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Study a Bachelor of Computing Systems (BCS) at Unitec

Bachelor of Computing Systems

Prepare yourself for an IT career with hands-on learning in a fun, modern and well-resourced computing facility. Develop your understanding of data communications, networking, IT management, web and software development, business intelligence and systems analysis, and design, and cybersecurity.

Level
7
Credits
360 (3.0 EFTS)
Campus
Mt Albert
Start dates
February or July
Duration
Full-time for three years or part-time options available

Programme overview

Do you want an exciting role in the ever-changing computing industry? The Bachelor of Computing Systems provides you with a strong undergraduate learning experience that will underpin your readiness to work in the computing industry.

This programme is designed to build professional adaptive skills that will prepare you for the inevitable technical disruption and changes you will encounter in the IT industry, as well as progressively honing your technical skills and developing smart interpersonal skills to prepare you for the working environment. In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete an IT-related project in industry so that you can build up your working experience – a key advantage when looking for employment and presenting your CV to employers. 

Highlights

  • Industry based project in your final semester. This project is designed to further integrate knowledge gained throughout the programme in a practical situation that uses a wide range of skills.
  • Student Exchange programme: option to spend one or two semesters studying overseas
  • Numerous scholarships for both school leaver applicants, as well as for established second and third year students
  • Flexible study structure so you can fit study around your life
  • An applied computing qualification that equips you with the ability to cope with technological changes in this fast moving industry
  • Emphasis on practical assessments and case study scenarios
  • Upon successful completion of this programme you can go onto further study in the Postgraduate Diploma of Applied Technologies-Computing and Master of Applied Technologies-Computing programmes. 

Study pathways

You can choose from four pathway options designed to help you hit the ground running when you graduate:

Cybersecurity & Networking. In today's digital era, every person who touches a computer keyboard or a smartphone screen could be a cyber threat. Cybersecurity skills are in high demand across both public and private sectors. This pathway not only equips you to protect computers, networks, and data but also empowers you to manage computer networks. With cloud computing on the rise, This pathway also gives you the opportunity to gain industry-recognised Microsoft and Cisco certifications, including those in Cloud Computing.

Software development. Software development regularly rates as one of the top jobs in the world. This dynamic and changing pathway gives graduates the knowledge to design and develop software solutions and products.

Business intelligence. The amount of data and speed at which it is collected by organisations has reached unprecedented levels in recent years. But data without analysis is just a storage problem. Business intelligence combines business, databases, data warehousing, data mining and software development to find ways for organisations to use this data for future planning. Business intelligence is pivotal in helping organisations understand their business, compete effectively and excel in their field. Through these courses, you’ll learn how to create and manage data warehouse solutions that fit into the strategies of complex enterprises in the ever-changing market, and how to develop effective data models and reports to help business decision-making.

You can also create a personal study pathway with the help of your programme leader with our BCS pathway progression diagram.

Already have computing experience?

If you already have work experience, education, or skills and knowledge which are highly relevant to computing, then you may be able to get formal recognition for it and reduce how long it will take to finish your study. Find out more about how to fast track your study through an Assessment of Prior Learning form.

Scholarships

To help you on your IT career we have a number of scholarships available for both domestic and international students.

Programme Structure

The programme structure for the Bachelor of Computing Systems in 2024

 Year 1Year 2Year 3
Course 1ISCG5400 Hardware Fundamentals
Class number(s): 1647 or 5641
15 credits
Elective
Level 6
15 credits
Elective
Level 7
15 credits
Course 2ISCG5401 Operating System Fundamentals
Class number(s): 1648 or 5642
15 credits
Elective
Level 6
15 credits
Elective
Level 7
15 credits
Course 3ISCG5420 Programming Fundamentals
Class number(s): 1650 or 5644
15 credits
Elective
Level 6
15 credits
Elective
Level 7
15 credits
Course 4ISCG5423 Introduction to Databases
Class number(s): 1652 or 5646
15 credits
Elective
Level 5, 6 or 7
15 credits
Elective
Level 5, 6 or 7
15 credits
Course 5ISCG5424 Information Systems Concepts
Class number(s): 1653 or 5647
15 credits
ISCG6411 Project Planning and Control
Class number(s): 1659 or 5653
15 credits
ISCG7431 Capstone Project
Class number(s): 1673 or 5665
60 credits
Course 6ISCG5430 Professional Skills for IT Practitioners
Class number(s): 1654 or 5648
15 credits
Elective
Level 6
15 credits
 
