Why Study / Key Benefits

The Postgraduate Certificate in Information Systems and Technology (PGCertIST) is a short, advanced postgraduate qualification for students who already have an Information Systems or related academic background.

Key benefits include:

• Develop advanced knowledge of Information Systems and Technology.
• Analyse and synthesise theory, research and professional practice.
• Critically evaluate contemporary information-systems issues.
• Build specialist knowledge without committing immediately to a full postgraduate diploma or master's degree.
• Study subjects spanning Information Systems, Business Information Systems and Computer Science.
• Gain skills relevant to the growing demand for high-level ICT capability.
• Learn within Te Kura Umanga | UC Business School, with input from academic staff and professionals from the business community.
• Potentially transfer completed PGCertIST credits into further UC qualifications, including the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems and Technology and Master of Commerce in Information Systems.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The PGCertIST consists of 60 points selected from approved Information Systems, Business Information Systems and Computer Science courses.

The current UC programme page describes the structure as:

• 30 points from 600-level INFO courses.
• 30 points from MBIS 601–679 and COSC480 Computer Programming.

Depending on the approved course choices, areas of study can include:

• Information Systems.
• Business Information Systems.
• Computer Science.
• Information Systems research.
• Artificial Intelligence in business.
• Information-systems case studies.
• Research methodology and epistemology.
• Computer programming.
• Other approved advanced/special-topic courses.

The wider PGDipIST schedule, from which the certificate's approved courses are drawn, includes examples such as:

• INFO614 – Research Methodology and Epistemology.
• INFO620 – Information Systems Research.
• INFO621 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business.
• INFO629 – IS Case Study.
• COSC445 – Professional, Ethical and Cultural Perspectives on Computer Science.
• COSC469 – Research Methods in Computer Science and Software Engineering.
• COSC471 – Special Topic.
• MBIS courses within the approved 601–699 range.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no formal majors or minors within the PGCertIST.

The qualification is centred on:

• Information Systems.
• Business Information Systems.
• Information Technology.
• Computer Science.
• Digital business and organisational technology.
• Information-systems research.
• Emerging technology and AI-related business applications.

Programme Highlights

• 60-point postgraduate qualification.
• 6 months full-time.
• Up to 2 years part-time.
• February and July starts.
• Specialist Information Systems and Technology focus.
• Minimum 30 points from 600-level INFO courses.
• Access to subjects from Information Systems, Business Information Systems and Computer Science.
• Flexible course selection within the approved structure.
• No formal majors or minors.
• Potential progression into postgraduate diploma and master's-level study.
• Designed to strengthen advanced ICT and Information Systems capability.

Career Outcomes

UC positions the programme as a way to develop advanced Information Systems and Technology capability for a market where ICT-specific skills are increasingly important.

Graduates can demonstrate the ability to:

• Acquire and use new Information Systems and Technology knowledge.
• Analyse contemporary information-systems issues.
• Apply technology knowledge innovatively.
• Understand organisational applications of Information Systems.
• Build further expertise for ICT and business technology careers.

Potential career directions can include areas such as:

• Information systems analysis.
• Business systems analysis.
• IT/IS consulting.
• Information systems management.
• Business technology.
• Digital transformation.
• Technology-enabled business improvement.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current 2026 regulations came into force on 1 January 2026. The qualification was first offered in 2018.

Important current requirements and restrictions include:

• At least B- GPA in 60 points of 300-level Information Systems or related courses, or equivalent.
• At least 30 points must come from 600-level INFO courses.
• No more than 30 points may be taken from MBIS601–699 and COSC480 under the standard structure.
• There are no majors or minors.
• Maximum qualification period is 24 months.
• A maximum of 15 points at an equivalent level may be transferred from another uncompleted qualification, subject to approval.
• Students may repeat a maximum of two courses.
• Honours, Merit and Distinction are not awarded for this qualification.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying in New Zealand generally need an appropriate student visa. For a fee-paying student, Immigration New Zealand's Fee Paying Student Visa is the principal visa category to consider.

The visa process generally requires:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition fees, or an appropriate scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.
• Evidence of funds or arrangements for onward/outward travel.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Demonstrating genuine intentions to study.