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Applied Information Technology

Bachelor of Applied Computing Technologies

The courses have been designed with industry input to ensure what you learn today is what employers need tomorrow - saving you time and money while getting you ahead in a world where speed, scalability and adaptability are essential.

 

The degree consisting of specialisations: Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Network Engineering, Cyber Security, Software and Web Development.

Bachelor of Applied Computing Technology, BACT, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Network Engineering and Cyber Security, Software Development, Web Development

Outline

The Bachelor of Applied Computer Technologies at Whitecliffe takes you from solid foundations to real specialisation.

With a first year that builds your essential IT skills - hardware, networks, operating systems, and programming basics - you’ll be ready for what
comes next.

Your second year pushes deeper: Data Structures and Algorithms,Software Testing & Maintenance, and Enterprise Networking. You choose
electives that match your interests - Data Visualisation, Data Analysis, Machine Learning, Full Stack Mobile Development, Cyber Technician, and
Ethical Hacking Practices.

You’ll work with AI, data, software development, and cybersecurity. Our new Emerging Topics in AI course covers current developments in
artificial intelligence. You’ll work with research and applications - this where you want to focus if AI is where you want to be.

The third year opens up advanced courses: Cloud-Native Application Development, Enterprise Networking II, Time Series Analysis, and Cloud
Security. Electives include Natural Language Processing, Interaction Design, and Applied Cryptography & Blockchain - all focused on the skills
and knowledge you’ll use in the workplace.

Whether you want to work in AI research, build secure cloud systems, or design user interfaces, the BACT degree gets you there.

Key Dates

February 2026 Intake

16/02/2026

 

July 2026 Intake

20/07/2026

 

September 2026

21/09/2026

 

Duration

3 Years

Full-time

Available Locations

Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Manukau Campus
Christchurch Campus
Wellington Campus

Costs

Fees indicated are for 1st year of study 2nd and 3rd Year fees may vary.
All 2025 fees are subject to change and regulatory approval.

Domestic: $7,993 + $300 Student Services Levy

International: $19,950 + $300 Student Services Levy

The programme includes a final IT project that includes an industry placement.

Further study options:

Level 8 Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology
Level 9 Master of Information Technology with specialisations in Data Science and Cyber Security Bachelor of Applied Computing Technology, BACT, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Network Engineering and Cyber Security, Software Development, Web Development

Academic Calendar

2025 Academic Calendars

Qualification

Bachelor of Applied Computing Technologies
NZQA Level 7 (360 Credits)

Key Student Information

NZ Government key information link for students.

Tahatu Key Student Information

Where could this programme take you?

Network Engineer
Cybersecurity Specialist
Software Architect
Dev Ops Engineer
Security Systems Engineer
IP Design Engineer
IT Business Analyst
Infrastructure Support
Software Developer
Front-end/Back-end Developer
Software Release Manager
Systems Analyst
Application Developer
QA Test Analyst

Featured student work

Featured Alumni

Admission Requirements

Applicants must

  • Turn 17 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe

Have achieved NCEA Level 3 or above and 20 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above, including:

  •  14 credits each in three approved subjects, and
  • UE Literacy (NCEA Level 2 or above; 10 credits with 5 credits each in reading and writing), and
  • UE Numeracy (NCEA Level 1 or above; 10 credits)

or

  • A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the NZQF or above and the equivalent of UE Literacy and Numeracy

or

  • New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4).

 

International applicants must

  • Turn 18 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
  • Meet English language requirements: IELTS Test – Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5, or equivalent whitecliffe.ac.nz/apply/international-students
  • Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake this programme, which is taught and assessed in English. Any applicant whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of their English language competency
  • Meet New Zealand visa entry requirements whitecliffe.ac.nz/international-students

 

FAQ

What is the Bachelor of Applied Computing Technologies at Whitecliffe?


It is a 3-year NZQA Level 7 degree focused on industry-driven IT specialisations, preparing students for practical technology careers.

 

What specialisations are available in the Bachelor of Applied Computing Technologies degree?


The programme includes specialisations in Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Network Engineering, Cyber Security, and Software and Web Development.

 

What will students learn in the first year of the Bachelor of Applied Computing Technologies?


