Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies (Information Systems Pathway)

Advance your existing skills in computing and broaden your employment opportunities in this fast-evolving field. Our IT industry partners have significant input into the structure and content of this programme to ensure that what is being taught continually meets industry needs.

• The first year covers a broad range of ICT topics that will provide you with a solid base of knowledge in software engineering (programming), hardware and networking, website development, IT tools and concepts and mathematics skills relevant to IT.
• In years two and three you'll choose one of three specialist pathways: Information Systems, Networking and Infrastructure or Software Development. During this time you'll develop in-depth knowledge of your chosen area through a range of compulsory and elective courses.
• You'll also develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking, analysis, team work, project management, time management, self-reliance and communication skills. There is a strong emphasis on practical skills and work-readiness, so wherever possible, theory is integrated and applied to practical tasks.
• Many courses include group activities or group projects, as the ability to work as part of a team is strongly valued by employers.
• In the final semester you'll put all of your acquired skills and knowledge into practice in a 45-credit capstone project (in most cases for a local business). The project is an excellent opportunity to equip yourself with real-world IT experience and to learn from industry people. It also results in a substantial piece of work with which to demonstrate your potential to prospective employers. Part-time up to 5 years.

This leads to the Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies

What will I study

• Level 5
• Level 6
• Level 7

Career opportunities

• Employment prospects are very strong for IT graduates. Many companies are struggling to fill vacancies and are having to recruit overseas. Job opportunities in the IT sector are forecast to increase significantly in the next few years and the sector is regularly recognised as one of the highest paid in the country and globally. Job opportunities are not limited to IT companies as almost every business these days has IT needs and many non-IT businesses employ significant numbers of IT professionals. Depending on the specialist pathway followed, you might gain employment in roles such as business analyst, network manager, webmaster, IT support specialist, database administrator, test analyst, systems administrator, web developer, interactive media developer or software developer/programmer. As a new graduate you’re likely to start at a junior level but you can quickly advance to higher-level positions within a few years, especially in larger companies.

Study pathways

• The Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies provides entry to postgraduate ICT programmes at many tertiary institutes, and with strong grades in the BICT, you may also qualify for entry to a Masters’ degree at most universities in New Zealand. Ara is a participant in the SIGNAL ICT Graduate School, which offers a Master of Professional Practice to degree-qualified graduates.

Recommended school subjects

• English
• Mathematics
• Computing/ICT