Bachelor of Information Technology

Bachelor of Information Technology

Bachelor of Information Technology

If you enjoy giving IT technical advice and are keenly interested in software architecture, systems analysis and creating and managing websites, then you will find your niche studying for the Bachelor of Information Technology.

     
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Key Details
Invercargill
Qualification:
Degree
Level:
7
Credits:
360
Duration:

Three years full-time

Part time study is also available

Study Modes:
On Campus
Dates:

2025 Semester 2: 14 July to 21 November

2026 Semester 1: 09 February to 19 June

2026 Semester 2: 06 July to 13 November
Fees:

This programme is eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme.

  • No Tuition Fees
  • 2025 Direct Material Costs: $1,267.00 per year under Zero Fees Scheme (GST inclusive)
  • 2026 Direct Material Costs: $1,342.00 per year under Zero Fees Scheme (GST inclusive)
  • International Fees can be found here.

 

If you enjoy giving IT technical advice and are keenly interested in software architecture, systems analysis and creating and managing websites, then you will find your niche studying for the Bachelor of Information Technology.

Solve real problems for real industry clients by exploring progressive technologies and developing e-commerce and business solutions.

Drawing on both computer science and information systems, this degree covers:

  • The study of computers and the programmes that run on them
  • The creation of computer systems
  • Computer languages, programming (including the study of algorithms, data structures and networks), system development and implementation and network design as well as managerial aspects like strategic planning and operational management

The first year provides a foundational knowledge in software development and design fundamentals, operating systems, computer networks and programming. The second year builds on this base knowledge with more advanced programming, databases, networking, web applications and managing computer projects.

The final year pulls it all together with topics in networking, databases, web applications, and a full year, full scale project.

Students are assigned their own state of the art computer for the duration of their studies.

YEAR ONE 

Compulsory

ITC501 Information Technology Operations

The learner will apply essential knowledge and concepts of computer hardware, operating systems, applications and networks.

ITC502 Fundamentals of Programming and Problem Solving

Apply the principles of software development to create simple working applications.

ITC514 Fundamentals of Project Management

To enable students to understand the requirements of project planning and control, and use project management software to manage tasks.

To provide students with the knowledge to apply professional, legal and ethical principles and practices in a socially responsible manner, and apply communication, personal and interpersonal skills relevant to IT roles.

ITC515 Fundamentals of Information Systems Development

To assist students in developing the knowledge, skills and understanding of information systems development, to provide organisational IT solutions, including interface design elements, to support and improve systems and processes.

Elective

Four of the following papers may be chosen from the list below. Electives 1, 2 and 3 may be from any other programme with permission of the Programme Manager. Papers must be at a minimum of Level 5.

ITC505 Introduction to Networks

To introduce fundamental concepts and technologies in networking and implement a simple network.

ITC506 Operating Systems

To introduce key operating systems concepts and administer a computer system.

ITC509 Web applications Implementation

To provide students with the skills to select and use appropriate development methodologies, develop user interfaces using software development standards, create scripted components to given specifications, and install and configure frameworks and applications.

ITC513 Programming 

Write and maintain programmes using appropriate design patterns, data structures and algorithms.               

 

YEAR TWO 

Compulsory

ITC601 Project Management

To enable students to understand the requirements of project planning and control and use project management software to manage tasks.

ITC604 Systems Analysis and Design

  • To enable students to apply structured and object-oriented systems analysis techniques
  • To enable students to produce and present well designed inputs and outputs and systems design documentation

Compulsory - one of the following papers to be chosen:

IT606 Object Oriented Databases

  • To reinforce the principles of object-oriented design
  • To develop database applications using an object-oriented database

ITC607 Data management

  • To develop the skills to produce data models and to design and implement database management systems.
  • To provide students with a thorough understanding of SQL

Elective

A minimum of three of the following "GEN' coded or "IT/ITC" coded Level 6 electives must be taken plus up to 30 credits at Level 5 or above from this or other programmes with permission of programme manager:

ITC602-Special Topic (Cloud)

ITC605 Web Services and Design Methodologies

  • To design and implement programmatically controlled web-based interfaces for electronic commerce
  • To programme the main sub-components of electronic commerce
  • To apply and analyse functionality design issues in online commerce

IT607 Advanced Programming

  • To give the student experience in further software development methods
  • To enable the student to write software which interacts with other software
  • To enable the student to effectively use existing software libraries in software projects

IT608 Game Development I

  • Introduce the student to the variety of disciplines involved in the gaming industry
  • Introduce physics and mathematic skills needed for developing games
  • To give the students an understanding of the electronic game development process

IT610 Help Desk

To provide students with knowledge, skills and practical experience related to supporting users in an IT environment.

IT617 Mobile Application Development

Prepare students for development of applications for Mobile devices for recognised marketplaces.

IT620 Routing and Switching    

To plan, configure and implement simple routing and switching protocols, and associated technologies, including SSH and access control lists.

              

YEAR THREE 

Compulsory

IT701 Project

To provide students with the opportunity to research, select, integrate and apply a range of techniques and technology to solve a workplace problem.

