Bachelor of Information & Communications Technology

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 in Year One are compulsory and total 120 credits at Level 5.

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 HardwareFundamentals (15 Credits)
Gain an understanding of computer hardware, operating systems and troubleshooting techniques.

Year Two and Three

In the second year of your degree, you'll advance your knowledge via your chosen major of Business & Systems Analysis, Data Management & Analytics, Network Engineering, Project Management, Security, Software Engineering, Systems Administration, or Web & Mobile Development. And, third-year students all undertake an industry project.

The following are the majors:

Business & Systems Analysis Major

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR TWO

Analysis and Design (15 Credits)
Create quality analysis and design documentation for a moderately complex system.

Database Development (15 Credits)
Learn how to effectively design an information system for a complex business application.

Software Process (15 Credits)
Learn to create quality software applications utilising a modern development approach. During your studies you'll work as a team on an iterative development project; manage an individual development task; implement processes to ensure quality, and compare and select an appropriate development method for a given problem.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 6 (75 Credits)
The level 6 elective courses are mentioned at the end of this section.

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR THREE

Advanced Systems Analysis (15 Credits)
Learn to introduce tools and techniques used to assess feasibility and present a business case; to complete an analysis of a complex information system based on the recommendation from the feasibility phase.

Management of Information and Communication Technology (15 Credits)
Learn to analyse and evaluate management practices as they relate to the ICT industry. During your studies you'll discuss and analyse key issues associated with managing and structuring the ICT capability within an organisation; recommend and design a quality management programme for an organisation; apply best practice human resource management techniques, and commentate on the relevant legislation and social responsibility issues as they relate to the ICT industry.

Industry Project (45 Credits)
Undertake an industry-based project of a complex nature. During this experience you'll manage an ICT project for the industry; produce original work and project deliverables; consider and apply professional work ethics; meet project timelines and goals; record and evaluate project work and progress, and present project outcomes to sponsors and academic supervisors.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 7 (30 Credits)
The level 7 elective courses are mentioned at the end of this section.

Data Management & Analytics Major

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR TWO

Advanced Programming (15 Credits)
Learn standard algorithms required for business application programming. During your studies, you'll design and construct small applications using a variety of algorithms; devise test plans to ensure quality software; and create system maintenance documentation.

Database Development (15 Credits)
Learn how to effectively design an information system for a complex business application.

Enterprise Data Management (15 Credits)
Learn to design and implement enterprise data management systems.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 6 (75 Credits)
The level 6 elective courses are mentioned at the end of this section.

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR THREE

Advanced Database Concepts (15 Credits)
Learn to successfully design, create and administer a data warehouse using a server-based database management system.

Data Analytics and Intelligence (15 Credits)
Learn to use data analytics and business intelligence tools and techniques in order to provide decision support within an organisational context.

Industry Project (45 Credits)
Undertake an industry-based project of a complex nature. During this experience you'll manage an ICT project for the industry; produce original work and project deliverables; consider and apply professional work ethics; meet project timelines and goals; record and evaluate project work and progress, and present project outcomes to sponsors and academic supervisors.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 7 (30 Credits)
The level 7 elective courses are mentioned at the end of this section.

Network Engineering Major

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR TWO

Networks (CISCO SRWE) (15 Credits)
Gain practical and technical networking knowledge that will allow you to configure and troubleshoot routers, switches and resolve common issues with RIPv1, RIPng, single-area and multi-area OSPF, virtual LANs, and inter-VLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.

Network Services (15 Credits)
Learn to implement key network services as used in modern LANs and to explain the network protocols that these services use. During your studies you'll implement and explain the operation of name resolution; implement automatic network configuration; implement and explain the operation of directory services; implement and explain the operation of a web proxy; implement automatic browser configuration when a web proxy is used; implement file sharing, and implement and explain the operation of a basic firewall.

Systems Security (15 Credits)
Learn to analyse and implement computer systems security, including operating systems, server applications and networks. Also, gain an understanding of computer forensics.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 6 (75 Credits)
The level 6 elective courses are mentioned at the end of this section.

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR THREE

Network Scaling (CISCO ENSA) (15 Credits)
Gain practical and technical networking knowledge that will assist in designing, building and analysing networks and their protocols using advanced technologies.