Course 7Elective
Level 5, 6 or 7
15 credits
Elective
Level 5, 6 or 7
15 credits
 
Course 8Elective
Level 5, 6 or 7
15 credits
Elective
Level 5, 6 or 7
15 credits
 

The programme structure for the Bachelor of Computing Systems - Cybersecurity & Networking in 2024

 Year 1Year 2Year 3
Course 1ISCG5400 Hardware Fundamentals
Class number(s): 1647 or 5641
15 credits
ISCG6401 Data Communications and Networks
Class number(s): 1655 or 5649
15 credits
ISCG7401 Advanced Data Communications
Class number(s): 1666
15 credits
Course 2ISCG5401 Operating System Fundamentals
Class number(s): 1648 or 5642
15 credits
ISCG6402 Network Administration and Support
Class number(s): 1656 or 5650
15 credits
ISCG7407 Advanced Cyber Security
Class number(s): 1667 or 5659
15 credits
Course 3ISCG5420 Programming Fundamentals
Class number(s): 1650 or 5644
15 credits
ISCG6403 Network Operating Systems Management
Class number(s): 1657 or 5651
15 credits
ISCG7413 Testing and Quality Assurance Management
Class number(s): 1669 or 5661
15 credits
Course 4ISCG5423 Introduction to Databases
Class number(s): 1652 or 5646
15 credits
ISCG6411 Project Planning and Control
Class number(s): 1659 or 5653
15 credits
ISCG7408 Malware Analysis
Class number(s): 1668 or 5660
15 credits
Course 5ISCG5424 Information Systems Concepts
Class number(s): 1653 or 5647
15 credits
ISCG6407 Fundamental Concepts in Cyber Security
Class number(s): 1658 or 5652
15 credits
ISCG7431 Capstone Project
Class number(s): 1673 or 5665
60 credits
Course 6ISCG5430 Professional Skills for IT Practitioners
Class number(s): 1654 or 5648
15 credits
ISCG7402 Network Design and Implementation
Class number(s): 5668
15 credits
 
Course 7ISCG5403 Networking Fundamentals
Class number(s): 1649 or 5643
15 credits
ISCG7404 Computer Forensic Investigations
Class number(s): 5669
15 credits
 
Course 8ISCG5421 Programming Principles and Practice
Class number(s): 1651 or 5645
15 credits
ISCG7400 Computer Systems Security
Class number(s): 1665 or 5658
15 credits
 
 
This example programme overview is a guide only and assumes full-time study. Please check timetables carefully as not every course is offered each semester. Programme requirements and class numbers are subject to change.

Admission requirements

What you will need to study this programme. 


Domestic students

Academic requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

  • 3 ‘C’ passes in the New Zealand University Bursaries Examinations; or
  • Successful completion of an approved qualification at Level 3 or above within a computing-related pathway, where appropriate), or
  • NCEA requirements are a minimum of 42 credits achieved at NCEA Level 3 or higher, including:
    • 14 credits in two different approved subjects (view a list of approved subjects on the NZQA website); and
    • 14 credits from up to two subjects (approved or non-approved).
    • 14 credits at NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau
    • 15 credits at NCEA Level 2 in Mathematics
And meet one of the English entry requirements;

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 469 KB)


International students

Academic requirements 

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirement.

And English entry requirements;

​If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 469 KB)


Courses and timetables

For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.

