The strategic purpose of this degree is to provide students with a recognized applied information technology qualification in their chosen specialisation. The courses balance practical skills with academic knowledge and soft skills. Graduates will be technically knowledgeable, employable and skilled for IT-related positions of their chosen field or prepared for further study at postgraduate level. They will be able to contribute to their profession and society in an ethical manner. The strategic purpose of this new degree for Whitecliffe aligns to several important aspects that impacted programme development: · The long-term skills shortage within the sector particularly evident in the South Island and lower North Island. · The extensive stakeholder engagement identified a skill shortage in applied IT skills needed right now and into the foreseeable future in the workplace. · The strategic alignment with the New Zealand L5 and L6 qualifications. · Whitecliffe's future developments for 2020-2022 in emerging technologies, discussed in detail in the Whitecliffe Investment Plan 2019-2022 submitted to the Tertiary Education Commission. · To provide students with an introduction to design thinking concepts.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Information Technology will develop a systemic and coherent understanding of Information Technology. In their chosen specialisation of Network Engineering and Security or Software and Web Development they will develop knowledge and understanding that they can apply in the workplace and will prepare them for IT professional body membership and certification.

Core knowledge and skills:
* Apply critical thinking skills to resolve information technology challenges in a range of contexts and communicate ideas effectively.
* Select, adapt and apply a range of IT infrastructure, architecture and software development processes and solutions in their organisational or industry context.
* Manage the requirements analysis, design, development, implementation and quality assurance of Information Technology projects and systems.
* Apply ethical, legal and social practice within the industry, while working with professional intent, demonstrating a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
* Self-manage, lead and or collaborate within a project to generate and communicate the solutions identified to meet the needs of the market or business.
Specialised knowledge and skills:
* Identify opportunities for the application of specialist knowledge to a range of technical contexts including security, systems deployment and maintenance.
* Lead and implement change management processes and procedures for an organisation in their chosen area of specialisation.
Network Engineering and Security Graduates will be able to:
* Troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks on advanced security, voice, wireless and video solutions.

* Plan, configure, install and verify the implementation of complex enterprise switched and routed networks using current network architecture.
Software and Web Development Graduates will be able to:
* Design, develop and maintain software applications, web and mobile solutions and related technologies.
* Critically evaluate and implement solutions for software and web related environments.

Students successfully completing the Bachelor of Applied Information Technology will be equipped to undertake further study and progress to specialist postgraduate courses.

Applicants must demonstrate an ability to undertake degree level study, including appropriate knowledge and skills in the areas of written communication and mathematics, by having achieved:

* University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 or above and 20 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above, including:
* NCEA Level 3; 14 credits each in three approved subjects
and
* UE Literacy (NCEA Level 2 or above; 10 credits with 5 credits each in reading and writing)
and
* UE Numeracy (NCEA Level 1 or above; 10 credits)
OR
* A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the NZQF or above and the equivalent of UE Literacy and Numeracy
OR
* New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials
(Level 4)
OR
* A New Zealand or overseas qualification assessed to be equivalent to the above by the Programme Director
OR
* Passes in other certificate/diploma qualifications or courses as considered appropriate by the Programme Director.

Applicants who do not meet the above criteria may be eligible for admission with the approval of the Programme Director.

International applicants must have necessary English language proficiency, equivalent to NCEA Level 3. This can be demonstrated through evidence as described in NZQF Rules 18.2 to 18.4.