Bachelor of Information Technology
Learn what IT professionals do and build the communication skills you need to work effectively in the industry. During this hands-on degree, you'll cover a broad general knowledge of IT and then focus on an area that interests you most. Through a series of projects, you'll gain industry-relevant techniques so you can hit the ground running.
Domestic
Work-based through Capable NZ
July
About the programme
Information Technology skills are needed everywhere.
Learn what Information Technology professionals do through hands-on and practical work. Build the communication skills you need to work effectively in the industry.
Your first year covers a broad general knowledge of IT. Key topics come up again through the year, and you’ll address them with more depth each time as you learn more and understand more.
For your second and third year, you can focus on an area that interests you most:
- Software development
- IT infrastructure and operations
- Network engineering
- Alternative digital platforms (hardware, IoT, etc.)
Courses include Databases, Automation and Robotics, Mobile App Development, Advanced Networking, UX Engineering, Game Development, AI and Data Science, and the Internet of Things and Cloud Development. There's even the option of doing a course from a programme outside of the BIT!
You'll study in a creative, innovative and supportive environment. With small class sizes, you'll receive plenty of one-on-one attention from your experienced lecturers.
Our grads jump into a range of jobs in the industry as we teach you what employers want. They enjoy jobs such as a Web Developer, Systems Administrator, Software Developer, Programmer, Business Analyst, Database Administrator or Computing Services Manager.
Interested in a career in the games industry?
We now offer the option to study this degree with a game development focus. You'll learn by doing with six studio courses run as games projects in our game development studio, and gain practical experience during internships and real-industry projects. You'll graduate with a Bachelor of Information Technology, backend game development skills and a portfolio of games you've created. Career opportunities include a Generalist Programmer, Physics Programmer, Gameplay Programmer, Network Programmer, AI Programmer, Tools Engineer, Engine Programmer or VR/AR Programmer.
Studying part-time
We know that full-time study isn't always possible. This programme has a part-time study option - talk to us about what suits you best!
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have work experience and skills in this area, you may be able to complete an independent learning pathway to achieve this qualification in a shorter timeframe.
We currently offer a 10 month full-time / 18-20 month part-time work-based learning option through our assessment of prior learning centre, Capable NZ.
International
April
July
October
About the programme
Information Technology skills are needed everywhere.
Learn what Information Technology professionals do through hands-on and practical work. Build the communication skills you need to work effectively in the industry.
Your first year covers a broad general knowledge of IT. Key topics come up again through the year, and you’ll address them with more depth each time as you learn more and understand more.
For your second and third year, you can focus on an area that interests you most:
- Software development
- IT infrastructure and operations
- Network engineering
- Alternative digital platforms (hardware, IoT, etc.)
Courses include Databases, Automation and Robotics, Mobile App Development, Advanced Networking, UX Engineering, Game Development, AI and Data Science, and the Internet of Things and Cloud Development. There's even the option of doing a course from a programme outside of the BIT!
You'll study in a creative, innovative and supportive environment. With small class sizes, you'll receive plenty of one-on-one attention from your experienced lecturers.
Our grads jump into a range of jobs in the industry as we teach you what employers want. They enjoy jobs such as a Web Developer, Systems Administrator, Software Developer, Programmer, Business Analyst, Database Administrator or Computing Services Manager.
Interested in a career in the games industry?
We now offer the option to study this degree with a game development focus. You'll learn by doing with six studio courses run as games projects in our game development studio, and gain practical experience during internships and real-industry projects. You'll graduate with a Bachelor of Information Technology, backend game development skills and a portfolio of games you've created. Career opportunities include a Generalist Programmer, Physics Programmer, Gameplay Programmer, Network Programmer, AI Programmer, Tools Engineer, Engine Programmer or VR/AR Programmer.
Start dates
Our Dunedin programme has intakes in February and July. Our Auckland programme has intakes in February, April, July and October and is offered by Future Skills Academy due to a sub-contract arrangement with Otago Polytechnic.
What You Study
This is a broad-based programme providing an introduction to most areas of IT. A standard pathway will include:
- eight Level 5 courses in your first year
- two Level 6 studio courses and six Level 6 elective courses in your second year
- two Level 7 studio courses and five Level 7 elective courses (plus one other 15 credit course from Level 5, 6 or 7) in your third year.