Network Design (15 Credits)
Learn how to recommend uses for thin and thick client architectures, and to design a thin client architecture.

Industry Project (45 Credits)
Undertake an industry-based project of a complex nature. During this experience you'll manage an ICT project for the industry; produce original work and project deliverables; consider and apply professional work ethics; meet project timelines and goals; record and evaluate project work and progress, and present project outcomes to sponsors and academic supervisors.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 7 (30 Credits)
The level 7 elective courses are mentioned at the end of this section.

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR TWO

Enterprise Data Management (15 Credits)
Learn to design and implement enterprise data management systems.

Introduction to Finance (15 Credits)
Learn to apply financial management knowledge and skills to a small or medium-sized business for decision-making purposes.

Software Process (15 Credits)
Learn to create quality software applications utilising a modern development approach. During your studies you'll work as a team on an iterative development project; manage an individual development task; implement processes to ensure quality, and compare and select an appropriate development method for a given problem.

IT Project Management (15 Credits)
Learn the basic principles and terminology of the profession of project management, and apply this to create project plans.  Students will also be given a brief introduction to using project management software.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 6 (75 Credits)
The level 6 elective courses are mentioned at the end of this section.

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR THREE

Advanced Project Management (15 Credits)
Learn advanced principles of the project management body of knowledge and cover the content of the Project Management Institute and its application and evaluation to the workplace.

Management of Information and Communication Technology (15 Credits)
Learn to analyse and evaluate management practices as they relate to the ICT industry. During your studies you'll discuss and analyse key issues associated with managing and structuring the ICT capability within an organisation; recommend and design a quality management programme for an organisation; apply best practice human resource management techniques, and commentate on the relevant legislation and social responsibility issues as they relate to the ICT industry.

Industry Project (45 Credits)
Undertake an industry-based project of a complex nature. During this experience you'll manage an ICT project for the industry; produce original work and project deliverables; consider and apply professional work ethics; meet project timelines and goals; record and evaluate project work and progress, and present project outcomes to sponsors and academic supervisors.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 7 (30 Credits)
The level 7 elective courses are mentioned at the end of this section.

Security Major

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR TWO

Networks (CISCO SRWE) (15 Credits)
Gain practical and technical networking knowledge that will allow you to configure and troubleshoot routers, switches and resolve common issues with RIPv1, RIPng, single-area and multi-area OSPF, virtual LANs, and inter-VLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. 

Network Services (15 Credits)
Learn to implement key network services as used in modern LANs and explain the network protocols that these services use. During your studies you'll implement and explain the operation of name resolution; implement automatic network configuration; implement and explain the operation of directory services; implement and explain the operation of a web proxy; implement automatic browser configuration when a web proxy is used; implement file sharing, and implement and explain the operation of a basic firewall.

Systems Security (15 Credits)
Learn to analyse and implement computer systems security, including operating systems, server applications and networks; and explain the fundamentals of computer forensics.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 6 (75 Credits)
The level 6 elective courses are mentioned at the end of this section.

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR THREE

Network Security (15 Credits)
Learn to configure the components and operation of Virtual Private Networks, firewalls and network security.

Systems Administration (15 Credits)
Learn to design and construct a complex multi-user client/server network. You'll gain skills needed to configure and integrate complex systems.

Industry Project (45 Credits)
Undertake an industry-based project of a complex nature. During this experience you'll manage an ICT project for the industry; produce original work and project deliverables; consider and apply professional work ethics; meet project timelines and goals; record and evaluate project work and progress, and present project outcomes to sponsors and academic supervisors.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 7 (30 Credits)
The level 7 elective courses are mentioned at the end of this section.

Software Engineering Major

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR TWO

Advanced Programming (15 Credits)
Learn standard algorithms required for business application programming. During your studies, you'll design and construct small applications using a variety of algorithms; devise test plans to ensure quality software; and create system maintenance documentation.

Database Development (15 Credits)
Learn how to design an information system for a complex business application effectively.

Software Process(15 Credits)
Learn to create quality software applications utilising a modern development approach. During your studies you'll work as a team on an iterative development project; manage an individual development task; implement processes to ensure quality, and compare and select an appropriate development method for a given problem.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 6 (75 Credits)
The level 6 elective courses are mentioned at the end of this section.

