Bachelor of Information Technology

Programme Overview

The Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) is a hands-on degree designed to meet the high demand for skilled IT professionals. It balances theoretical computer science with practical applications in programming, infrastructure, and security.

Students choose a major to specialize their skills, but all graduates leave with a strong foundation in professional practice, ethics, and project management. The degree culminates in a major third-year industry project where students work with local businesses to solve real technical problems.

What You'll Study

The degree is divided into three stages, progressing from technical foundations to advanced specialization.

Year 1 (Level 5 Foundations):

• Core Technical: Programming Fundamentals, Hardware and Operating Systems, Networking, and Web Development.
• Professional: IT Professional Practice and Information Systems.

Year 2 (Level 6 Intermediate):

• Specialization: Modules according to your major (e.g., Data Structures & Algorithms for Software; Advanced Routing & Switching for Networking).
• Security & Data: Introduction to Cybersecurity and Database Systems.

Year 3 (Level 7 Advanced):

• Industry Project: A 45-credit capstone project involving real-world client requirements, system design, and implementation.
• Advanced Topics: Specialized electives such as Mobile App Development, Cloud Computing, or Advanced Network Security.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Industry Project: The major third-year project provides invaluable experience and often leads directly to employment offers.
• Modern Facilities: Access to specialized networking labs and high-spec hardware for software testing and virtualization.
• Practical Focus: Learning is reinforced through labs and workshops rather than just lecture-based theory.
• Local Tech Network: Benefit from Nelson's growing reputation as a hub for innovative tech startups and digital service providers.

Entry Requirements

• Academic: NCEA Level 3 (with UE) or a relevant Level 4 IT qualification.
• Alternative Entry: Applicants over 20 without formal qualifications may be admitted via "Special Admission" based on technical experience or a portfolio of work.
• Technology: Students are required to have a laptop. For this degree, a high-performance device is recommended (min. 16GB RAM, i7 or Ryzen 7 processor) to handle development environments and virtual machines.
• English: IELTS Academic 6.0 (all bands 5.5+) or equivalent for non-native speakers.