Qualification Overview

Qualification Title Bachelor of Information & Communication Technologies
Qualification Type Bachelor Degree
Level 7
Credits 360
Subject Area
  • Information Technology » Information Systems » Information Systems not elsewhere classified
Strategic Purpose Statement
The Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology (BICT) is a practical, career-focused programme designed for recent school leavers, career changers, and IT professionals seeking a formal qualification. It aims to develop work-ready graduates who can meet the evolving demands of the IT industry, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.
The programme enables ākonga to apply knowledge, skills, and capabilities to support the IT solution delivery lifecycle across various industries, business environments, and community organisations.
Graduates will be equipped to interact with diverse clients, formulate technology projects, manage projects effectively, and communicate developments clearly throughout the design and development of solutions.
Graduate profile
Graduates of this programme will be able to: 1. Apply specialist technical Information Communication Technology (ICT) knowledge and skills to provide business solutions. 2. Employ critical, systematic and strategic thinking and analytical skills to evaluate and solve complex business problems in a changing global environment. 3. Apply ethical dimensions for decision making to uphold social responsibility and sustainable practice. 4. Advise on technology deployment decision making in a range of organisational, professional, social, and multi-cultural contexts. 5. Apply self-directed learning and research to maintain currency and lead future development. 6. Communicate effectively in a professional manner with stakeholders, colleagues, and clients. 7. Work effectively, both independently and across teams, in diverse cultural contexts. 8. Demonstrate knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance throughout the deployment and application of technology solutions in realising New Zealand/Aotearoa cultural aspirations.
Education pathways
Graduates of the BICT may seek entry into postgraduate level programmes of study in the field of ICT.
Employment pathways
Graduates will be equipped to pursue a range of roles across the ICT sector, including solution design and deployment, infrastructure management, and application development.
Potential roles include IT business analyst, enterprise solutions analyst, software developer, test analyst, systems analyst, network designer, and infrastructure or network operations specialist. They may also contribute to areas such as performance monitoring, system security, and proof-of-concept or prototyping initiatives.
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
University Entrance as specified by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority
OR
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Construction and ICT Pathway
OR
A qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework at Level 4 or above in a related discipline.
Note: If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
Alternative Requirements
Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic Requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry. This may include Recognition of Prior Learning. Contact Ara for advice.
English Requirements
If English is not the applicant's first language, applicants will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact us for an assessment.
* IELTS 6.0 Academic (no lower than 5.5 in any subtest)
Note:
IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
Applicants who have achieved New Zealand University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.
Education Organisation Ara Institute of Canterbury
Developed By Ara Institute of Canterbury
Quality Assured By New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Number CH3866
Status Current
Created September 2018
Next Review December 2030
Content
Through a commitment to hands on learning students will gain a strong grounding in the analytical, technical and theoretical concepts of computer based information systems. The BICT also emphasizes the human and organizational aspects that relate to the use of such technology including organizational management, project management and technical communication.
By covering these interrelated topics, the BICT provides a practical link between the latest computer technology and its application to today's business environment ensuring that students are well equipped to take their place in this exciting and constantly changing industry.
Although the core focus of the BICT is information systems, students may also choose an elective stream in Programming, Multimedia, Data Communications and Networking, and Information Systems and Strategies.

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Matauranga Maori Qualification

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Education pathways

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