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Study Computing and Information Technology at Unitec in Auckland, New Zealand! Apply now at enrol.unitec.ac.nz

Postgraduate Certificate of Applied Technologies-Computing

Get started on your postgraduate study journey – whether you’re working or just finished your computing degree, this six-month programme will introduce you to the world of research and prep you for higher-level jobs that require deeper analytical skills and thinking.  

Level
8
Credits
60 (0.5 EFTS)
Campus
Mt Albert
Start dates
February or July
Duration
Full-time for 6 months. Part-time options available.

Programme overview

You may have recently graduated with our Bachelor of Computing Systems and be keen to test the postgraduate waters. Or, you may have a few years’ work experience under your digital belt and are considering stepping into a more senior role. 

The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Technologies (Computing) is a six-month introductory programme to postgraduate study in computing. You’ll specialise in your area of interest: cybersecurity and networking, software development or data analytics and intelligence. It also includes a compulsory Research Methods course that will set you up for advanced research if you do more postgraduate study later.  

What you will learn:

  • Analyse complex real-world problems using advanced technical and theoretical knowledge, then develop effective digital solutions that deliver the best results. This includes reflecting on performance and what you and your team can do to improve.
  • Evaluate ever-changing and disruptive ICT environments with critical thinking and interdisciplinary strategies.
  • Design and carry out your applied research and collaborate with other professionals.
  • Critically analyse and develop your professional practice in a way that promotes open communication, inclusivity and ethical conduct. 

Highlights:

  • Earn and learn. This programme is a mix of on-campus weekend classes, online learning and self-directed research, making it a great option for ICT professionals who are already working and want to start postgraduate study.
  • Move your career up a level. With a postgraduate qualification, you’ll acquire higher-level knowledge and develop the necessary skills for your specialisation, strengthening your CV and the likelihood of a higher salary.
  • Made to fit your career goals. Most courses are elective – you can focus on one specialisation or a mix of all three and select the classes that suit your life schedule. 
  • Practical, applied learning. You can apply what you’ve learned in our state-of-the-art computer labs on-campus, which you can access seven days a week.
  • Learn from the best. You’ll be guided and supported by experienced IT practitioners who are experts in their respective fields.
  • Transition into further postgraduate study. This programme cross-credits towards our Master of Applied Technologies (Computing) and Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Technologies (Computing). 

Choose a specialisation

Cybersecurity and Networking
Cybersecurity and computer networks are constantly evolving and growing areas of IT, particularly as more organisations move their operations online and rely on virtual computer networks and cloud services. With cyber-attacks and remote-work security risks on the rise, the technology industry needs cybersecurity professionals and network engineers with the skills and strategic thinking to detect vulnerabilities, mitigate risks and develop policies and procedures for maintaining security in various computer network settings and cloud services – and that’s exactly what the courses in this specialisation focus on. 

Software Development
Software engineering regularly rates as one of the top jobs in the world. Why? In this field, you can apply your skills in a huge variety of industries and projects. Over time, experienced software developers usually develop one or more areas of specialisation – something employers often look for to fill higher-level positions. The courses in this specialisation focus on analysing complex software engineering problems and applying creative skills to develop advanced AI and web applications. 

Data Analytics and Intelligence
Hailed by many sources as one of the most in-demand tech talents, data analytics is a burgeoning industry. Businesses rely on data intelligence to optimise performance, maximise profit, improve customer experience and make fast, data-driven decisions. To do that, they need people who have a deep understanding of best practice techniques and data analytics processes. The courses in this specialisation focus on evaluating and applying different types of datasets and information to help effective business decision-making. 

Scholarships and Awards

We want to manaaki student success wherever we can – and scholarships are one of the ways we can do that. We have scholarships that recognise the achievements and challenges of dedicating yourself to learning.
Check out the postgraduate scholarships we have on offer or have a chat with our Scholarship Advisor- Postgraduate Scholarships

Student Support Services

Study success isn’t just about what you learn in the classroom – it’s also about making sure you’re well-supported to bring the best version of yourself to your studies. 

Whether it be academic support and career development, health and wellbeing or financial support, the doors to our various Student Support Services are open to you throughout your entire study journey. That way, no matter what life throws your way or what help you need, our support and aroha will always be available.

Admission requirements

What you will need to study this programme. 


Domestic students

Academic requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

  • A recognised bachelor degree in the same or similar discipline, with merit achievement, deemed to be an average grade of B- or higher in all Level 7 courses; or
  • A professional qualification in a relevant discipline, recognised as being equivalent to merit achievement in a bachelor degree, or equivalent.
And meet one of the English entry requirements;

Non-Academic requirements

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 422 KB)

Courses and timetables

For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2025; please check back again soon.

Courses Credits Aim
Research Methods in Applied Technologies (COMP8801) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide students with research skills in their chosen field of applied technologies. This may include: literature reviews, writing research proposals, formulating research questions or hypotheses, and applying methods that answer research questions.
Courses Credits Aim
Data Analytics and Intelligence (COMP8811) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To understand how data analytics create organisational values and to demonstrate visual representation of big data sets for exploring business intelligence and opportunities.
Data Warehousing and Big Data (COMP8812) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To understand the concept and challenges of big data, design and implementation of a data warehouse, and to create sophisticated decision models and scenarios.
Mobile Security (COMP8825) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to examine and evaluate key security principles and issues of mobile networks and platforms and critically analyse the impact of contemporary security developments on mobile platforms.
Mobile and Wireless Communications (COMP8827) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to analyse and evaluate the key aspects of current and latest mobile and wireless communications using organisational context.
Cloud Computing (COMP8828) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to gain in-depth knowledge of essential cloud computing services and their usage in the real-world context.
Advanced Applications of Cyber Security in Cloud Computing (COMP8829) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) The aim of this course is to equip the participants with an in-depth understanding of concepts, procedures and computing techniques for cybersecurity in the context of cloud-based systems and small size business infrastructure planning.
Machine Learning (COMP8831) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to critically evaluate machine learning algorithms and their applications in a wide range of artificial intelligent systems.
Internet of Things (COMP8832) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To develop an advanced technical knowledge and enhanced understanding of The Internet of Things technologies and their applications to a wide range of real-world problems.
Advanced Web Development (COMP8833) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to critically evaluate web-based systems to meet web development requirements and engage with organisation customers and apply processes and design strategies to solve customer relationship management (CRM) problem.