New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)
Develop foundation skills in IT and gain practical experience in this industry. This certificate will also guarantee you entry into our Bachelor of Information Technology programme. Study web development, hardware, programming, operating systems, and the internet.
Domestic
July
About the programme
Want to develop great IT foundation skills and gain valuable practical experience? How about doing that and getting guaranteed entry into our IT degree?
IT is a global industry and there are currently far more IT-related jobs than there are graduates, so skills in this sector give you pretty good employment prospects.
This programme is your first step to gaining great introductory skills across a range of IT areas. You’ll study in a creative, innovative and supportive environment and, with small class sizes, you’ll get plenty of one-on-one attention from your experienced teachers.
When you finish this certificate and graduate, you’ll have guaranteed entry into our three-year IT degree, the Bachelor of Information Technology. This is a hands-on, practical degree so you’ll learn by doing. You’ll also build the communication skills you need to work effectively in the industry.
Study online
You can study this programme at our Dunedin Campus or fully online with Open Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. You can also study this programme part-time over one year.
International
July
About the programme
Want to develop great IT foundation skills and gain valuable practical experience? How about doing that and getting guaranteed entry into our IT degree?
IT is a global industry and there are currently far more IT-related jobs than there are graduates - so skills in this sector give you pretty good employment prospects.
This programme is your first step to gaining great introductory skills across a range of IT areas. You’ll study in a creative, innovative and supportive environment and, with small class sizes, you’ll get plenty of one-on-one attention from your experienced teachers. Courses include Web Development, Programming, Computer Essentials and IT Industry Skills.
When you finish this certificate and graduate, you’ll have guaranteed entry into our three-year IT degree, the Bachelor of Information Technology. This is a hands-on, practical degree so you’ll learn by doing. You’ll also build the communication skills you need to work effectively in the industry. Courses include Automation and Robotics, Mobile App Development, UX Engineering, Game Development, AI and Data Science, and loads more! Grads of our degree enjoy jobs such as Web Developer, Systems Administrator, Software Developer, Programmer, Business Analyst, Database Administrator or Computing Services Manager.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. You can also study this programme part-time over one year.
Studying online
This course is delivered online by Open Poytechnic | Te Pūkenga. Find out more information here.
What You Study
Courses
Receive an introduction to computing and software that can lead to further training in industry or education.
Courses include practical experience in web development, hardware, programming, operating systems and the internet. In addition to technical topics, you will learn industry skills and will explore online tools such as blogs and wikis.
| Course name | Course description | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Development | Learn how to create and manage a simple website to professional standards using common industry tools | 4 | 15 |
| Programming | Discover how to plan, produce and document software development solutions for specified industry problems | 4 | 15 |
| Computer Essentials | Gain an understanding of how to create, maintain and report on basic computing infrastructure to meet given specifications | 4 | 15 |
| IT Industry Skills | Learn how to communicate professionally and use planning tools and methodologies | 4 | 15 |
| Total | 60 |
Further study options
When you finish this certificate and graduate, you’ll have guaranteed entry into our Bachelor of Information Technology which will help you build your skills, knowledge and career options!
Workload
Your workload
This programme is delivered through 18 hours of classes per week for 17 weeks. You will be in small classes of around 20 students with excellent equipment and great staff. In addition, you will need to spend up to 12 hours per week in self-directed study (assignments and review work).
Entry
Entry requirements
- There are no academic entry criteria.
- It is preferred that learners hold the New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3), appropriate assessment standards in Digital Technologies Level 2, or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.
- International students will be individually assessed to ensure you are ready for this study.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Selection process
All applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted unless the number of applications exceeds the available places. In this case, a waitlist will be used.
Pathways into this programme
Computing is an excellent background qualification for entry into this programme. We also offer the following programmes which would be really good pathways:
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Tuition 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
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink. Some support may be available for domestic part-time students. Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
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.
Application
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
