The Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) is a Level 7 degree designed to prepare students for professional IT roles through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical, applied learning. The programme covers software development, technical support, networking, databases, systems analysis and web development.

Key benefits include:

• A practical and applied approach to information technology.
• Opportunity to specialise in either Systems Development or ICT Infrastructure.
• Students can decide their major at the beginning of Year 2.
• Exposure to software development, databases, networking, web technologies, systems security and cloud services.
• A capstone project forms part of each major.
• Teaching staff have professional and academic experience and links with industry.
• The qualification is designed to prepare graduates for a range of IT-related employment opportunities.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

Year 1 consists of eight compulsory Level 5 courses:

• Communication for IT (COM 502)
• Computer Systems Architecture (CSA 502)
• Database Concepts (DAT 502)
• Systems, Processes and Design (DES 502)
• Networking Fundamentals (NET 502)
• Introduction to Software Development (SDV 503)
• Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design (SYD 502)
• Introduction to Web Development (WEB 504)

From Year 2, students choose one of two majors.

Systems Development major:

• Database Application Development (DAT 602)
• Software Development (SDV 601)
• Software Development 2 (SDV 602)
• Dynamic Web Technology (WEB 601)
• Tiered Software Development (SDV 701)
• Web Technologies (WEB 701)
• Capstone Project (PRJ 703)

ICT Infrastructure major:

• Database Design and Administration (DAT 601)
• Practical Network Development (NET 604)
• Network Management (NET 602)
• Systems Security (SEC 602)
• Enterprise Infrastructure (NET 701)
• Cloud Services (NET 702)
• Capstone Project (PRJ 703)

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme offers two majors:

1. Systems Development
2. ICT Infrastructure

Programme Highlights

• Level 7 bachelor's degree.
• 360 credits.
• 3 years full-time.
• Full-time and part-time study options.
• Nelson campus.
• February and July intakes.
• Two majors: Systems Development and ICT Infrastructure.
• Students select their major from Year 2.
• Strong practical and applied learning focus.
• Includes a capstone project.
• BYOD laptop requirement.
• National qualification code: NE4507.

Career Outcomes

The programme is designed to prepare students for a range of IT-related roles. NMIT specifically highlights preparation for professional work involving software development, technical support and networking.

Potential career areas associated with the curriculum include:

Systems Development:

• Software developer
• Web developer
• Database/application developer
• Systems development roles
• Software testing and related roles

ICT Infrastructure:

• Network administrator
• Network engineer
• Systems administrator
• Cloud/infrastructure roles
• IT security-related roles
• Technical support and infrastructure positions

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current NMIT webpage is displaying 2027 programme dates, with starts on 22 February and 19 July 2027.

Important requirements and updates include:

• Students must bring their own laptop meeting NMIT's minimum specifications.
• IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5 is required where English evidence is applicable.
• Students can choose between Systems Development and ICT Infrastructure from Year 2.
• Not all elective courses are necessarily offered every year.
• The international prospectus lists the 2026 international tuition fee at NZD 26,576 per year.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this full-time bachelor's degree in New Zealand will generally require a Fee Paying Student Visa unless another visa category applies.

Immigration New Zealand requires students to have an offer of place from an approved education provider and sufficient funds to pay tuition and living expenses, or an acceptable scholarship/sponsor arrangement. Medical and travel insurance is also required.

Important student-visa conditions include:

• Study the approved full-time course specified on the visa.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Maintain required medical and travel insurance.
• Follow the work conditions stated on the eVisa or visa letter.
• Have sufficient funds for living expenses and onward travel where required.