Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Otago PolytechnicNew Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Certificate
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Campus
Dunedin Campus
Summary
Develop foundation skills in IT and gain practical experience in this industry. This certificate will guarantee you entry into our Bachelor of Information Technology programme. Study web development, hardware, programming and operating systems.
About the programmeWant to develop great IT foundation skills and gain valuable practical experience? How about doing that and getting guaranteed entry into our IT degree?
IT is a global industry and there are currently far more IT-related jobs than there are graduates, so skills in this sector give you pretty good employment prospects. This programme is your first step to gaining great introductory skills across a range of IT areas.
Topics include practical experience in web development, networking, hardware, programming, operating systems and the internet. In addition to technical topics, you'll learn industry skills and explore online tools such as blogs and wikis.
You’ll study in a creative, innovative and supportive environment and, with small class sizes, you’ll get plenty of one-on-one attention from your experienced teachers. When you finish this certificate and graduate, you’ll have guaranteed entry into our three-year IT degree, the Bachelor of Information Technology.
This is a hands-on, practical degree so you’ll learn by doing. You’ll also build the communication skills you need to work effectively in the industry.
Entry criteria
There are no academic entry criteria.
It is preferred that learners hold the New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3), appropriate assessment standards in Digital Technologies Level 2, or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.
International students will be individually assessed to ensure you are ready for this study
English Language requirementsIf English is not your first language, you must provide: New Zealand University Entrance OR Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Selection processAll applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted unless the number of applications exceeds the available places.
In this case, a waitlist will be used.
Pathways into this programme Computing is an excellent background qualification for entry into this programme.
We also offer the following programmes which would be really good pathways: Bridging to engineering certificate Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process.
You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe.
Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
Disclaimer
The listings provided on the Study with New Zealand website ( Study with New Zealand ) are for information and promotional purposes only. ENZ does not endorse any of the education providers listed. The information, content and material provided in the listings is the sole responsibility of each education provider. This search is powered by StudySpy(external link that opens in a new tab).
Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).
You can learn more about international recognition of New Zealand qualifications on the NZQA website.