Variations of this are possible. You could replace a Level 6 course with a Level 7, and the 15 additional credits can be drawn from courses outside the BIT using unspecified credits.
You can check out our range of Level 5, 6 and 7 courses and electives below.
At our Dunedin Campus, you can study this degree with a full game programming focus. You'll graduate with a Bachelor of Information Technology, backend game development skills and a portfolio of games you've created! Sound good? Find out more
Year one - Level 5 courses
| Course name | Credits | What will I learn? |
|---|---|---|
|
Programming 1 |
15 |
Learn about concepts of program design and programming fundamentals. |
|
Programming 2 |
15 |
Build event-driven, GUI (Graphical User Interface) applications using pre-built controls. Be introduced to the theoretical issues involved in Object-Oriented analysis, design and programming, and the principles of correct design and implementation for applications of this type. |
|
Fundamentals of Web Development |
15 |
Use basic technologies for the development of web-based functionality. Learn components of web pages and client/server web communication. Develop simple web-based applications using industry relevant client/server-side programming languages. Use industry-relevant tools and workflows to develop web-based applications. |
|
Introduction to Networks |
15 |
Learn about fundamental networking concepts and technologies, by covering the basics of network theory and the skills needed to implement a simple network. |
|
Devices and Platforms |
15 |
Learn to use a range of devices, platforms and concepts utilised within the Information Technology industry. |
|
Digital Numeracy |
15 |
Learn about the mathematical concepts and methods that underpin and are directly applicable to the theory of information systems. This course is primarily sited within the field of discrete mathematics. |
|
Studio 1 |
15
|
Learn the fundamentals of professionalism in a technical environment. |
|
Studio 2 |
15 |
Be introduced to user-centric and technical project planning techniques to create solutions to simple IT problems. |
|
Unspecified credits |
15 |
This course is intended to act as a repository for "unspecified credits" where you can undertake courses from outside the BIT. |
Year two - Level 6 courses
| Course name | Credits | What will I learn? |
|---|---|---|
|
Databases 2 |
15 |
Learn the fundamentals of relational database theory and how to design, build and use a database on a modern database management system. |
|
Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials |
15 |
Learn how to describe the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a small network and to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. |
|
Operating Systems Concepts |
15 |
Learn about the major components of operating systems and the basic organisation of computer systems. |
|
Embedded Systems |
15 |
Be introduced to the core principles of computer hardware and architecture and become acquainted with a range of embedded application contexts. |
|
Studio 3 |
15
|
Use an industry-relevant project management approach to produce simple, functional group outputs. |
|
Studio 4 |
15 |
Produce a professional, high-quality group project, following industry-relevant quality assurance and ethical practices. |
|
Introductory Application Development (Dev3) |
15 |
Learn the concepts of application development, including algorithms, data structures and design patterns required to use a simple, industry-relevant development framework. |
|
Intermediate Application Development (Dev4) |
15 |
Extend the concepts of application development, including algorithms, data structures and design patterns required to use complex, industry-relevant frameworks or libraries. |
|
Operations Engineering 1 |
15 |
Gain the knowledge and hands-on skills to perform systems administration tasks securely within different computing platforms, using the command line interface. |
|
Unspecified credits
|
15 |
This course is intended to act as a repository for "unspecified credits" where you can undertake courses from outside the BIT. |
|
Introductory Game Development |
15
|
Apply game programming techniques and tools to develop an effective game. |
Year three - Level 7 courses
| Course name | Credits | What will I learn? |
|---|---|---|
|
Studio 5 |
15
|
Apply technical skills within complex Information Technology projects. Extend professional behaviour through group work, professional development activities and external engagement. |
|
Studio 6 |
15
|
Extend your skills within a complex IT project.