Elective Options to the value of 120 credits

A minimum of three of the following Level 7 electives must be taken from "IT/ITC' coded courses plus 45 credits at level 5 or above from this or other programmes with permission of programme manager:

 

IT703 Database Design and Implementation

  • To give practical experience in the implementation of designed database models
  • To enable students to design and develop database-driven applications
  • To focus on implementation of good data base design to produce systems with useful outputs
  • To enable students to extend their experience of Fourth Generation Languages (4GLs)

IT708 Information Systems and Management

  • To gain an understanding of how information systems (IS) provide solutions to organisational problems and challenges
  • To understand the importance of plans and strategies relating to the management of the IS function
  • To enable learners to understand the nature and role of management support systems as aids in management decision-making, with particular emphasis given to decision support systems

IT709 Web Applications

  • Prepare the student for web-based application development
  • Give the student knowledge of industry application software
  • Become familiar with industry standards for web design

IT710 Game Development ll

  • Introduce the student to software tools and techniques used in the creation of computer-based games the variety of disciplines involved in the gaming industry
  • Creation of a game as part of a development team

IT711 Advanced Networking

  • To provide students with the skills needed to success in networking-related degree programs and help them prepare for industry-recognized certification
  • Help students develop the skills necessary to fulfill the job responsibilities of network technicians, network administrators and network engineers
  • To provide a theoretically rich, hands-on approach to networking

IT712 Professional Skills for Information Technology

Provide students with IT Service Operations Management knowledge concentrating on skills and practices to for delivering quality IT services.

IT715 Embedded Systems

To provide students with an introduction to microcontrollers and embedded systems and their use in interacting with their environment.

IT717 System Security

  • To extend the students’ knowledge of security practices
  • To be able to use industry tools to provide good system administration to the infrastructure
  • To give student experience in troubleshooting security incidents

IT721 Software Engineering

  • To develop expertise in a particular computer language(s)
  • To enhance knowledge of existing problem-solving strategies
  • To further develop problem-solving skills
  • To provide the students with hands-on experience in analysing and designing software systems based on a recognised methodology

At the successful completion of this programme, students will have the required competencies to function successfully and effectively at entrance levels within the information technology sector. It is anticipated that graduates from the degree programme will be able to pursue professional careers in the following areas within the information technology industry:

Management: Entry level management/team leader in information systems development analysis, design and production of information systems to meet prescribed specifications and needs within an organisational context.

Database: Creation and support of database systems, analysis of processes and data flow leading to building effective database systems within an organisation's information system.

Technical: Information systems support selecting, configuring and supporting hardware, operating systems, networks, and software components of an organisation's information system.

Web Applications: Analysis, design and production of web interfaces and the back-end systems that support them.

Programming: Creating and supporting a variety of software applications.

School Leavers

University Entrance NCEA Level 3: Three subjects at Level 3 or above made up of the following:

  • 14 credits each, in three approved subjects
  • Literacy, 10 credits at Level 2 or above made up of Five credits in reading and five credits in writing
  • Numeracy, 10 credits at Level 1 or above made up of specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects or unit standards package of three numeracy unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627 - All three required

 

Mature Applicants
Applicants in this category will be the age of 20 by March 1 of the first year of enrolment in the programme, and have provided evidence of relevant prior learning and experience. For example, successful completion of a programme of study at Level 3 or above in a related discipline and/or employment in the IT related sector for two or more years.

Special Application

Applicants who have successfully completed courses from any equivalent level programmes may be admitted to the Bachelor of Information Technology programme through cross credit processes.

Applicants who have relevant experience in the information technology industry may seek admission to the Bachelor of Information Technology programme through a Recognition of Prior Learning process. Their experience will be taken into account for the purpose of admission. Where such applicants gain admission, credit may be given for experience relevant to the learning outcomes of particular modules.

Part time Admission

Applicants may apply for part time admission, providing they meet the above requirements.

 

English Language Requirements

Applicants, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having achieved one of the following

NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance, or

an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A- level qualification for which the teaching and assessment was conducted in English; or

Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA),or Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL);or

Successful completion of all primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand,,Australia,Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States one of the countries listed in Rule 18.5 where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or

Successful completion of at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or

Successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters' Degree or Doctoral Degree, the language of instruction of which must be in English and which must be from a tertiary education provider from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States or

Successful completion of one of the following internationally recognised proficiency tests listed below to the level required of the programme of study and with all scores achieved in a single test during the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment


IELTS test - Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 
TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) - Score of 550 (with an essay score 5 TWE) 
TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) - Score of 60 (with a writing score of 18) 
Cambridge English Examination - B2 First or B2 First for schools or C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill. 
OET - Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests 
NZCEL - a) Expiring Level b) Current: a) Level 4 (Academic) b) Level 4 (Academic) 
Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42 
Language Cert - C1 Expert International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS 
Trinity ISE - ISE II with no less than distinction in any band

* New versions of some NZCEL qualifications, and in some cases new qualifications, were published on 13 June 2017. These are intended to replace pre-existing versions and qualifications, which have been given expiring status until discontinued on 31 December 2019. (a) denotes expiring (b) denotes current

Every candidate for the qualification of Bachelor of Information Technology is required to follow a programme of study for a minimum period of three years.

The overall programme of study for every candidate requires 360 credits for successful completion of the qualification.

In order to be awarded the Bachelor of Information Technology, the student will have been credited with all required papers and electives as specified in the programme schedule.

A student completing the Bachelor of Information Technology will normally be expected to complete the three-year programme (full-time equivalent) within 5 years.

Please note students failing to attend for 80% of timetabled programme hours may forfeit Zero Fees entitlement.

Most classes are held Monday to Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm at SIT's main Invercargill campus. Evening classes may be scheduled.

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