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Applied Information Technology

Choose from a suite of Certificate to Master's level programmes designed with industry partners to align with global standards and demands. Programmes are complimented by industry-recognised certifications and micro-credentials.

Whitecliffe has agreements with professional bodies, such as EC Council, Microsoft, Cisco, RedHat, CompTIA and Oracle. Endorsed by IT Professionals New Zealand and part of the Seoul Accord.

start with the right tech qualification!

Choose from industry-aligned programme designed to equip you with the skills, specialisation and confidence to lead in tomorrow’s digital world.

   

DEGREES + COURSES

Certificate in Information Technology Essentials

Key Dates

July 2025 Intake

21/07/2025

August 2025 Intake

18/08/2025

Available Locations

Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Manukau Campus
Christchurch Campus

The 18-week practical programme is designed to teach fundamental knowledge and transferrable skills that can be applied to entry-level roles and further study.

Where will this programme take you?

Junior IT Support Roles
Junior Helpdesk Roles
Junior Programming Roles
Junior Development Roles

Certificate in Information Technology

Key Dates

July 2025 Intake

21/07/2025

August 2025 Intake

18/08/2025

Available Locations

Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Manukau Campus
Christchurch Campus
Wellington Campus

August Intake - Evening online classes and In-person Labs

The 18-week programme covers a range of theory and practice, and teaches technical support fundamentals, information systems, software development fundamentals, and web concepts.

Where will this programme take you?

Junior Programmer
Junior Web Developer
Junior Helpdesk Support Roles
Junior IT Support Roles
Field Technician

Bachelor of Applied Information Technology

Key Dates

May 2025 Intake

05/05/2025

July 2025 Intake

21/07/2025

October 2025 Intake

06/10/2025

February 2026 Intake

16/02/2026

Available Locations

Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Wellington Campus
Christchurch Campus

The 3 Year programme is an industry endorsed and internationally recognised programme designed to teach a systemic and coherent understanding of relevant technical skills and conceptual knowledge.

Where will 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

Bachelor of Applied Computing Technologies

Key Dates

February 2026 Intake

16/02/2026

July 2026 Intake

20/07/2026

September 2026

21/09/2026

Available Locations

Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Manukau Campus
Christchurch Campus
Wellington Campus

The 3 Year programme is industry endorsed and internationally recognised programme specialising in Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Network Engineering, Cyber Security, Software and Web Development. Subject to NZQA approval*

Where will 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

Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology

Key Dates

March 2026 Intake

30/03/2026

Available Locations

Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Wellington Campus
Christchurch Campus

The 1 Year programme is designed for new bachelor’s graduates, or those working in the industry seeking an advanced qualification aligned with industry needs.

Where will this programme take you?

Cyber Security Engineer
Penetration Tester
Network Security Engineer
Data Scientist
Data Engineer
Big Data Engineer
Data Visualisation Developer
Business Intelligence (BI) Engineer
Statistician

Master of Information Technology

Key Dates

July 2025 Intake

27/07/2025

November 2025 Intake

24/11/2025

March 2026 Intake

30/03/2026

Available Locations

Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Wellington Campus
Christchurch Campus

The 1 Year programme positions graduates for specialist and leadership roles. For candidates considering an academic career through doctoral studies, progression from the Masters programme is possible, subject to a student’s performance meeting the entry requirements of the receiving institution.

Where will this programme take you?

Cyber Security Manager
Cyber Security Consultant
Cyber Security Analyst
Security Operations Centre (SOC) Manager
Penetration Tester
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Administrator
Network Security Engineer
Security Consultant
Governance, Risk Management and Compliance (GRC) Consultant
Technology Solutions Architect
Senior Technology Advisor
Senior Data Scientist
Data Architect
Big Data Engineer
Business Analytics Specialist
Data Visualization Developer
Business Intelligence (BI) Engineer
BI Solutions Architect
BI Specialist
Analytics Manager
Statistician

MICRO-CREDENTIALS

Cyber Technician

15 credits, Level 6

Key Dates

Intake: 02/06/2025

Intake: 06/10/2025

Location:

100 % online study

Open to:

Adults with IT industry experience seeking to upskill or shift to new roles.

School leavers with experience in IT may require additional support.

Duration:

9 weeks (150 hours total)

Network Defender

15 credits, Level 6

Key Dates

Intake: 04/08/2025

Intake:

Location:

100% online study

Open to:

Individuals with knowledge of networking and infrastructure tools and techniques

Duration:

9 weeks (150 hours total)

Full Stack JavaScript Development

40 credits, Level 6

Key Dates

Intake: 06/10/2025

Intake:

Location:

100 % online study

Open to:

Individuals with knowledge of networking and infrastructure tools and technique

Duration:

18 weeks (450 hours total)

Digital Forensics and Network Defence Essentials

15 credits, Level 6

Key Dates

Intake: 04/08/2025

Intake:

Location:

100 % online study

Open to:

Individuals with knowledge of networking and infrastructure tools and technique

Duration:

9 weeks (150 hours total)

Ethical Hacking Practices

15 credits, Level 6

Key Dates

Intake: 02/06/2025

Intake: 06/10/2025

Location:

100 % online study

Open to:

Adults with IT industry experience related to information security/network security seeking to upskill or shift to new roles.

