Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Information Technology at Media Design School is designed for students who want to develop technical IT skills alongside creative thinking, practical problem-solving and professional experience.

Key benefits include:

• A multidisciplinary IT curriculum combining computing, software development, cybersecurity, cloud technologies and human-centred design.

• Practical learning using industry-standard tools and technology.

• Opportunities to tailor studies through electives according to individual interests and career goals.

• Work-integrated learning in the final year through an internship or volunteer placement, or an industry live brief.

• Exposure to AI, data science, networking, software development and secure computing.

• Development of teamwork, communication, organisation, analytical thinking and project-management skills.

• On-campus and online study options, subject to the arrangements available for the chosen intake.

• An opportunity to build a foundation for technology careers in New Zealand and internationally.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme comprises three years of study, with core subjects and electives. The following outline reflects the subjects published on MDS's official programme page.

Year 1 — Core IT foundations

The six published core components are:

• Computer Architecture and Operating Systems: understanding computer hardware, software, system organisation and operating principles.

• Cybersecurity Principles: recognising security threats and understanding methods for reducing risk.

• Introduction to Cloud Computing: cloud service and deployment models, virtualisation and cloud infrastructure.

• Introduction to Software Engineering: introductory software development and object-oriented programming, including C++.

• Data and Networking: foundational knowledge of data systems and computer networks.

• Foundations of Information Systems: identifying organisational information needs and recommending IT solutions.

Students also take two 15-credit electives from Level 5.

Year 2 — Applied IT, security and professional practice

The six published core components are:

• Creative Enterprise: entrepreneurship, opportunity identification, communication and teamwork in technology.

• Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing: vulnerability testing and security recommendations.

• Human Centred Design: understanding users and developing solutions that account for human needs and behaviour.

• IT Professional Practice: professional skills and practices for IT workplaces.

• Networking & Database Systems: network architecture, database management and SQL.

• User, Software and Data Protection: secure software solutions, data protection and incident management.

Students also complete two electives from Level 5 and/or Level 6.

Year 3 — Advanced technology and professional experience

The five published core components are:

• Advanced Tech – Work Integrated Learning: a 45-credit professional experience component.

• Cloud Architecture: designing and testing cloud systems with attention to governance, security and IT service requirements.

• Enterprise Cybersecurity Governance and Applications: planning and securing enterprise computing systems.

• Secure by Design: secure development principles, application security and software development lifecycle practices.

• Smart Industry Applications: developing technology applications with consideration for users, ethics and industry needs.

Elective subjects

The published options include:

• Algorithms & Data Structures.

• Concepts in AI.

• Maths 1.

• Micro-services Architecture.

• Probabilities and Statistics.

• Applications of Artificial Intelligence.

• Classification and Regression.

• Software Engineering Principles and Practices.

• Introduction to Data Science.

• Project Based Learning Studio: Technology.

• Deep Learning.

• Data Mining & Visualisation.

• Software Engineering Capstone Project.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme's principal subject areas include:

• Cybersecurity.

• Software engineering.

• Cloud computing and cloud architecture.

• Ethical hacking and penetration testing.

• Networking and database systems.

• Human-centred design.

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning through electives.

• Data science, statistical analysis and data visualisation through electives.

• Smart industry applications and secure software development.

Programme Highlights

• A 360-credit Level 7 bachelor's degree.

• A curriculum combining practical IT foundations with advanced technology topics.

• Core study in cybersecurity, cloud computing, software engineering and human-centred design.

• Choice of electives in areas such as AI, data science, mathematics and software development.

• A 45-credit work-integrated learning component in the third year.

• On-campus and online study options listed by the provider.

• No portfolio requirement for admission to the Bachelor of Information Technology.

• Published 2027 entry dates and a South Asia scholarship relevant to eligible Indian students.

Career Outcomes

The programme is intended to prepare graduates for technology roles requiring practical IT knowledge, security awareness, software skills and problem-solving ability.

Potential career pathways aligned with the curriculum include:

• IT support specialist.

• Junior software developer or software engineer.

• Cybersecurity analyst or security support professional.

• Network or systems administrator.

• Cloud support or junior cloud engineering roles.

• Database support professional.

• Junior data analyst, depending on elective choices and additional technical experience.

• IT consultant or technology project team member.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The following points are particularly relevant to applicants considering the 2027 intake.

• MDS lists the Bachelor of Information Technology's 2027 start dates as 22 February and 19 July.

• The programme page currently displays a Year 1 international tuition fee of NZD $30,550.50.

• The South Asia IT Innovator Scholarship is published for eligible international students from India and five other South Asian countries, with 2027 application deadlines.

• International students must be at least 18 when their studies commence.

• A portfolio is not required for this degree.

• Students must have a suitable computer or device capable of running the software required for the course. Applicants should review the current bring-your-own-device (BYOD) specifications before purchasing equipment.

• Students should check whether the selected study mode is appropriate for their immigration arrangements.

• MDS advises international applicants to contact its international recruitment team for country-specific entry guidance and assistance with the application process.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students planning to study on campus in Auckland should review the official New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa requirements.

Key requirements include the following.

1. Offer of place

Students generally need an offer of place from an approved education provider. The provider must be satisfied that the programme is appropriate for the applicant and that the student has the English-language ability and academic capability needed to complete it.

2. Tuition fee evidence

Applicants must provide acceptable evidence that they have paid their tuition fees, can pay them, or qualify for an applicable exemption. Immigration New Zealand generally requires evidence covering one year of study or the programme, whichever is shorter. Eligible applicants applying from outside New Zealand may be able to use the approval-in-principle process before paying tuition, subject to its conditions.

3. Living expenses

For tertiary study lasting one year or longer, Immigration New Zealand currently specifies at least NZD $20,000 per year for living costs. For study lasting less than a year, the requirement is NZD $1,667 per month.

This is separate from tuition fees. Applicants must also show they can pay for outward travel or hold a ticket out of New Zealand.

4. Genuine source of funds

Evidence may include bank statements, eligible fixed-term deposits, an education loan, a scholarship award letter, or acceptable sponsorship or financial undertaking documents. Immigration New Zealand may request further evidence of where the money came from and whether it is genuinely available.

5. Health and character

Applicants must meet applicable health and character requirements. Police certificates may be required depending on age, length of intended stay and immigration history.

6. Medical and travel insurance

Students must have insurance acceptable to their education provider for the relevant period of stay, subject to applicable exemptions.

7. Passport and supporting documents

Applicants generally need a valid passport, an acceptable photograph, the offer of place, financial evidence and any other documents required for their individual circumstances. Documents not in English may need certified translations.

8. Visa application timing and cost

Immigration New Zealand's currently published Fee Paying Student Visa page lists a cost from NZD $850 and advises students to apply at least three months before their planned travel. Fees and processing times can change, so applicants should check the official page immediately before applying.

9. Work rights

Some student visas permit part-time work during study and full-time work during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions printed on the visa. Students must check their own visa conditions rather than assuming that employment permission is automatic.

10. Online versus on-campus study

Although MDS lists online study as an option, an online enrolment does not by itself establish eligibility for a New Zealand student visa. Students should confirm the study arrangement and their immigration pathway before making financial commitments.