Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies
Info Systems
A course by
Ara Institute of Canterbury
A three-year degree advancing your knowledge in information and communication technologies with pathways in Information Systems, Networking and Infrastructure, or Software Development. Designed with industry input and strong practical and workplace learning components.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Madras Street Campus, Christchurch
It will take a total of 3 years
Core skills this course teaches
Develop advanced skills in ICT
Graduates will have advanced abilities in a range of ICT fields, including programming, networking, hardware, and software engineering.
Specialise in your chosen area
Students choose a pathway (Information Systems, Networking & Infrastructure, or Software Development) for in-depth study.
Practical and teamwork skills
Strong focus on practical application and group work prepares students for real-world IT projects and teamwork environments.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies at Ara equips students with comprehensive knowledge in computing, covering broad ICT areas in the first year and offering specialization in Information Systems, Networking and Infrastructure, or Software Development in later years. The programme features practical, work-ready skills, group projects, and a significant real-world capstone project. Graduates gain critical thinking, problem-solving, and advanced technical abilities directly sought by the IT industry.
Course Content
- Cloud Technologies and the Internet of Things
- Introduction to Networks
- Operating Systems
- Introduction to Programming
- Introduction to Software Engineering
- Database Design
- IT Practitioner Fundamentals
- Computational Methods
- System Infrastructure
- Network Infrastructure
- Routing and Switching Essentials
- Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation
- Best Programming Practices (Web and Mobile Development)
- Interactive Media Development
- Database Administration
- Web Development
- Best Programming Practices (C# .NET)
- Best Programming Practices (Java)
- Best Programming Practices (Server Side Programming PHP)
- Professional Practice
- Enterprise Solutions Deployment
- IT Service Management
- Research for Information Solutions
- Introduction to Enterprise Solutions Architecture
- Introduction to Enterprise Intelligence and Analytics
- Wireless Local Area Networks
- Network Security
- DevOps
- Cryptography
- Ethical Hacking and Testing
- Cloud Services
- Special Topics in Networking and Infrastructure
- Software Development Project
- Advanced Programming
- Managing Information and Cybersecurity
- Information Technology Governance
- Work Integrated Learning Project (capstone)
- Enterprise Solutions Architecture
- Enterprise Intelligence and Analytics
- Special Topic in Information Systems
- Mobile Technology
What you need to know first
New Zealand University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher), to include: 14 credits Level 3 mathematics, physics, statistics, or accounting; 14 credits Level 3 English, history, art history, classics, geography, or economics; one other approved subject.
Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above (5 in reading, 5 in writing)
Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above
OR one of: NZ Diploma in IT Technical Support (Level 5); Web Development & Design (Level 5); Networking (Level 6); Systems Administration (Level 6); NZ Certificate in Study & Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Business and ICT Pathway or equivalent
Alternative entry possible with evidence of equivalent skills/experience
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Information Technology
Business Analysis
Software Development
Network Management
Future employment opportunities might be
Business Analyst
Network Manager
Webmaster
IT Support Specialist
Database Administrator
Test Analyst
Systems Administrator
Web Developer
Interactive Media Developer
Software Developer/Programmer