Bachelor of Information & Communications Technology

This programme begins with a broad foundation in essential ICT skills and technologies and progresses towards a number of specialist areas, including software engineering, systems analysis, databases, web development, network installation, and project management.

Our three-year degree is industry-aligned learning at its best. It includes a final project or internship, which brings together and showcases the skills you have developed while allowing you to push the boundaries by providing innovative solutions to real-world requirements. Our graduates are uniquely qualified, highly skilled, and have strong industry experience.

You can attain an 'unendorsed' Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology (without a major), choose from one of the following eight majors, or graduate with a double major.

Majors

• Business and Systems Analysis

• Data Management and Analysis

• Network Engineering

• Project Management

• Security

• Software Engineering

• Systems Administration

• Web and Mobile Development

• Cybersecurity

This programme consists of 360 credits - Year One (120 credits of compulsory courses), Year Two (45 credits of three major and 75 credits of elective courses), Year Three (15 credits of compulsory course, 75 credits of three major and 30 credits of elective courses).

Year One

All courses are compulsory and total 120 credits at Level 5. Courses offer a wide foundation in IT skills and technologies.

Year Two and Three

You can specialise in a single or double Major or choose an unendorsed option.

If you choose a single Major you will study three courses at Level 6 and two at Level 7 in your chosen Major. In addition you will complete five elective courses at level 6 and two at level 7 plus one compulsory course at level 7 and the final Industry Project.

If you choose a double Major you will add in two-three compulsory courses at Level 6 and one-two at Level 7 depending on the Majors selected.

For Course and Major information see the Course Information Sheet.

UCOL has dedicated software and hardware laboratories exclusively for ICT learners, which enable practical learning and problem-solving experience with leading technologies and systems. The Workhub facility offers a professional workspace for interaction with industry.

Applicants under 20 years of age:

Applicants under the age of 20 years must have University Entrance

Or equivalent academic achievement, such as:

• New Zealand Certificate in IT Essentials

• New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) - Level 4

Or on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

Or a provisional enrolment. Provisional enrolment is defined by NZQA as being Discretionary Entrance and includes the following clauses:

Discretionary enrolment may be granted to those applicants under the age of 20 who:

• Are New Zealand or Australian citizens and permanent residents under 20 years of age

• Must have a minimum of 14 credits in an approved subject at Level 2 towards NCEA

• Must also have met the literacy and numeracy standards required for University Entrance.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.

English language proficiency

International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

Under 20 years of age

In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning is accredited to teach it.

• Mobile application development

• Network design

• Web development

• Software architecture

• Software engineering

• Desktop support

• Corporate training

• Database architecture

• Database administration

• Game development

• Network security

• Project management

• Systems analysis

• Programming

• User support
  

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for ICT Architects and Administrators, visit tahatu.govt.nz 

Visual Paradigm grants Universal College of Learning UML tools, BPMN tools, Agile Story Mapping tools and DFD tools under the Academic Training Partner Program.

Being involved in industry is an important part of our learners journeys at UCOL. Work placements, internships, industry based assignments and case studies are all part of the process of getting our learners industry ready. Every Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology learner undertakes an industry-based project or internship during their final year of study. Recent projects and internships have been undertaken with:

• Yorb

• New Zealand Defence Force

• Nodero

• WebTech

• Firecrest Consulting

• Levno

• Glassbox

• Advantage

• Palmerston North City Council

It is strongly recommended that all applicants, especially those over twenty years of age who do not have the minimum entry qualifications or recent experience of study, seek advice from the Academic Portfolio Manager before enrolment about the nature of the degree programme in relation to their own skills and experience.

Where appropriate, learners choosing to exit the programme before completion will be eligible, on application, for the following qualification: New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support Level 5.

Recognition of prior learning

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have an NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)

• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme

• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).