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR THREE

Mobile Application Development (15 Credits)
Learn to develop mobile applications for current and emerging mobile computing devices.

Software Engineering (15 Credits)
Learn to design and construct quality software ready for distribution. During your studies you'll perform object-oriented design and programming with a high level of proficiency; secure applications so that they are ready for distribution; conduct effective and efficient inspections; evaluate software user interfaces for accessibility and usability, and design and implement comprehensive test plans.

Industry Project (45 Credits)
Undertake an industry-based project of a complex nature. During this experience you'll manage an ICT project for the industry; produce original work and project deliverables; consider and apply professional work ethics; meet project timelines and goals; record and evaluate project work and progress, and present project outcomes to sponsors and academic supervisors.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 7 (30 Credits)
The level 7 elective courses are mentioned at the end of this section.

Systems Administration Major

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR TWO

Database Development (15 Credits)
Learn how to design an information system for a complex business application effectively.    

Network Services (15 Credits)
Learn to implement key network services as used in modern LANs and to explain the network protocols that these services use. During your studies you'll implement and explain the operation of name resolution; implement automatic network configuration; implement and explain the operation of directory services; implement and explain the operation of a web proxy; implement automatic browser configuration when a web proxy is used; implement file sharing, and implement and explain the operation of a basic firewall.

Systems Security (15 Credits)
Learn to analyse and implement computer systems security, including operating systems, server applications and networks. Also, gain an understanding of computer forensics.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 6 (75 Credits)
The level 6 elective courses are mentioned at the end of this section.

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR THREE

Advanced Database Concepts (15 Credits)
Learn to successfully design, create and administer a data warehouse using a server-based database management system.

Systems Administration (15 Credits)
Learn to design and construct a complex multi-user client/server network. You'll gain skills needed to configure and integrate complex systems.

Industry Project (45 Credits)
Undertake an industry-based project of a complex nature. During this experience you'll manage an ICT project for the industry; produce original work and project deliverables; consider and apply professional work ethics; meet project timelines and goals; record and evaluate project work and progress, and present project outcomes to sponsors and academic supervisors.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 7 (30 Credits)
The level 7 elective courses are mentioned at the end of this section.

Web & Mobile Development Major

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR TWO

Database Development (15 Credits)
Learn how to design an information system for a complex business application effectively.

Digital Multimedia (15 Credits)
Learn to apply principles and techniques relating to the application of digital multimedia technologies. During your studies you'll learn about digital images, video and audio; create and manipulate digital image, video and audio files according to a technical specification for distribution across the ICT infrastructure; and optimise digital multimedia for commonly used ICT mediums.

Dynamic Web Solutions (15 Credits)
Learn to create a dynamic web application utilising a variety of open-source technologies. During your studies you'll design and document a web application; secure critical business data within the web application; interface with a web-based database management system, and implement user security and session management.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 6 (75 Credits)
The level 6 elective courses are mentioned at the bottom of this section.

COMPULSORY COURSES - YEAR THREE

Advanced Web Solutions (15 Credits)
Learn to investigate, implement, and critique influential, new, and emerging web technology solutions.

Mobile Application Development (15 Credits)
Learn to develop mobile applications for current and emerging mobile computing devices.

Industry Project (45 Credits)
Undertake an industry-based project of a complex nature. During this experience you'll manage an ICT project for the industry; produce original work and project deliverables; consider and apply professional work ethics; meet project timelines and goals; record and evaluate project work and progress, and present project outcomes to sponsors and academic supervisors.

And,

Elective Courses of Level 7 (30 Credits)
The level 7 elective courses are mentioned below.

Electives Level 6 & Level 7

• Advance Programming (15 Credits)
  
• Software Process (15 Credits)
  
• Database Development (15 Credits)
  
• IT Project Management (15 Credits)
  
• Digital Multimedia (15 Credits)
  
• Enterprise Data Management (15 Credits)
  
• Dynamic Web Solutions (15 Credits)
  
• Analysis and Design (15 Credits)
  
• Introduction to Finance (15 Credits)
  
• Network Services (15 Credits)
  
• Networks (CISCO ITN) (15 Credits)
  
• Networks (CISCO SWRE) (15 Credits)
  
• Systems Security (15 Credits)

• New Zealand Certificate in IT Essentials

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).

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL NCEA explained page.

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.

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).