School leavers with experience in IT (possible additional guidance may be required for such learners)

Duration:

9 weeks (150 hours total)

Full Stack Python Development

40 credits, Level 6

Key Dates

Intake: 02/06/2025

Intake:

Location:

100 % online study

Open to:

Adults with IT industry and/or L5 programming experience seeking to upskill or shift to new roles requiring Python.

Level 5 knowledge and skills through work experience or qualifications, such as programming knowledge, CSS HTML Adults seeking skills in Python programming to create front and back-end designs in the context of IT industry Practice.

Duration:

18 weeks (450 hours total)

Full Stack .Net Development

40 credits, Level 6

Key Dates

Intake: 04/08/2025

Intake:

Location:

100 % online study

Open to:

Adults in IT industry and/or L5 programming experience seeking to upskill or shift to new roles requiring .Net.

Level 5 knowledge and skills through work experience or qualifications, such as programming knowledge, CSS HTML.

Adults seeking skills in .Net programming to create front and back-end designs in the context of IT Industry Practice.

Duration:

18 weeks (450 hours total)

Why whitecliffe?

Study in world-class campuses with cutting-edge labs and small classes. Join students from 20+ countries and connect with tech leaders in New Zealand’s $13.5 billion tech industry.

  • Flexible full-time or part-time study options.
  • Stackable pathways to higher qualifications.
  • Gain in-demand skills in programing languages such as React, Python and Java
  • Work for top companies or start your own tech venture
  • Build a job-ready portfolio with 400+ handson labs
  • Work with global tech giants or secure NZ’s largest companies
Full Stack JavaScript Development

WHY STUDY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY?

The stats speak for themselves

Information Technology security icon

40%

GROWTH

In cybersecurity roles by 2025

Information technology laptop icon

19,000

NEW JOBS

In software development across ANZ by 2026

Information technology people icon

75%

OF FUTURE JOBS

Will require digital skills by 2030

The future is being built—be part of it.

In New Zealand, Tech contributes $13.5 billion annually to the economy.

OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS

We partner with Globally recognised techology brands

microsoft logo oracle logo EC councel cisco logo red hat logo

frequent asked questions

1. What Information Technology programmes can I study at Whitecliffe?

We offer a full range of IT programmes, including a Bachelor of Applied Information Technology and a one-year Master's degree. We provide pathways into the field with our Certificate in Information Technology and Diploma in Web Development & Design. For those looking to advance their expertise, we also offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology.

 

2. What is the main focus of the Bachelor of Applied Information Technology
degree?

The degrees main focus is to make you industry-ready by blending deep technical knowledge with practical, hands-on skills. You will be prepared for a career in high-demand fields like software development, networking infrastructure, cybersecurity, systems analysis, and data analytics.

 

3. What are the entry requirements for the Bachelor’s degree?

The main entry requirement for the Bachelor’s degree is NCEA Level 3 or an equivalent qualification for domestic students. For specific entry details for all our IT programmes, including postgraduate and certificate-level options, please refer to the individual programme pages.

 

4. What kind of job can I get with an IT qualification from Whitecliffe?

An IT qualification from Whitecliffe prepares you for high-demand roles such as Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Network Administrator, Web Developer, and Data Analyst. The tech sector in New Zealand is growing rapidly, and our programmes are designed to align with the skills employers are actively looking for.

 

5. Are there practical components or industry placements in the IT programmes?

Yes, our IT degrees include significant practical experience, including an industry project within the Bachelor’s programme. This gives you invaluable hands-on experience, allowing you to apply your learning to a professional environment and build connections before you even graduate.

 

6. What makes Whitecliffe’s IT programmes unique?

Our IT programmes are unique due to our deep industry partnerships and exclusive accreditations. Whitecliffe is the only provider in New Zealand with EC-Council accreditation for ethical hacking, and our Master’s programme is aligned with leading industry certifications from Microsoft and CompTIA, giving you a distinct advantage in the job market.

 

7. How much does it cost to study IT and is financial help available?

Tuition fees vary by programme, and financial help is available for domestic students through options like StudyLink loans and the government’s Fees Free policy. You can find detailed fee information on each programme page.

 

8. Can international students apply for IT programmes?

Yes, international students are welcome to apply. You will need to meet the academic and English language requirements for your chosen programme, and our Admissions Team is here to help guide you through the application and student visa process.

 

9. Can I study IT part-time or through flexible learning?

Yes, you can study IT flexibly through our blended learning model, which combines on-campus, face-to-face learning with the convenience of online study. This approach is designed to support students who may be balancing work or other commitments.

 

10. Why is now a good time to study IT in New Zealand?

It is an excellent time to study IT because New Zealand’s fast-growing tech sector has a significant skills shortage. This creates high demand and strong career opportunities for graduates, with roles like Cybersecurity Analyst and Software Engineer being on the government’s Green List’s for skilled migrants. IT FAQs (higher level overview by Whitecliffe)