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 Postgraduate Diploma in Computing and Master of Computing programmes.
Study pathways
You can choose from four pathway options designed to help you hit the ground running when you graduate:
Computer networks and cloud computing. Computer networks, real and virtual, are the connectors of the computing world. Organisations need people to help them manage their networks and 25% of computing jobs are in this area. Cloud computing is a relatively new development and is increasingly taking over the market. 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.
Cybersecurity. Every person who touches a computer keyboard or a smartphone screen could be a cyber threat. People with cybersecurity skills are needed by both the private and public sectors and there is a huge demand for graduates in this field. The cybersecurity pathway can give you the knowledge to help you protect computers, networks and data from these threats.
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.
Admission requirements
For this programme, you will need the following:
1. 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher including:
- 14 credits in two different approved subjects; and
- 14 credits from up to two subjects (approved or non-approved).
2. 15 credits at NCEA Level 2 in Mathematics
3. 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori (4 in reading, 4 in writing)
4. 14 credits at NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau
If English is not your first language, you will need one or more of the following:
- Have achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University entrance
- Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency
- Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years
Don't have NCEA? We also accept:
- Unitec's Certificate in Foundation Studies: Whitinga Level 3 with a relevant pathway;
- A relevant qualification at Level 4 on the NZQF or above or an equivalent qualification; or
- Provide sufficient evidence to be eligible for special or discretionary admission.
For more information download the programme regulations:
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. |
Unitec is part of Te Pūkenga
On 1 October 2022 Unitec became part of Te Pūkenga. Find out more about Te Pūkenga and what this means for you.
