at Hamilton.
• Both A and C Trimester options are currently listed for the two compulsory papers.
• The qualification is jointly awarded by the University of Auckland and University of Waikato.

Career Outcomes

Waikato identifies the following career opportunities for PGCertInfoTech graduates:

• Database Developer
• Cloud Computing Developer
• Data Security Developer
• Network Engineer
• Systems Administrator
• Consultant
• Software Developer.

The programme's stated graduate capabilities include the ability to:

• apply programming, database and web-development skills to ICT solutions;
• locate, assess and synthesise information for problem-solving;
• apply numeracy and computational literacy to technical challenges;
• demonstrate ethical awareness and integrity;
• plan and manage ICT-based software-development tasks independently. 

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current programme information confirms the PGCertInfoTech remains a 60-point, one-trimester qualification.
• 2027 teaching is currently scheduled for both A and C Trimesters.
• Both compulsory papers are currently listed as Hamilton, in-person for 2027.
• The 2027 paper pages state that the timetable is not yet available, so detailed class schedules should be confirmed later.
• The programme requires admission to PGCertInfoTech for both compulsory papers, unless permission is granted by the paper convenor.
• Students must complete the University of Waikato Academic Integrity Module.
• The qualification is not simply a general postgraduate IT certificate with freely selectable subjects: the current regulations specifically prescribe COMPX568 and COMPX569.
• The qualification can be used as a bridge to the MInfoTech, but progression is subject to the master's admission requirements. For the relevant 240-point MInfoTech route, the regulations require the PGCertInfoTech and a GPA of at least 4.5 in the certificate.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this qualification in New Zealand would normally apply for the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or evidence of an applicable scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living costs or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Good health and character.
• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.