Level 5

Study information technology (IT) support

Future-proof your career with skills in information technology (IT).
Overview

Programme highlights

Future-proof your career with skills in information technology (IT).

You'll learn what it takes to help businesses navigate the ever-changing IT landscape.

Learn how to solve common technical support issues and develop service management and customer service skills.

Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to work in roles such as:

  • Computer technician
  • Help desk and technical support officer
  • Entry-level network administrator.
    Entry requirements

    Entry requirements

    Applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

    Learners enrolling are recommended to hold one of the following qualifications, or have equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.

    • NCEA Level 2 or 3 including Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy
    • New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3)
    • New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Advanced User) (Level 4)
    • New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)
    • New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5)

    International

    • IELTS 5.5 (no band lower than 5.0) or equivalent

    or

    • Achieved the academic entry requirements in New Zealand or at an institution where English was the language of tuition and assessment.

    Special Entry

    • An applicant who does not meet all entry requirements may be granted entry where the Head of School responsible for the programme is satisfied the applicant is capable of undertaking the programme.

    Entry equipment/material requirements

    • Access to Windows computer/laptop/tablet

    Special & discretionary admission

    Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. Te Pūkenga works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme. Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme may be eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.

    Need IELTS?

    Book your British Council IELTS test with us.

    You will complete your test in one day, plus get free online tuition to help you succeed. We offer paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS. Choose computer-delivered IELTS and get your results in 3-5 days.

    Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

    Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?

    Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.

    Programme structure

    Programme structure

    You will need to complete the below eight courses (120 credits):

    Content includes computer infrastructure and networking, software development, SQL and web design tools, planning, designing and creating solutions, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, communication, legislation and ethics and trends in the use of digital tools. You will also gain experience in the soft skills areas such as professional conduct, self-confidence, communication, people skills and teamwork.

    563.543 IT system overview (15 credits)

    This course introduces the skills and knowledge students will require to enable them to provide effective IT solutions for an organisation.

    563.544 Database administration (15 credits)

    This course introduces students to key database concepts as well as developing skills to manage and administrate a relational database.

    563.545 Hardware servicing (15 credits)

    This course introduces students to the troubleshooting and maintenance of computer hardware, software, and peripherals. The students will understand the fundamentals and basic concepts of computer security networks.

    563.546 Professional practice (15 credits)

    The course enables students to apply professional, legal, and ethical principles and practices in a socially responsible manner, and apply business concepts and analysis, communication, and interpersonal skills relevant to IT roles.

    563.547 IT technical support (15 credits)

    The course enables students to apply knowledge of IT Service Management and be able to troubleshoot and resolve a range of common systems, networking, application and security problems using appropriate tools and procedures.

    563.548 Server management (15 credits)

    This course enables students to demonstrate skills in planning, building, maintaining, troubleshooting, securing, and supporting server hardware and software.

    563.549 Fundamentals of programming and problem-solving (15 credits)

    The course enables students to learn and apply the principles of problem solving to create simple working applications by programming and software development.

    563.550 Implementing networks (15 credits)

    This course introduces students to the fundamental networking concepts and technologies and the skills needed to implement and maintain a simple network in a secure manner.

    Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?

    Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.

    Careers and pathways

    Further training or study

    The qualification provides a pathway to Level 6 specialist or other higher-level IT qualifications. These may include:

    • New Zealand Diploma in IT Infrastructure (Level 6) with strands in Networking, and Systems Administration
    • New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 6) with strands in Business Analysis, User Experience, IT Project Management, Information Systems Innovation, and Data Analysis
    • New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (Level 6)

    Further education pathways include higher-level IT-related qualifications as well as industry certifications.

    Career opportunities

    Graduates of this diploma will have the skills and knowledge to work in roles such as computer technician, help desk and technical support officer, and entry-level network administrator and applications support analyst roles.

    For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.

    Fees Free scheme: Free study for the first or final year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the Government’s Fees Free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must be eligible to study as a domestic student. Note: The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, starting from January 2025. Learners who have already used Fees Free in their first year of study won’t be able to access Fees Free under the new final-year policy. However, from now until the end of 2025, first-year Fees Free will operate under ‘first-year transition rules’. For more information, visit feesfree.govt.nz/2025. All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.

    Information is correct as at 28 August 2024. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. To provide you with an indication of costs, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2025 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2025 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2025 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2025 are based on the 2024 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2025. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.