Infrastructure & Technical Support
New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology (Infrastructure & Technical Support), Level 5. Build the practical skills and broad IT knowledge needed to support users, systems and networks in modern workplaces.
- NZQA level
- 5
- Credits
- 120
- Full-time
- 36 weeks
- Tuition
- NZ$20,000
- 2027 intakes
- Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct
- Delivery
- Blended
Overview
The Infrastructure and Technical Support strand covers IT service management, technical support, networking and systems administration. You'll also develop foundational knowledge in IT infrastructure, business analysis, project management, programming and database development.
Through practical learning, you'll gain experience diagnosing technical issues, managing support requests, configuring networks and administering systems. You'll also learn to work professionally, independently and collaboratively in IT environments.
What you'll learn
During the programme, you'll learn how to:
- Install, configure and troubleshoot IT hardware, software and infrastructure
- Diagnose technical issues and provide effective user support
- Apply IT service-management processes to incidents, problems and service requests
- Install, configure, secure and optimise networking technologies and services
- Configure and administer operating systems and infrastructure services
- Manage users, system resources and administrative services
- Monitor system performance and implement backup and recovery procedures
- Apply business analysis, project-management and professional practices in IT environments
- Develop foundational programming and database skills
Programme structure
This programme includes five core courses and three specialist courses from the Infrastructure and Technical Support 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 | ||
| Infrastructure and Technical Support strand | |||
| DIT511 | IT Service Management & Technical Support | None | 15 |
| DIT512 | Networking Technologies & Infrastructure | DIT501, DIT502, DIT503 and DIT504 | 15 |
| DIT513 | Systems Administration & Optimisation | 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 Infrastructure and Technical Support strand. Term 4 focuses on the remaining specialist courses.
- 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 Infrastructure and Technical Support 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 involving technical support, networks and systems administration.
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 entry-level roles supporting IT users, systems and networks.
| Possible role direction | How the programme supports it |
|---|---|
| Computer Technician | Develop skills in IT service management, technical support, networking and systems administration. |
| Help Desk or Technical Support Officer | Learn to manage support requests, diagnose technical issues and provide effective technical support. |
| Entry-level Network Administrator or Network Engineer | Build practical skills in installing, configuring, securing and troubleshooting networks and infrastructure. |
| Applications Support Analyst | Develop technical support, service management and systems administration skills to support applications and users. |
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.
Ready to build your future in IT support and infrastructure?
Explore the courses in this strand or start your application.