Applied Digital Technologies
New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology (Applied Digital Technologies), Level 5. Learn to evaluate technology, understand stakeholder needs, design practical solutions and implement digital tools that support operations, user experiences and innovation.
- NZQA level
- 5
- Credits
- 120
- Full-time
- 36 weeks
- Tuition
- NZ$20,000
- 2027 intakes
- Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct
- Delivery
- Blended
Overview
The Applied Digital Technologies strand develops broad IT knowledge alongside practical skills in evaluating, designing and implementing digital solutions for organisations.
You'll complete five core courses covering IT infrastructure, business analysis and project management, technical support, programming and database development. You'll then complete three specialist courses focused on digital technology strategy, digital solution design and digital solution implementation.
What you'll learn
During the programme, you'll learn how to:
- Evaluate contemporary digital technologies and how they are used in organisations
- Analyse how technology can support organisational strategy, processes and performance
- Recommend suitable digital technologies based on organisational needs and opportunities
- Analyse stakeholder and user requirements to inform digital solution design
- Apply design thinking and contemporary methods to develop digital solutions
- Create wireframes, mock-ups and prototypes using contemporary digital tools
- Implement, test, troubleshoot and refine digital solutions to meet stakeholder requirements
- Apply project management, communication, professional, legal and ethical practices in IT environments
- Develop foundational skills in technical support, programming and database development
Programme structure
This programme includes five core courses and three specialist courses from the Applied Digital Technologies strand.
| Course code | Course title | Prerequisite | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core courses | |||
| DIT501 | IT Infrastructure Fundamentals | 15 | |
| DIT502 | Business Analysis and Project Management | 15 | |
| DIT503 | Technical Support Operations | 15 | |
| DIT504 | Programming Fundamentals | 15 | |
| DIT505 | Database Design and Development | 15 | |
| Total core course credits | 75 | ||
| Applied Digital Technologies strand | |||
| DIT531 | Digital Technologies and Strategy | None | 15 |
| DIT532 | Digital Solution Design | DIT501, DIT502, DIT503 and DIT504 | 15 |
| DIT533 | Digital Solution Implementation | 15 | |
| Total programme credits | 120 | ||
Duration & study commitment
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 weeks | 9 weeks | 9 weeks | 9 weeks | 36 weeks |
This full-time programme is delivered over four terms, with nine teaching weeks in each term. Learners complete two courses per term.
2027 intake dates
You can start this programme in February, April, July or October 2027.
| February 2027 intake | Starts Monday 22 February 2027 |
|---|---|
| April 2027 intake | Starts Monday 19 April 2027 |
| July 2027 intake | Starts Monday 12 July 2027 |
| October 2027 intake | Starts Monday 4 October 2027 |
We confirm your exact start and finish dates when you apply.
Your course journey
Terms 1 and 2 build your shared IT foundation. In Term 3, you complete the final core course and begin the Applied Digital Technologies strand. Term 4 focuses on the remaining specialist courses in digital solution design and implementation.
- Term 1Core courses that build your shared IT foundation.
- Term 2More core courses to complete your foundation.
- Term 3The final core course, then you begin the Applied Digital Technologies strand.
- Term 4The remaining specialist courses in your strand.
How you'll study
This programme uses blended delivery, combining guided learning, practical activities and self-directed study. You'll apply your knowledge through realistic IT tasks. Term 4 focuses on specialist courses in digital solution design and implementation.
Assessment
Assessment may include practical tasks, projects, written work, presentations and demonstrations of technical skills. Assessments are designed to show that you can apply your learning in realistic IT situations.
Where this course can lead
Build practical, workplace-relevant skills for roles that use digital tools and systems to support business operations, improve user experiences and contribute to innovation.
| Possible role direction | How the programme supports it |
|---|---|
| Digital Operations Support | Develop skills in using digital tools and systems to support organisational processes, capability and performance. |
| Business Systems or Applications Support | Learn to evaluate digital technologies, understand user needs and support the effective use of organisational systems. |
| Digital Solutions Support | Build skills in gathering requirements and designing, prototyping, implementing and refining digital solutions. |
| Junior Digital Project Support | Develop business-analysis, project-management, documentation and stakeholder communication skills. |
| Technology Implementation Support | Learn to prepare solution components, implement digital tools, test functionality and troubleshoot technical or usability issues. |
The programme supports entry-level employment and further study. It does not guarantee employment, a particular job title or professional certification.
Further study
After completing this qualification, you may progress to higher-level IT study or relevant industry certifications. Potential pathways include:
- New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity (Level 6)
- Bachelor of AI Assisted Information Technology (Level 7), subject to NZQA approval
- Relevant industry certifications
Not sure which strand?
Tell us what kind of work interests you, and our team can help you compare the three strands.
Entry requirements
International learners
You must be 18 years or older and meet one of the following:
- NCEA Level 2 or Level 3 (with University Entrance)
- Evidence of secondary school achievement at an equivalent level
- A qualification in Computing, Information Technology or Digital Technology at Level 3 or 4
- An equivalent qualification in Computing, Information Technology or Digital Technology
All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language proficiency before being accepted into the programme.
English language requirements
All applicants must meet the English language requirements for a Level 5 programme delivered in New Zealand. You'll need one of the following. Results must come from one test taken in the last 2 years.
| IELTS Academic | 5.5 overall, no band score lower than 5 |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) | 46, with a writing score of 14 |
| Cambridge English Qualifications | B2 First or B2 First for Schools with a score of 162, no less than 154 in each skill |
| OET | Minimum Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests |
| NZCEL | Level 4 (General) or (Employment) |
| Pearson Test of English (Academic) | PTE Academic 42, no band lower than 36 |
| LanguageCert | International ESOL B2 Communicator with overall High Pass and no less than 25/50 in each skill; or Academic with 60 overall and no skill below 55 |
| Trinity ISE | ISE II with no less than Merit, or 90 in any band |
Previous tertiary study or relevant work experience may count towards your qualification. Read about credit for prior learning.
We can't wait to welcome you
Sign up today and one of our team will be in touch within 24 hours. We'll help you choose your course, check your entry requirements and plan for the 2027 intake.