Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Computing

The Graduate Diploma in Computing is designed for individuals who want to advance their careers in the IT sector. This program is suitable for those who already work with computers but lack a formal qualification or have a degree in a different discipline.

Programme Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Computing is a one-year full-time or part-time program that equips students with substantial problem-solving skills in an IT area of their interest. The program is designed as a stepping stone into Unitec's postgraduate computing programs, providing a foundation for students to advance their academic and professional journey.

Highlights

• This program offers flexibility, allowing students to choose courses that align with their interests and career goals.
• Students can specialize in areas like programming, software development, hardware systems, databases, networking, information systems, or internet technologies.
• The program provides practical experience using the latest computer technologies, ensuring students are industry-ready and equipped with up-to-date skills.
• Highly qualified lecturers with real-world experience guide students, and small class sizes foster individual attention and one-on-one support.
• A personalized study plan is created for each new student, ensuring a focused learning experience tailored to their goals.

Specialist Pathways

The Graduate Diploma in Computing offers several specialist pathways, including:

• Cybersecurity and Networking: Prepares graduates from technical backgrounds to work in the cybersecurity field.
• Business Analysis: Helps graduates from all IT backgrounds prepare for management roles and enables arts and business graduates to learn additional IT skills.
• Software Development: Prepares graduates from various disciplines to work in the fast-moving software development space.
• Business Intelligence: Prepares graduates from all IT backgrounds for the business intelligence field, enhancing their ability to use information systems to improve business decision-making.

Career Options

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Computing can pursue a variety of career paths, including:

• Applications programmer
• Business analyst
• Cyber-security analyst
• Data analyst
• Database analyst and developer
• Game programmer
• Internet and Web developer
• Network administrator
• Network engineer
• Network support technician
• Project manager
• Software designer
• Software developer
• Software tester
• Systems analyst

Annual Tuition Fees

• Domestic/NZ students: $7,600 (approximate fees only, includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee levy)
• International students: $26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits)

Semester Dates

• Sem 1 2026: 23 February 28 June
• Sem 2 2026: 20 July 22 November

Admission Requirements

Domestic Students

• A recognized degree, a professional qualification in a relevant discipline, or the ability to demonstrate competencies equivalent to the above.
• A minimum of 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 in English (4 in reading, 4 in writing).
• Meet one of the English entry requirements.

International Students

• Must be at least 16 years of age and meet one of the country-specific admission requirements.
• English entry requirements: Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 5.5 with no band score lower than 5, or equivalent.

Courses and Timetables

The program includes a range of elective courses across different levels, focusing on various aspects of computing and information technology. These courses are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding and practical skills in their chosen area of specialization.

Elective Courses

Level 5

• Hardware Fundamentals (ISCG5400)
• Operating System Fundamentals (ISCG5401)
• Networking Fundamentals (ISCG5403)
• Programming Fundamentals (ISCG5420)
• Programming Principles and Practice (ISCG5421)
• Introduction to Databases (ISCG5423)
• Information Systems Concepts (ISCG5424)

Level 6

• Data Communications and Networks (ISCG6401)
• Network Administration and Support (ISCG6402)
• Network Operating Systems Management (ISCG6403)
• Fundamental Concepts in Cyber Security (ISCG6407)
• Project Planning and Control (ISCG6411)
• Internet and Website Development (ISCG6420)
• GUI Programming (ISCG6421)
• Database Design and Development (ISCG6423)
• Data Warehousing (ISCG6425)
• Data Structures and Algorithms (ISCG6426)

Level 7

• Computer Systems Security (ISCG7400)
• Advanced Data Communications (ISCG7401)
• Network Design and Implementation (ISCG7402)
• Computer Forensic Investigations (ISCG7404)
• Advanced Cyber Security (ISCG7407)
• Malware Analysis (ISCG7408)
• Testing and Quality Assurance Management (ISCG7413)
• Web Application Development (ISCG7420)
• Mobile Software Development (ISCG7424)
• Agile and Lean Software Delivery (ISCG7427)
• Cloud Application Design and Development (ISCG7444)