Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Technologies-Computing

Credits 120 (1.0 EFTS)

Campus Mt Albert

Start dates February or July

Duration Full-time for 1 year. Parttime options available.

Annual fees $6,800 (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

• Software engineer/programmer

• Machine learning engineer

• Data scientist

• Artificial intelligence engineer

• Business analyst

• Network engineer

• Cybersecurity engineer

• Web developer

Highlights

• Earn and learn. This programme is highly-flexible with blended learning (online, self-directed research, weekend on-campus classes), making it a great option for students and ICT professionals who want to work and study.

• Move your career up a level. With a postgraduate qualification, you’ll acquire higher-level knowledge and 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. Apply highly specialised knowledge and skills to independently research and implement an applied-technology project.

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

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

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

• Continue with further postgraduate study. This programme cross-credits towards our Master of Applied Technologies (Computing).

Upskill or add specialist skills to your qualifications by diving deeper into postgraduate study. Alongside an intro to research methodologies, you’ll complete a 30-credit applied project connected to your work or experience.

Programme overview

Is it time to take the next step in your computing career? In this postgraduate diploma, you’ll build on the knowledge and skills of your undergraduate degree by concentrating on a specialisation you’re interested in – cybersecurity and networking, software development or data analytics and intelligence. You’ll gain deeper insights into a specific area of ICT while strengthening your leadership and collaboration capabilities.

This programme includes two compulsory courses: Research Methods sets you up for advanced research if you do more postgraduate study, and Applied Project provides a chance to undertake and manage an IT project that expands your work experience.

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 your performance and what you and your team can do to improve.

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

• Critically analyse and develop your professional practice to promote 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. You’ll analyse complex attacks, apply security protection mechanisms and assess potential internal and external threats and protective strategies.

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 wide variety of industries and projects. Over time, experienced software developers usually acquire one or more areas of specialisation – something employers often look for to fill higher-level positions. The courses in this specialisation focus on software development strategies and advanced technical skills such as machine learning, the Internet of Things, and web development.

Data Analytics and Intelligence

Hailed by many 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. Therefore, they need people with a deep understanding of best practice techniques and data analytics processes. The courses in this specialisation concentrate on applying data analytics tools to identify and solve issues in data-driven projects.

Admission requirements

For this programme, you’ll need:

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

All applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated by the equivalence of 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 in English (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing).

Other options

If you don’t meet these requirements, you could apply for special admission.

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

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