Study IT in New Zealand for a Respected, World-Class Qualification

Benefits of study and working in New Zealand’s IT industry

Working in the IT industry has a range of benefits. It’s a diverse and ever-changing career option, with the evolving technology industry. There is plenty of scope for specialisation, with remuneration awarded for in-demand roles.

The New Zealand IT industry: current and future growth

According to Connecticut-based technology research company Gartner, and other local industry experts, the New Zealand IT industry is growing. A combination of COVID-19 and increasing costs for offshore developers have spurred growth.

Tech is New Zealand’s third largest GDP contributor, and in 2020 the industry grew over 8% from 2019. Gartner predicts continued growth over the next few years, with Enterprise Software having the strongest growth, reflecting global trends.
There is a significant need for skilled IT professionals in New Zealand due to this growth.

Careers in IT you can pursue

IT careers in New Zealand include:

• Programmer
• Web developer
• Network/systems administrator
• Systems analyst
• IT tech support/help desk analyst
• Front end designer
• UX designer
• IT manager
• Network/ cyber security engineer
• App developer
• ICT project manager
• Security specialist
• Computer network and systems engineer
  

Student life in New Zealand

Students in New Zealand can expect a friendly, laid-back experience. New Zealand qualifications are of a high standard and are respected around the world. Students are encouraged to problem solve and work independently and collaboratively with their cohort. You are encouraged to have original thoughts and intelligent debate with lecturers and peers. New Zealand tertiary education is about inspiring initiative, resourcefulness, and innovation.

Make use of your time in Aotearoa New Zealand and explore the incredible landscape. No matter where you are, there’s beaches, mountains, and wildlife to see.

About Whitecliffe

Whitecliffe College is one of New Zealand’s highest-ranked and awarded research institutions in the private sector and has a long-standing record of academic excellence. Whitecliffe is an Art, Design, Fashion and Technology tertiary institute that produces high-quality graduates that are creative, critical and connected.

Whitecliffe’s information technology programmes have been developed in consultation with industry partners and employers to provide students with relevant, applied skills which focus on employment and long-term careers in a range of specialisations.

Whitecliffe’s blended learning system

Whitecliffe offers a blended learning environment, where students learn face-to-face and through online learning experiences. The blended model includes compulsory face-to-face lecturer-led learning sessions focused on specific concepts, skills, or learning problems; workshops, labs, and demonstrations; and online study. Whitecliffe’s unique blended learning model was created in response to calls from the industry.

This structure encourages a more diverse and inclusive group of learners, helping students develop time management and problem-solving skills, which are highly sought after, and expands the pathways into the IT industry.

IT programmes offered by Whitecliffe

• Certificate in IT Essentials (Level 4)
  Manukau Campus, Christchurch Campus
  This programme is a great place to start learning about the IT industry. It has a practical, hands-on focus which will provide you with the transferable skills and knowledge to be employed in a range of entry-level support roles in an organisation.
  
• Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5)
  Symonds Street Campus, Wellington Technology Campus, Christchurch Campus
  You will gain essential IT and professional skills that are needed in today’s IT industry with training in IT systems, programming principles, professional practice, data handling, and web concepts.
  
• Diploma in IT Technical Support (Level 5)
  Symonds Street Campus, Wellington Technology Campus, Christchurch Campus
  This programme prepares you to work in a range of entry level support roles in an organisation, which may include employment in roles such as computer technician, service desk or technical support, or provide a pathway to further IT related study.
  
• Diploma in Web Development + Design (Level 5)
  Symonds Street Campus, Wellington Technology Campus, Christchurch Campus
  This programme is designed for those looking to gain an entry-level role as a web developer. You’ll also gain the practical IT and professional skills needed to succeed in your IT career. On completion of this programme, graduates will be able to customise front-end web solutions or proceed to further IT related studies. They will also be capable of operating within applicable professional standards and practice, both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
  
• Diploma in Networking (Level 6)
  Symonds Street Campus, Wellington Technology Campus, Christchurch Campus
  This qualification will prepare you to enter employment in roles such as a network professional in a service environment. You will be capable of configuring, maintaining and monitoring networks, using internationally relevant skills and knowledge.
  
• Diploma in Software Development (Level 6)
  Symonds Street Campus, Wellington Technology Campus, Christchurch Campus
  This programme provides students with the opportunity to achieve a qualification in software development that meets industry requirements for appropriately qualified information technology employees.
  
• Bachelor of Applied Information Technology (Level 7)
  Wellington Technology Campus, Christchurch Campus
  This degree programme aims to prepare industry-ready graduates who are specialists in their chosen field of Network Engineering and Security or Software and Web Development. Graduates will develop a systemic and coherent understanding of Information Technology. This ITP accredited* degree programmes is industry-aligned, part of the Seoul Accord and an internationally recognised qualification.
  
• Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (Level 8)
  Symonds Street Campus, Wellington Technology Campus, Christchurch Campus
  The aim of this programme is to provide graduates with the knowledge and experience in their chosen field of study: Cyber Security, Ubiquitous Computing, Data Analysis, or Machine Learning.

You will build on your existing knowledge, develop research capability, and create innovative solutions in your chosen topic or area of interest. This qualification provides a pathway for graduates and students wishing to engage in higher-level studies or progress their career in the IT industry.

Contact us today to find out more

Learn more about the IT programmes at Whitecliffe and how they can help you kick start your career in New Zealand. Contact us to find out about IT qualifications in New Zealand, visa requirements, and student life in beautiful Aotearoa.

Note: * IT Professionals New Zealand Te Pou Hanarau Ngaio operates the IT industry's independent degree accreditation process, recognising and endorsing degree programmes that provide good pathways into industry and supporting international portability of qualifications.