Software Development
New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology (Software Development), Level 5. Learn to understand user needs and design, develop, test and improve secure, user-friendly software solutions.
- NZQA level
- 5
- Credits
- 120
- Full-time
- 36 weeks
- Tuition
- NZ$20,000
- 2027 intakes
- Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct
- Delivery
- Blended
Overview
The Software Development strand develops broad IT knowledge alongside practical skills in software design, application development, testing, security and performance optimisation.
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 human-centred software design, software testing and evaluation, and secure and efficient application development.
What you'll learn
During the programme, you'll learn how to:
- Analyse user and stakeholder needs to inform software design decisions
- Apply human-centred and accessibility principles when designing software interfaces
- Create wireframes, prototypes and other design artefacts to communicate software solutions
- Develop software using appropriate programming languages, frameworks and development tools
- Design and maintain database solutions that support organisational needs
- Plan and conduct testing to assess software functionality and usability
- Evaluate software using testing results and user feedback
- Recommend improvements that enhance software quality and user experience
- Apply secure coding practices, security controls and deployment methods
- Improve application reliability, maintainability, performance and efficiency
- Apply project management, communication, professional, legal and ethical practices in IT environments
Programme structure
This programme includes five core courses and three specialist courses from the Software Development 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 | ||
| Software Development strand | |||
| DIT521 | Human-Centred Software Design | None | 15 |
| DIT522 | Software Testing and Evaluation | DIT501, DIT502, DIT503 and DIT504 | 15 |
| DIT523 | Secure and Efficient Application Development | 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 Software Development strand. Term 4 focuses on the remaining two 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 Software Development 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 and software development tasks, including analysing user needs, designing interfaces, developing applications, testing software and improving its security and performance.
Assessment
Assessment may include practical tasks, software development projects, design artefacts, prototypes, testing documentation and written project work. You may be asked to analyse requirements, develop and test software solutions, evaluate user feedback, document your processes and recommend improvements.
Where this course can lead
Build practical, workplace-relevant skills for entry-level roles involving the design, development, testing and improvement of web-based and software solutions.
| Possible role direction | How the programme supports it |
|---|---|
| Entry-level Software Development | Develop programming, database and application-development skills using appropriate languages, frameworks and development tools. |
| Web-based Solutions Development | Learn to analyse requirements and design, develop, test and refine web-based or software solutions. |
| Software Design and Prototyping Support | Build skills in user research, human-centred design, accessibility, wireframing and interactive prototyping. |
| Software Testing and Evaluation Support | Learn to prepare test plans, conduct functionality and usability testing, document defects and recommend improvements. |
| Application Customisation Support | Develop skills in understanding user and organisational requirements and adapting software solutions to meet defined needs. |
| Secure Application Development Support | Apply secure coding, performance optimisation, security controls and deployment practices to improve software reliability and efficiency. |
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.