Courses Credits Aim
Hardware Fundamentals (ISCG5400) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with a good working knowledge of information technology hardware.
Operating System Fundamentals (ISCG5401) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) The aim of this course is to provide students the understanding fundamental concepts of operating systems (OS), functionalities and architectures of operating systems, and how they are designed to meet requirements from users, hardware, and software. Students will gain hands-on experience on using MS Windows and Linux system commands and programs to explore various topics covered by the course.
Programming Fundamentals (ISCG5420) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To introduce students to the basic principles of designing and developing small computer programs within the context of programming language.
Introduction to Databases (ISCG5423) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with an introduction to database systems.
Information Systems Concepts (ISCG5424) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with an introduction to information systems and the role they play within industry. The main purpose of the course is to enable a student to engage with a range of information system elements and to make choices for future specialist study.
Professional Skills for IT Practitioners (ISCG5430) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course aims to develop the student’s professional competencies using relevant Information Technology (IT) software to enhance their interpersonal and research skills in creating, retrieving, using and disseminating information in a range of settings.
Courses Credits Aim
Project Planning and Control (ISCG6411) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with a knowledge of the requirements of project planning by using project management techniques and tools, monitoring and controlling projects, using project management software, and applying reviewing techniques.
Courses Credits Aim
Capstone Project (ISCG7431) 60 credits (0.5 EFTS) To provide students with the opportunity to research, select, integrate, and apply a range of techniques and technology in the solution of a complete realistic problem. Wherever possible students should undertake a project on behalf of a client or situated in an industrial or business environment.
Courses Credits Aim
Networking Fundamentals (ISCG5403) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with a good working knowledge of the concepts of Networking and Data Communications fundamentals.
Programming Principles and Practice (ISCG5421) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To advance the knowledge of programming beyond an introductory level, in the context of a programming language.
Courses Credits Aim
Data Communications and Networks (ISCG6401) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide the students with the knowledge of the concepts of data communication and networking.
Network Administration and Support (ISCG6402) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with an insight into various local area network configurations.
Network Operating Systems Management (ISCG6403) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide the knowledge and skills required to install, manage and maintain small Linux networks.
Fundamental Concepts in Cyber Security (ISCG6407) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with a clear understanding of fundamental concepts of cyber security as well as develop the knowledge needed to understand security risks and mitigation mechanisms associated with the implementation and management of IT infrastructure.
Systems Analysis and Design (ISCG6414) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to analyse, design and document simple and complex information systems using object oriented analysis and design modelling tools, techniques and standards.
Internet and Website Development (ISCG6420) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide the students with knowledge of advanced concepts of the Internet and website design and development.
GUI Programming (ISCG6421) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide the student with the concepts of and practice in the use of event driven programming in the context of a selected language and a standard interface using windows, icons, menus and pointers.
Database Design and Development (ISCG6423) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To apply the principles of data management with database technology.
Data Warehousing (ISCG6425) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To introduce students to concepts of data warehousing and decision-making, data warehouse design and implementation, data sourcing and data quality, Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) procedure, and on-line analytical processing (OLAP). Students will gain hands-on experience using Microsoft SQL server for implementing data warehouses.
Data Structures and Algorithms (ISCG6426) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course introduces the fundamental data structures and algorithms used in software development, extending the object-oriented concepts taught in the pre-requisite subject Programming Principles and Practice. The course will cover searching and sorting, linked data structures such lists and trees as well as hash tables. Upon completion of this course students will be able to implement a variety of data structures and algorithms, and will have an expert knowledge of the scalability and design trade-offs of these algorithms.
Courses Credits Aim
Computer Systems Security (ISCG7400) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with an insight into computer systems security and carry out advanced tasks in planning, operation and monitoring of comprehensive systems security.
Advanced Data Communications (ISCG7401) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide the students with knowledge and application of latest development in data communications and networking.
Network Design and Implementation (ISCG7402) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with an insight into various large network technologies.
Computer Forensic Investigations (ISCG7404) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to plan and conduct a digital forensic investigation.
Advanced Cyber Security (ISCG7407) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with a deep understanding of the principles of information security in cyber space, enabling them to analyse various phases in the Cyber Attack Cycle and plan prevention mechanisms into their network design.
Malware Analysis (ISCG7408) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To give students an insight into the fundamental concepts of malware analysis, the knowledge needed to understand the security risks of malware infections and the mitigation mechanisms required to be implemented and managed for securing IT infrastructure.
Testing and Quality Assurance Management (ISCG7413) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) Students will apply testing and quality assurance methods and techniques in the development of ICT solutions.
Web Application Development (ISCG7420) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with knowledge and skills for developing client-server and web-based applications in the Intranet/Internet environment.
Mobile Software Development (ISCG7424) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with the ability to investigate and use advanced techniques that extend the standard software development environment so that the student is competent in approaches required in the development and deployment of software applications for mobile devices.
Agile and Lean Software Delivery (ISCG7427) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) To equip participants with the mindset, knowledge, tools and techniques to succeed in agile software development projects. To help participants to understand Agile and Lean principles and practices, and allows participants to gain experience in working in an Agile environment using industry leading Agile team collaboration tools.
Cloud Application Design and Development (ISCG7444) 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course explores the best practices and emerging principles for the design & development of cloud-based applications.