Why Study/Key Benefits

• The PGDipIST is an advanced postgraduate qualification designed for specialist IT and Information Systems graduates.
• It focuses on improving existing Information Systems and Technology Management practices.
• Students can combine taught courses and seminars with either a research project or an Information Systems internship.
• The programme develops the ability to understand, analyse and critically evaluate national and international perspectives on Information Systems and technology.
• UC highlights the shortage of high-level ICT skills and the resulting demand for IT-skilled professionals.
• Teaching is provided by UC Business School staff together with qualified professionals from the local business community, including contributors with expertise relating to M?ori and Indigenous development and Information Systems.
• The qualification can provide a pathway into further postgraduate study, including the Master of Commerce or a PhD in Information Systems.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The PGDipIST requires a minimum of 120 points.

The programme structure includes:

• At least 60 points from 600-level INFO courses.
• Up to 30 points from MBIS 601–699 and COSC480 Computer Programming.
• Remaining courses can be selected from approved INFO, MBIS, COSC and SENG courses at the relevant levels. 

Information Systems and Business Information Systems:

• MBIS601 – Management of Information Systems – 15 points
• MBIS602 – Systems Analysis and Process Modelling – 15 points
• MBIS603 – Digital Business and Technology – 15 points
• MBIS621 – Project Management – 15 points
• MBIS622 – IS Security and Risk Management – 15 points
• MBIS623 – Data Management – 15 points
• MBIS624 – Business Intelligence in Organisations – 15 points
• MBIS633 – Special Topic: Applied Knowledge Management – 15 points
• MBIS673 – Applied IS Project – 30 points
• MBIS680 – Research Project – 45 points
• MBIS691 – Information Systems Internship – 30 points.

Information Systems/technology-focused INFO courses include:

• INFO632 – Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence – 15 points
• INFO633 – Knowledge Management – 15 points
• INFO634 – Data Analytics & Business Intelligence – 15 points
• INFO680 – Research Project – 30 points.

Related approved study can also include courses in:

• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data analytics
• Business intelligence
• Information security
• Project management
• Digital business and technology.

Disciplines/Specialisations

• The qualification does not have formal majors or minors.
• However, students have considerable flexibility to develop a specialist focus through their course choices.
• UC specifically allows up to 30 points of courses at an equivalent level from another subject, with approval.
• UC gives computer science and data analysis as examples of possible specialist elements.

Possible focus areas include:

• Information Systems management
• Business Information Systems
• Systems analysis and process modelling
• Data management
• Business intelligence
• Data analytics
• Information security and risk management
• Digital business and technology
• Project management
• Artificial Intelligence
• Software engineering
• Information Systems research.

Programme Highlights

• 120-point specialist postgraduate diploma.
• 1 year full-time.
• Up to 4 years part-time.
• February or July start.
• Strong Information Systems and technology focus.
• Combination of taught study, seminars and applied/research options.
• Optional Information Systems internship.
• Optional research project.
• Flexibility to include approved Computer Science, Data Analysis and Software Engineering content.
• Industry contribution from UC Business School and local business professionals.
• Strong emphasis on work-ready and biculturally competent Information Systems graduates.
• Potential progression to Master of Commerce or PhD study in Information Systems.

Career Outcomes

UC identifies the following career directions for PGDipIST graduates:

• Business analyst
• Systems analyst
• Information Systems consultant
• Information Systems manager
• Software developer
• ICT leadership and management roles. 

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The programme remains an active UC qualification.
• The latest UC programme page lists February and July starts and a 120-point structure.
• The current published international tuition estimate is NZ$37,900 for 2026 and NZ$39,600 for 2027.
• The 2026 regulations provide a broad range of Information Systems, Business Information Systems, Computer Science and Software Engineering courses.
• There are course-specific prerequisites. Some courses require approval from a Head of Department or other academic authority, so meeting the overall PGDipIST admission requirement does not automatically guarantee access to every individual course.
• Students choosing an internship or research project need to satisfy the additional prerequisites/approval requirements for those courses.
• Up to 30 points may be transferred from another uncompleted qualification if approved.
• Up to 30 points may also be substituted with an equivalent-level course from another subject, subject to approval.
• There are no formal majors or minors.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying the PGDipIST in New Zealand, the relevant visa is generally the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of tuition payment or sufficient funds to pay tuition.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds.
• Acceptable health and travel insurance.
• Satisfactory health and character requirements.
• Evidence of genuine intentions to study.
• Evidence of arrangements or funds to leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.