Why Study / Key Benefits

• Builds foundational knowledge and practical skills for starting a career in information and communications technology (ICT).

• Covers computer hardware, operating systems, networking, security, programming, software development, databases and multimedia web design.

• Has a practical, hands-on focus, allowing students to demonstrate their technical skills.

• Successful completion provides an automatic pathway into UCOL’s Bachelor of Information & Communications Technology and New Zealand Diploma in IT Technical Support, subject to the programme’s published progression arrangements.

• Students can also enrol in selected individual papers rather than the complete certificate. Confirm whether this option is available to international students.

 

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The 60-credit programme consists of four compulsory 15-credit courses.

1. Technical IT Skills – 15 credits

• Computer hardware, including local and remote storage.

• Operating systems, device drivers and command-line entry.

• Networking and remote services.

• Basic end-user security concepts.

• Technical documentation, planning and implementation.

• Professional conduct and hardware safety.

2. Media Design and Development – 15 credits

• Multimedia website development.

• Graphics, sound, video and text.

• Interactivity, accessibility and user experience (UX).

• Scripting and content management systems.

• Intellectual property, copyright and professional conduct.

• Cultural sensitivity, including the Treaty of Waitangi.

3. Information Management – 15 credits

• Business analysis and data modelling.

• Relational database development.

• Tables, queries, reports, forms and data validation.

• Spreadsheets, file management and report writing.

• Information security, confidentiality and privacy.

• Compliance with relevant regulations and organisational policies.

4. Software Design and Development – 15 credits

• Programming fundamentals and coding standards.

• Software documentation.

• Compilers, command-line interfaces and interpreters.

• Logic depiction methods.

• Basic user-experience concepts.

• Project management and project-management tools.

• Intellectual property, security and professional conduct.

 

Disciplines/Specialisations

This is a general foundational IT qualification rather than a specialist certificate in one advanced IT field. Its subject areas include:

• Computer hardware and technical support.

• Operating systems and networking.

• End-user cybersecurity and security awareness.

• Programming and software development.

• Multimedia web design and development.

• Database and information management.

• Business analysis and data modelling.

Programme Highlights

• NZQA-approved qualification under the Education and Training Act 2020.

• UCOL is accredited to deliver the programme.

• Practical learning across hardware, operating systems, networks, programming and web development.

• Approximately 16 scheduled class hours and 19 hours of independent study each week.

• Students may be able to study part-time or enrol in individual papers; availability should be checked with UCOL.

• Successful completion provides an automatic entry pathway into UCOL’s Bachelor of Information & Communications Technology and New Zealand Diploma in IT Technical Support. Confirm the progression and enrolment conditions with UCOL before relying on this pathway.

 

Career Outcomes

UCOL identifies the following broad employment directions:

• Entry-level ICT roles.

• IT support.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• UCOL’s current programme listing advertises two 2027 intakes: February and July, with the exact dates stated above.

• The programme page currently displays 2026 tuition information, so the 2027 international fee should be confirmed directly with UCOL.

• UCOL recommends that applicants interested in computing and ICT seek advice from its Academic Portfolio Manager if they are unsure about the technical skill level required.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be available through Cross Credit, Credit Transfer or Assessment of Prior Learning. Applications are assessed individually under UCOL’s academic policies.

• Applicants should prepare evidence of their highest academic achievement and documents showing that they meet the entry requirements. UCOL notes that verified documents may need to be supplied in person, by post or by email rather than through the online application form.

• The programme page includes international entry requirements, but its listed application forms are domestic/U-Skills forms. International applicants should therefore obtain written confirmation that UCOL is accepting international applications for their intended 2027 intake and that the programme is available for their visa purpose.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this programme in New Zealand will generally need to apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to meeting Immigration New Zealand’s requirements.

Key requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider. The offer should identify the programme, study duration, study mode and other required course details.

• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or evidence of an eligible scholarship.

• Evidence of sufficient money for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.

• Evidence of good health and good character.

• A genuine intention to study and comply with visa conditions.

• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to purchase a ticket out of New Zealand.

• Appropriate medical and travel insurance for the period required by the visa and education provider.

Visa fees and processing:

• Fee Paying Student Visa application fee: from NZD $850.

• Immigration New Zealand currently indicates that 80% of applications are processed within 8.5 weeks. Processing times can change.

• Students are strongly encouraged to apply at least three months before their intended travel date.

• The visa may be granted for up to four years, but the actual duration normally depends on the period of study paid for and passport validity.

Living-cost funds:

• For tertiary study lasting less than one year, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of NZD $1,667 for each month of study.

• This is separate from tuition fees and outward travel costs.

• The exact total required for this programme should be calculated using the study and visa dates confirmed in the student’s offer of place.

Work rights:

• Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work part-time for up to 25 hours per week while studying.

• Full-time work during scheduled holidays may be permitted, depending on the conditions endorsed on the visa.

• Work rights are not automatic for every student; applicants must check their individual eVisa or visa approval letter.

• Students must attend their course and make satisfactory academic progress.

Insurance and health:

• Students must have acceptable medical and travel insurance for the required period, normally from the beginning of the course until the visa expires.

• Immigration New Zealand may request a medical examination or chest X-ray depending on the applicant’s circumstances and length of stay.

• Applicants should follow the health-document instructions issued for their individual visa application.

Family members:

• A student cannot include a partner or dependent children in their own Fee Paying Student Visa application.

• Eligible family members may apply separately for visas based on their relationship to the student.