Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Technologies-Computing

Credits 60 (0.5 EFTS)

Campus Mt Albert

Start dates February or July

Duration Full-time for 6 months. Part-time options available.

Annual fees $3,400 (NZD)

(Approximate domestic fees only. Includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee levy)

If you haven’t studied before, you may be eligible for the fees-free tertiary study scheme.

Career opportunities

• Data analyst

• Security analyst

• Web developer

• Network engineer

Highlights

• Earn and learn. This programme is a mix of on-campus weekend classes, online learning and selfdirected research, making it a great option for ICT professionals who are already working and want to start postgraduate study.

• Move your career up a level. With a postgraduate qualification, you’ll acquire higher-level knowledge and develop the necessary skills for your specialisation, strengthening your CV and the likelihood of a higher salary.

• Made to fit your career goals. Most courses are elective – you can focus on one specialisation or a mix of all three and select the classes that suit your life schedule.

• Practical, applied learning. You can apply what you’ve learned in our state-of-the-art computer labs on-campus, which you can access seven days a week.

• Learn from the best. You’ll be guided and supported by experienced IT practitioners who are experts in their respective fields.

• Transition into further postgraduate study. This programme cross-credits towards our Master of Applied Technologies (Computing) and Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Technologies (Computing).

Get started on your postgraduate study journey – whether you’re working or just finished your computing degree, this six-month programme will introduce you to the world of research and prep you for higher-level jobs that require deeper analytical skills and thinking.

Programme overview

You may have recently graduated with our Bachelor of Computing Systems and be keen to test the postgraduate waters. Or, you may have a few years’ work experience under your digital belt and are considering stepping into a more senior role.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Technologies (Computing) is a six-month introductory programme to postgraduate study in computing. You’ll specialise in your area of interest: cybersecurity and networking, software development or data analytics and intelligence. It also includes a compulsory Research Methods course that will set you up for advanced research if you do more postgraduate study later.

The programme covers

• Analyse complex real-world problems using advanced technical and theoretical knowledge, then develop effective digital solutions that deliver the best results. This includes reflecting on performance and what you and your team can do to improve.

• Evaluate ever-changing and disruptive ICT environments with critical thinking and interdisciplinary strategies.

• Design and carry out your applied research and collaborate with other professionals.

• Critically analyse and develop your professional practice in a way that promotes open communication, inclusivity and ethical conduct.

Choose a specialisation

Cybersecurity and Networking

Cybersecurity and computer networks are constantly evolving and growing areas of IT, particularly as more organisations move their operations online and rely on virtual computer networks and cloud services. With cyber-attacks and remote-work security risks on the rise, the technology industry needs cybersecurity professionals and network engineers with the skills and strategic thinking to detect vulnerabilities, mitigate risks and develop policies and procedures for maintaining security in various computer network settings and cloud services – and that’s exactly what the courses in this specialisation focus on.

Software Development

Software engineering regularly rates as one of the top jobs in the world. Why? In this field, you can apply your skills in a huge variety of industries and projects. Over time, experienced software developers usually develop one or more areas of specialisation – something employers often look for to fill higher-level positions. The courses in this specialisation focus on analysing complex software engineering problems and applying creative skills to develop advanced AI and web applications.

Data Analytics and Intelligence

Hailed by many sources as one of the most in-demand tech talents, data analytics is a burgeoning industry. Businesses rely on data intelligence to optimise performance, maximise profit, improve customer experience and make fast, data-driven decisions. To do that, they need people who have a deep understanding of best practice techniques and data analytics processes. The courses in this specialisation focus on evaluating and applying different types of datasets and information to help effective business decision-making.

Admission requirements

Academic

You will need to provide the following, at different points of your application process. you’ll need to have one of the following:

• A recognised Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with merit (an average grade of B- or higher in all Level 7 courses)

• or A professional qualification in a relevant discipline, recognised as equivalent to merit in a Bachelor’s degree, plus recommendations from your employer or professional colleague

English

If English is not your first language, you will also need one or more of the following:

• 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 in English (4 in reading, 4 in writing), or equivalent

• If you don’t meet this requirement, you’ll need to provide evidence that you have the English proficiency required.

Other options

Applicants who have attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the minimum entry requirements will be eligible to be enrolled where their previous educational, work or life experience indicates they have a reasonable likelihood of success.

For more information download the programme regulations: unitec.ac.nz/computing

International Students, please visit unitec.ac.nz/international