In the first year, students cover foundational IT skills including hardware, networks, Artificial Intelligence and programming basics.

 

What advanced topics are available in later years of the Bachelor of Applied Computing Technologies?


Advanced studies span machine learning, enterprise networking, software testing, cloud security, cloud-native development, natural language processing, interaction design, full stack mobile and web development and blockchain applications.

 

What is unique about the AI component of this degree?


There are several advanced AI courses, including time-series analysis, Emerging Topics in AI, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing.

 

What are the 2026 intake dates and duration for the Bachelor of Applied Computing Technologies?
 

The academic intake dates for the programme are listed in the programme information. Applicants should ensure their submission is complete before these dates to enrol in the programme.

 

Which Whitecliffe campuses offer the Bachelor of Applied Computing Technologies?


The degree is offered at Auckland City Symonds Street, Manukau, Christchurch, and Wellington campuses.

 

What are the tuition fees for this programme?
 

All fees are listed in the programme information and are subject to annual regulatory adjustments.

 

What further study options are available after completing this degree?


Graduates may pursue the Level 8 Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology or Level 9 Master of Information Technology with specialisations in Data Science and Cyber Security.

 

Who teaches the Bachelor of Applied Computing Technologies at Whitecliffe?


Most of the faculty are PhD-qualified and hold several industry certifications.  The faculty of information technology is industry-experienced with high-impact research profiles.   

Faculty Members

The vast majority of our team have extensive experience within their respective industries. This is key in helping us ensure our graduates have the real-world skills they need for a successful career and bright future.

Dr Muhammad Azam, Head of School, Applied Information Technology, IT, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Prof Dr Muhammad Azam

Programme Head

Applied Information Technology

Professor Muhammad Azam is a highly respected Computer Engineer and Chartered IT Professional rec ...

Dr Shahbaz Pervez Chattha, Programme Leader, IT, Applied Information Technology, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Prof Dr Shahbaz Pervez Chattha

Programme Chair

Applied Information Technology

Professor Dr. Shahbaz Pervez Chattha is a globally recognized cybersecuri ...

Pinal Shah

Pinal Shah

Lecturer

Applied Information Technology

Pinal Shah is a seasoned educator, researcher, author, and creative professional with over 15 yea ...

Amal Das, Lecturer, Information Technology, Whitecliffe

Amal Das

Lecturer

Applied Information Technology

Amal is a Microsoft as well as Cisco Certified Trainer with wide experience in all aspects of the ...

Jun Han, Lecturer, Information Technology, Certificate in IT Essentials, Manukau campus, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member, teacher

Jun Han

Lecturer

Applied Information Technology

Jun Han teaches our Certificate in IT Essentials on our Manukau campus. She joined Whitecliffe la ...

Dr Simon Yusuf Enoch, Lecturer, Applied Information Technology, IT, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member, Wellington Campus

Dr Simon Yusuf Enoch

Lecturer

Applied Information Technology

Simon holds a PhD in Computer Science (specializing in Cybersecurity) from the University of Cant ...

Rooshan Ghous, Information Technology

Rooshan Ghous

Research Associate & Co-ordinator for Centre of Research Excellence

Applied Information Technology

Rooshan is a Research Associate at the newly established Centre of Research Excellence at Whitecl ...

Dr. Badeea Al Sukhni, Information Technology

Dr Badeea Al Sukhni

Lecturer

Applied Information Technology

Dr Badeea Al Sukhni is a cybersecurity, digital forensics and machine learning researcher and lec ...

Dr Joseph Dang, Information Technology, PhD Computer Science, Master of Information Technology

Dr Joseph Dang

Lecturer

Applied Information Technology

Joseph earned his PhD in Computer Science from Victoria University of Wellington in 2023. His pre ...

Sana Alyaseri, Lecturer, School of Information Technology, Applied Information Technology, IT, Information Technology, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member, Manukau

Dr Sana Alyaseri

Senior Lecturer

Applied Information Technology

Dr. Sana Alyaseri began her career as a computer programmer and software developer in Iraq, earni ...

John Williams, Lab Assistant, Applied Information Technology, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

John Williams

Lab Assistant

Applied Information Technology

John has been an IT Trainer for over 30 years. John joined Whitecliffe as a Lab Assistant in 2023 ...