Unitec Institute of Technology

Computing & Information Technology

We like solving problems. Better security for computer networks? We’re looking into it. Software for more effective business processes? We’re investigating that as well. If you’re interested in how information and communications technologies (ICT) can change people’s lives, join us. At the Department of Computing, developing new ICT solutions is what we do. 

Our computing courses keep pace with constantly evolving technology. Our industry advisory board makes sure of that. And that applies to all of our programmes – from a one-semester certificate to New Zealand’s first Doctor of Computing, and from system analysis, software design and website development to network design and applications programming. It’s computing for the real world – with practical assignments, guest lectures from industry experts, work experience for Bachelor of Computing Systems students and applied postgraduate research. 

You’ll learn from staff who remain actively involved in the latest industry practices. Many of them are members of industry organisations like the New Zealand Computer Society. Their work is published in international journals. Some continue to work as consultants to the IT industry. And quite a few of them are involved in applied research – from e-government and 'smart' houses to telecommunication systems, high speed networks and robotics. 

And because good ideas don’t stick to a schedule, our computing labs are open seven days a week. They’re just a card swipe away, whenever that brilliant solution might strike you.

Computing and information technology programmes 

Short courses:

• Free computing short courses – available at community libraries across West Auckland
• Free4U computer courses – offered at Unitec’s Northern campus in Albany, and at the Free4U classroom at Arcade 357 in Henderson. 

Undergraduate computing programmes:

• Certificate in Information Technology – 1 semester full-time (part-time available), preparation for further study in the Bachelor of Computing Systems or the Diploma in Information Technology Support.
• National Certificate in Computing (Level 3) FREE! - this new part time programme is available at our Mt Albert and Northern (Albany) campuses.
• Certificate in Computer Servicing (Level 5) NEW and heavily subsidised! - available on Saturdays at our Northern (Albany) campus.
• Diploma in Information Technology Support – 2 years full-time (part-time available), focus on providing effective help desk support.
• Bachelor of Computing Systems – 3 years full-time (part-time available), practical assignments and case-study scenarios, includes an industry-based project. 

If you work in IT but need a formal qualification:

• Diploma in Applied Computer Systems Engineering – 1 year full-time, good preparation for Microsoft certification examinations.
• Graduate Diploma in Computing – 1 year full-time (part-time available), pathway into postgraduate computing programmes, specialise in data communication/networks, software development or business analysis.

Advanced study in computing:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Computing – 1 year full-time (part-time available), wide range of electives.
• Master of Computing – 2 years full-time (part-time available), emphasis on projects, may include a major research project.
• Doctor of Computing – 3 years full-time (part-time available), New Zealand's first professional doctorate in computing, a combination of advanced coursework and original research.

If you want a career in office administration:

• Certificate in Business Administration and Computing (Level 3) – 1 semester full-time (part-time available), including an introduction to spreadsheets, databases and word processing.
• Certificate in Business Administration and Computing (Level 4) – 1 semester full-time (part-time available), focused on desktop presentations, accounting software, advanced spreadsheet and database functions, and advanced word processing.