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

Postgraduate Diploma of Applied Technologies-Computing

Upskill or add specialist skills to your qualifications by diving deeper into postgraduate study. Alongside an intro to research methodologies, you’ll complete a 30-credit applied project connected to your work or experience. 

Level
8
Credits
120 (1.0 EFTS)
Campus
Mt Albert
Start dates
February or July
Duration
Full-time for 1 year. Part-time options available.

Programme overview

Is it time to take the next step in your computing career? In this postgraduate diploma, you’ll build on the knowledge and skills of your undergraduate degree by concentrating on a specialisation you’re interested in – cybersecurity and networking, software development or data analytics and intelligence. You’ll gain deeper insights into a specific area of ICT while strengthening your leadership and collaboration capabilities. 
This programme includes two compulsory courses: Research Methods sets you up for advanced research if you do more postgraduate study, and Applied Project provides a chance to undertake and manage an IT project that expands your work experience.  

What you’ll 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 your performance and what you and your team can do to improve. 
  • Evaluate ever-changing and disruptive ICT environments with critical thinking and interdisciplinary strategies.
  • Critically analyse and develop your professional practice to promote open communication, inclusivity and ethical conduct. 

Highlights

  • Earn and learn. This programme is highly-flexible with blended learning (online, self-directed research, weekend on-campus classes), making it a great option for students and ICT professionals who want to work and study. 
  • Move your career up a level. With a postgraduate qualification, you’ll acquire higher-level knowledge and 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.  Apply highly specialised knowledge and skills to independently research and implement an applied-technology project.
  • Research-led. Design and carry out your applied research and collaborate with other professionals.
  • State-of-the-art facilities. You can apply what you’ve learned in our on-campus computer labs, which you can access seven days a week. 
  • Learn from the best. You’ll be guided and supported by highly-qualified and experienced IT practitioners who are experts in their respective fields. 
  • Continue with further postgraduate study. This programme cross-credits towards our Master of 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. You’ll analyse complex attacks, apply security protection mechanisms and assess potential internal and external threats and protective strategies.

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 wide variety of industries and projects. Over time, experienced software developers usually acquire one or more areas of specialisation – something employers often look for to fill higher-level positions. The courses in this specialisation focus on software development strategies and advanced technical skills such as machine learning, the Internet of Things, and web development.. 

Data Analytics and Intelligence
Hailed by many 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. Therefore, they need people with a deep understanding of best practice techniques and data analytics processes. The courses in this specialisation concentrate on applying data analytics tools to identify and solve issues in data-driven projects. 

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 430 KB)


International 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 English entry requirements;

​If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

Non-Academic requirements

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 430 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.
Applied Project (COMP8802) 30.0 credits (0.25 EFTS) This course will provide students with the opportunity to analyse applied technologies through the lens of their chosen pathway. Students will devise and conduct a small applied technologies-based investigative project that demonstrates intellectual independence and analytical rigour within a framework of information and principles related to their chosen applied technologies specialisation.
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.