New Zealand Certificate in IT Essentials

Note: As a business division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consists of 60 credits. The courses includes;

Technical IT Skills (15 Credits)
Upon successful completion of the course you'll be able to assemble and disassemble standard computer hardware components; install, configure and use operating systems; apply basic networking and security concepts to connect devices and access Internet based services; and communicate and plan effectively. The course covers:

• Hardware, including local and remote storage technology
• Operating systems, including device drivers and command line entry
• Networking, including remote services
• Security concepts at end user level
• Documentation of planning and implementation of above procedures, including technical writing
• Professional conduct and safety when working with hardware.

Media Design and Development (15 Credits)
Learn to build a multimedia website to a brief using essential concepts of development and design. The course covers:

• Multimedia such as graphics, sound, video and text
• Interactivity, accessibiility and user experience (UX)
• Scripting and content management systems
• Intellectual property and copyright, professional conduct and cultural sensitivity, including Treaty of Waitangi

Information Management (15 Credits)
Upon successful completion of this course you'll be able to investigate and describe information management solutions in a range of organisational environments and cultural contexts; plan, design and document information systems solutions to meet organisational requirements; build information systems solutions using appropriate tools to meet organisational requirements; and communicate and plan effectively. The course covers:

• Basic concepts of business analysis and data modelling
• Basic relational database development including tables, queries, reports,forms, validation, and restricting information
• Other information management tools as applicable, such as spreadsheets,file management and report writing
• Intellectual property, security, confidentiality and privacy issues
• Compliance with regulations, legislation and internal policies, andprofessional conduct.

Software Design and Development (15 Credits)
Learn essential skills and knowledgeto develop basic software applications. The course covers:

• Programming fundamentals, including coding standards and documentation
• Compiler, command line interface (CLI), interpreters, logic depiction methods
• Basic concepts of user experience
• Project management and project management tools
• Intellectual property, security and professional conduct.

NCEA Level 2

OR

New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User)

OR

Certificate in Information Technology for Business

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). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

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

English language proficiency
International student 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). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

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

Students with an interest in computing and ICT will develop essential foundations skills over a range of industry leading digital tools, programming languages, development platforms and environments, and hardware, operating system, and networking technologies.  It is recommended that applicants seek advice from the Head of School 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 student 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).

Previous Related Programmes

The New Zealand Certificate in IT Essentials supersedes and takes the best from the following programme of study, which is no longer offered:

• Certificate for Advanced Computer Users