Diploma in IT Technical Support (Level 5)

About the Course

This full-time level 5 Diploma highlights the benefits of employment in the Information Technology industry. It comprises eight closely-connected modules which are delivered over 40 teaching weeks, which will gradually increase the student’s knowledge and skills that will be required to demonstrate when seeking employment. The course content aims to the programme of study are to provide students with:

Graduate Outcome

Graduates of this programme will be able to:

Select, install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot IT infrastructure – computer hardware, networking, server administration, storage, operating systems, mobile devices, cloud computing, and first-line support – and computer software applications in a secure manner to me
Apply a broad operational knowledge of networking administration and technologies, network connectivity, cybersecurity best practices, associated IT services, and troubleshooting techniques to meet organisational needs and requirements.
Apply knowledge of database administration, query languages and processing, data policies, foundational data management, data security, and database systems to meet organisational database optimisation and performance requirements.
Apply knowledge of business analysis techniques, concepts of user experience and interface design, and fundamentals of clear graphic communication within the context of web design.
Apply the fundamentals of information systems concepts, operations, information security, monitoring and maintenance to support and improve operational systems and processes.
Apply knowledge of software development principles, programming logic and design concepts, software usability, mobile development, and quality assurance to plan, create, test, and document software applications, integrating mathematical and logical techniques.
Apply professional practices, legal, ethical principles and standards in a socially responsible manner as an emerging IT profession
Apply communication, collaboration, teamwork, documentation, and customer service skills to enhance the effectiveness of supporting and responding to the needs of users
Apply critical analysis and decision-making techniques to solve problems and provide appropriate and timely IT outcomes.

Programme Outline

The programme runs overs 40 weeks in 2 semesters of 20 weeks each. You must successfully complete all 8 modules to graduate.

Module Descriptions

Computer System Architecture

This course enables students to develop essential knowledge of computer architecture, explore the current technological landscape, and understand key concepts, the structure and operation of computers and computer-based devices, and how these are applied in the real world.

Operating Systems and IT Service Management

Students will develop essential knowledge of major operating systems, software applications and technologies, cybersecurity, software troubleshooting, operating procedures, and IT service management. Students will also research the Treaty of Waitangi and learn about the Treaty of Waitangi principles and their relevance and implications for IT professionals.

Computer Networking Fundamentals

The understanding of network architecture with emphasis on network integrations and software-defined networking technologies, network implementations, network operations and network security, as well as develop technical skills needed to securely establish, maintain, and troubleshoot critical networks that today’s businesses rely on.

Computer Network Security Fundamentals

This module enables students to develop the knowledge and skills required to assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend and implement appropriate network security solutions, monitor and secure hybrid (cloud, mobile and IoT) environments, operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies, and identify, analyse and respond to security events and incidents.

Database Principles and Systems

Database principles and systems design, implementation, and management, including relational databases, database concepts, design concepts, database programming, database design, and database transactions and performance tuning will be taught. Students will also learn about commonly used database systems such as Oracle, MySQL, SQL server and Microsoft Access.

Business Analysis and Web Design Principles

Essential knowledge of computer architecture, exploring current technological landscape, and understanding key concepts, the structure and operation of computers and computer-based devices and how these are applied in the real world.

Fundamentals of Information Systems

This course enables students to develop knowledge of the principles of information systems, emphasising information systems operations, monitoring and support; cybercrime and information system security; and information systems acquisition, development, and maintenance. Students will also develop technical skills in information systems operations, maintenance and support practices.

Software Development Fundamentals

Enabling students to develop knowledge of the fundamentals of contemporary software development, with a particular focus on programming logic and design, including object-oriented programming, and event-driven programming with graphical user interface design. Students will also learn how to apply systems thinking, mathematical and logical techniques and problem-solving skills to solve computational problems.

Entry Criteria:

Students enrolling on this programme are recommended to hold any one of following qualifications:

New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3)
New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Advanced User) (Level 4)
New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)
New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5)
Other Level 4 IT-related qualification or have equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.

Alternatively, a student who has equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience may be able to gain entry on approval of the interview panel.

International students must:

Be 18 years of age or older at the start of the programme
Have a secondary or high school certification or recognised equivalent
achieved an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band lower than 5, or any other recognised international proficiency outcomes as per Rule 18

Student career pathway:

Education pathway :

This qualification provides an education pathway from:

National Certificate of Educational Achievement (Level 2) with appropriate credits in mathematics and digital technologies subjects.
National Certificate of Educational Achievement (Level 3) with appropriate credits in mathematics and digital technologies subjects.
New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3).
New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Advanced User) (Level 4).
New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4).

The qualification provides a pathway to Level 6 specialist or other higher level IT qualifications. These may include: -

New Zealand Diploma in IT Infrastructure (Level 6) with strands in Networking, and Systems Administration.
New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 6) with strands in Business Analysis, User Experience, IT Project Management, Information Systems Innovation,and Data Analysis.
New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (Level 6).
Further education pathways include higher level IT-related qualifications as well as industry certifications.

Employment pathway:

Graduates of this diploma will have the skills and knowledge to work in roles such as computer technician, help desk and technical support officer, and entry-level network administrator, network engineer, and applications support analyst roles.

Intakes for 2023:
06 March 2023, 29 May 2023, 21 August 2023 & 13 November 2023

Domestic Tuition Fee- $8,400 + Resource & Admin Fees*
International Tuition Fee- $18,400 + Resource & Admin Fees*

*TS & Cs apply

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