Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Information and Communication Technologies

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Information and Communication Technologies is a one-year full-time program designed to meet the needs of graduates from various disciplines who do not possess specific skills necessary to work in ICT industries but have demonstrated the ability to perform at a significant academic level.

What will I study

This program offers courses from a wide range of ICT-related disciplines, including analysis, design, development, implementation, and maintenance of business information systems. Students can specialize in information systems, web or software development, or network administration. Each student will follow a study path that takes into account their prior knowledge and the ICT area they wish to specialize in.

Pathway

For some students, completing the Graduate Diploma over 18 months is recommended.

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $8,085 - $8,995 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in an IT-related field (excluding Ara's BICT)

Alternative Requirements

• If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work, and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
• Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

English Requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?
• If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen program of study.
• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
• What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
• You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

• 5.5 Listening
• 5.5 Reading
• 5.5 Writing
• 5.5 Speaking

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core courses

• Level 5:
  • Computer Systems Architecture (BCCS153)
  • Introduction to Networks (BCCS191)
  • Operating Systems (BCCS199)
  • Introduction to Programming (BCDE101)
  • Introduction to Software Engineering (BCDE102)
  • Database Design (BCDE103)
  • IT Practitioner Fundamentals (BCIS105)
  • Computational Methods (BCIS106)
• Level 6:
  • System Infrastructure (BCCS254)
  • Network Infrastructure (BCCS283)
  • Routing and Switching Essentials (BCCS292)
  • Enterprise Networking, Security, and Au... (BCCS295)
  • Best Programming Practices (Web and Mob... (BCDE211)
  • Interactive Media Development (BCDE213)
  • Database Administration (BCDE214)
  • Web Development (BCDE215)
  • Software Engineering (BCDE221)
  • Best Programming Practices (C# .NET) (BCDE222)
  • Best Programming Practices (Java) (BCDE223)
  • Best Programming Practices (Server Side... (BCDE224)
  • Professional Practice (BCIS206)
  • Enterprise Solutions Deployment (BCIS207)
  • IT Service Management (BCIS208)
  • Research for Information Solutions (BCIS211)
  • Introduction to Enterprise Solutions Ar... (BCIS212)
  • Introduction to Enterprise Intelligence... (BCIS213)
  • Wireless Local Area Networks (DNET601)
  • Network Security (DNET602)
  • DevOps (DSYS601)
• Level 7:
  • Cloud Services (BCCS355)
  • Special Topic in Networking and Infrast... (BCCS381)
  • Software Development Project (BCDE311)
  • Advanced Programming (BCDE321)
  • Managing Information and Cybersecurity (BCIS302)
  • Information Technology Governance (BCIS303)
  • Enterprise Solutions Architecture (BCIS312)
  • Enterprise Intelligence and Analytics (BCIS313)
  • Special Topic in Information Systems (BCIS321)
  • IT Industry Practice (BCIS370)
  • Mobile Technology (BCIT388)

Career opportunities

With this qualification, jobs in software development, cyber security, database development, interactive media, enterprise application development, website development, data communications and networking, or computing management are possible depending on the study path you followed. Part-time up to 5 years. In-demand IT careers include:

• App Developer
• Database Administrator
• Web Developer
• Video Game Designer
• IT Helpdesk Technician
• Network Administrator
• IT Security Specialist
• DevOps Engineer
• Cloud Engineer
• Network Architect
• Computer Scientist
• Systems Analyst
• IT Project Manager
• Programmer
• Software Engineer
• Cyber Security Operations

Study pathways

The main pathways for the Graduate Diploma in ICT are:

• Software Development
• Information Systems
• Networking & Infrastructure
• Cyber Security

Combining with Business or Applied Management specialism like Project Management can unlock further career pathways and high-level management jobs in tech.

Recommended school subjects

• English
• Mathematics
• Computing/ICT

Graduate Diploma in Information and Communication Technologies

• FULL-TIME - 1 Year (Part-time options available)

Complement your existing degree and open doors to working in innovative ICT settings.

Information

Type | Graduate Certificate / DiplomaCode | CH3880Next Starts | February 2026Application close date | Accepted throughout the yearMay be available for Study Visa? | YesInternational application close date | 20 January for February start; 23 June for July startCredits | 120Level | 7Additional Equipment/Fees | Advised before enrolmentMay be eligible for Studylink? | YesAvailable Part time | YesMay be eligible for Fees Free? | YesReference | CH3880-STRU

COVID-19 vaccination information

Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this program. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this program but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.