|
|
Databases 3
|
15
|
Gain the skills and understanding necessary to design and implement enterprise databases and to administer database management systems. Use a range of tools and platforms for developing large databases and explore current areas of research in database implementation, use and management. |
|
Algorithms in Action: From AI to Blockchain
|
15
|
Use a wide variety of advanced algorithms and tools to develop efficient solutions to complex computational problems. |
|
Operations Engineering 2
|
15
|
Look at, and practice the configuration, management and troubleshooting of systems within an enterprise network including aspects of both applications and operating system components. |
|
Advanced Cloud Computing
|
15
|
An in-depth knowledge and techniques used to efficiently implement, optimise and troubleshoot a virtual infrastructure. |
|
Advanced Networking
|
15
|
Provides students with an understanding of how to evaluate and apply advanced networking protocols, services and concepts to the design, deployment and maintenance of medium to large scale networks. |
|
Cybersecurity
|
15 |
Gain the theoretical knowledge and technical skills in the field of information security. Learn to identify security threats and vulnerabilities, then mitigate them by implementing robust, industry-accepted solutions. |
|
AI and Data Science
|
15
|
Develop the skills to build Artificial Intelligence systems that learn, think, and act. Harness the power of AI tools to tackle real-world challenges in computer vision, natural language processing, recommendation systems, information processing, data analytics, and robotics. Orchestrate autonomous AI agents to achieve complex goals, transforming the way you design, build, and maintain applications and operations infrastructure. |
|
Advanced Application Development Concepts |
15
|
Build and deploy optimised and efficient applications using a range of advanced industry tools and frameworks. |
|
Quality Assurance and Software Testing |
15
|
Lay the foundation for a potential career in the information technology field as a software tester. Understand the fundamental principles and processes of software testing. |
|
Unspecified credits
|
15 |
This course is intended to act as a repository for "unspecified credits" where you can undertake courses from outside the BIT. |
|
Advanced Game Development |
15 |
In this course, you'll collaborate with Bachelor of Design (Communication) Game Stream students to design and develop a game, supported by guidance and feedback from local game studios. |
Further study options
This qualification is widely recognised, allowing you to apply for entry to postgraduate study in IT. You will be qualified to apply for graduate teacher training programmes, leading to a career in Information Technology secondary education.
Workload
Your workload
If studying at our Dunedin Campus
Most Information Technology courses are worth 15 credits and are the equivalent of four hours contact time per week. A full-time programme will usually consist of four courses per semester. During an average week, you will be expected to undertake 16 hours of directed learning and an additional 15-20 hours of self-directed study completing assignments and reading.
If studying at our Auckland International Campus
You will be expected to spend about 38 hours per week (or 300 hours per study block) on your course work. This includes both scheduled class time and self-directed study. Some of these hours may be spent in a workplace gaining hands-on experience and developing important industry and business connections.
Entry
Entry requirements
- NCEA Level 3
- 14 credits at Level 3 or above in each of three NZQA approved university entrance subjects, and
- 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
- 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing, and
- 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
- specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects OR
- package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).
- OR the New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4), or equivalent.
- Discretionary entry may be given to applicants over 20 who do not hold the above requirements (you will need to undertake an interview).
- Possible interview at time of selection.
- OR equivalent qualifications / experience.
International requirements and equivalence
To enter Otago Polytechnic's undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees, you need to have achieved a secondary school qualification that is equivalent to New Zealand's NCEA levels (National Certificate of Educational Achievement).
This information is available by country on our Equivalent academic entry requirements page.
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Selection process
All eligible applicants will be accepted unless the number of applications exceeds the available places (as indicated by the Bachelor of Information Technology Team Leader). In this case, applicants will be interviewed and ranked according to the professional judgement of the admissions panel on the basis of the candidate's likelihood to succeed in the Information Technology industry.
Don't meet the entry requirements?
If you do not meet the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Information Technology, our New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4) is the perfect solution as it will enable you to achieve the foundation knowledge you need to progress into other higher level Information Technology qualifications.
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have work experience and skills in this area, you may be able to complete an independent learning pathway to achieve this qualification in a shorter timeframe.
We currently offer a 10 month full-time / 18-20 month part-time work-based learning option through our assessment of prior learning centre, Capable NZ.
All fees and costs are approximate.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Multi-year fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied.
Studylink
Visit Welcome to StudyLink studylink.govt.nz to apply for a student loan to cover your course fees, course-related costs or living costs, or to apply for a student allowance.
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
Starting tertiary study or work-based learning for the first time? You may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.
Fees Free covers the cost of your fees for the final year of study or final two years of work-based learning, up to $12,000.
When you enrol, you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan – StudyLink.
For more information on the eligibility requirements and when it is best to apply for Fees Free, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.
Scholarships for international students
We have a range of Scholarships to support our international students.
