Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Otago PolytechnicBachelor of Information Technology
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Summary
About the programmeInformation Technology skills are needed everywhere.
Learn what Information Technology professionals do through hands-on and practical work. Build the communication skills you need to work effectively in the industry.
Your first year covers a broad general knowledge of IT. Key topics come up again through the year, and you’ll address them with more depth each time as you learn more and understand more.
For your second and third year, you can focus on an area that interests you most:
- Software development
- IT infrastructure and operations
- Network engineering
- Alternative digital platforms (hardware, IoT, etc.)
Courses include Databases, Automation and Robotics, Mobile App Development, Advanced Networking, UX Engineering, Game Development, AI and Data Science, and the Internet of Things and Cloud Development. There's even the option of doing a course from a programme outside of the BIT!
You'll study in a creative, innovative and supportive environment. With small class sizes, you'll receive plenty of one-on-one attention from your experienced lecturers.
Our grads jump into a range of jobs in the industry as we teach you what employers want. They enjoy jobs such as a Web Developer, Systems Administrator, Software Developer, Programmer, Business Analyst, Database Administrator or Computing Services Manager.
Interested in a career in the games industry?We now offer the option to study this degree with a game development focus. You'll learn by doing with six studio courses run as games projects in our game development studio, and gain practical experience during internships and real-industry projects. You'll graduate with a Bachelor of Information Technology, backend game development skills and a portfolio of games you've created. Career opportunities include a Generalist Programmer, Physics Programmer, Gameplay Programmer, Network Programmer, AI Programmer, Tools Engineer, Engine Programmer or VR/AR Programmer.
Studying part-timeWe know that full-time study isn't always possible. This programme has a part-time study option - talk to us about what suits you best!
Want your existing skills recognised?If you have work experience and skills in this area, you may be able to complete an independent learning pathway to achieve this qualification in a shorter timeframe.
We currently offer a 10 month full-time / 18-20 month part-time work-based learning option through our assessment of prior learning centre, Capable NZ.
Entry criteria
Entry Entry requirements- NCEA Level 3
- 14 credits at Level 3 or above in each of three NZQA approved university entrance subjects, and
- 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
- 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing, and
- 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
- specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects OR
- package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).
- OR the New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4), or equivalent.
- Discretionary entry may be given to applicants over 20 who do not hold the above requirements (you will need to undertake an interview).
- Possible interview at time of selection.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Selection processAll eligible applicants will be accepted unless the number of applications exceeds the available places (as indicated by the Bachelor of Information Technology Team Leader). In this case, applicants will be interviewed and ranked according to the professional judgement of the admissions panel on the basis of the candidate's likelihood to succeed in the Information Technology industry.
Don't meet the entry requirements?If you do not meet the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Information Technology, our New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4) is the perfect solution as it will enable you to achieve the foundation knowledge you need to progress into other higher level Information Technology qualifications.
If you're an international student and would like to study the Bachelor of Information Technology at our Auckland International Campus, the best pathway programme is the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4). This programme is offered at our Auckland International Campus.
Want your existing skills recognised?If you have work experience and skills in this area, you may be able to complete an independent learning pathway to achieve this qualification in a shorter timeframe.
We currently offer a 10 month full-time / 18-20 month part-time work-based learning option through our assessment of prior learning centre, Capable NZ.
Disclaimer