New Zealand Diploma in IT Technical Support

This ICT programme will provide you with work-ready skills for a career in IT technical support and also provides cross-credit into the UCOL Bachelor of Information Communications Technology degree.

You will gain fundamental skills across a broad range of core ICT areas, including business information systems, computer hardware, networking and security, system support and troubleshooting, programming, web and database technologies, and systems analysis.

Our practical hands-on focus enables learners to demonstrate their IT and technical support skills and develop frontline support expertise in one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries.

This programme runs for 41 weeks, including 7 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time

14 hrs

Lectures, tutorials and/or online recordings. Timetable set by your lecturer.

Study Time

21 hrs

Study in your own time.

You can also choose to study part-time, or possibly by paper. Talk to us about your options with this programme.

This programme comprises 120 credits.

Programming Fundamentals (15 Credits)

Learn the fundamentals of programming to develop quality software. During your studies, you'll develop an application using an industry-standard language, and debug, test and document a software application.

Database Fundamentals (15 Credits)

Gain a broad operational knowledge of database design and administration. During your studies you'll design a relational database to meet organisational requirements; apply interaction design concepts to a user interface; and store and retrieve organisational data using query and reporting tools.

Information Systems Fundamentals (15 Credits)

Gain an understanding of business systems and essential components of the ICT profession.

Technical Support Fundamentals (15 Credits)

Learn how to deliver organisational technical support based on best practice in IT service management. During your studies, you'll apply a user needs analysis to identify organisational requirements; create, deliver and evaluate a training session; and develop technical documentation to a professional standard.

Web Fundamentals (15 Credits)

Learn the fundamentals of web development and how to produce a quality website. You'll employ UX design principles that meet organisational requirements and apply an industry-standard approach.

Systems Analysis Fundamentals (15 Credits)

Learn the principles of systems analysis and systems requirements elicitation techniques. During your studies you'll analyse situations requiring problem-solving; elicit and model user requirements using a variety of techniques; and construct accurate systems analysis documentation reflecting requirements.

Network Fundamentals (15 Credits)

Learn the fundamentals of computer networks as they currently exist in industry, so that you can configure, test and troubleshoot local area networks.

Computer Hardware Fundamentals (15 Credits)

Gain an understanding of computer hardware, operating systems and troubleshooting techniques.

If under 20 years of age at the commencement of the programme, NCEA Level 3

OR

Equivalent academic achievement, such as:

• New Zealand Certificate in IT Essentials

• New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology)

OR

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

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 5.5 with no band score less than 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 5.5 with no band score lower than 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.

Career opportunities include:

• Web developer

• Desktop support

• User support

• Network technician

• Applications specialist

• Database administrator

• Service technician

• Programmer

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

Learners with an interest in computing and ICT will develop fundamentals technical support skills over a range of industry-relevant areas including digital tools, business systems, programming, web and database development, and hardware, operating system, and networking technologies. It is recommended that applicants seek advice from the Academic Portfolio Manager if they would like more information regarding the required skill level for this programme.

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 relavant 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 a 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).