New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (Level 5)

Academic Requirements

Applicants under 20 years of age

• Achievement of NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at Level 3 or higher and 20 credits at Level 2 or higher) including
• A minimum of 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each of three subjects from the list of approved subjects
• A minimum of 10 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Maori made up of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing.

AND

• A minimum of 10 credits at Level 1* or above in Numeracy, made up of achievement standards – specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or unit standards - package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).

*for the list of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 standards that contribute to University Entrance requirements, please visit the NZQA website www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea

OR 

• Any qualification (New Zealand or overseas) recognised by NZQA as being equivalent to achievement of NCEA Level 3
• A qualification considered to be equivalent to the above

Applicants aged 20 years or above:

No academic qualifications are required. Evidence to support an applicant’s ability to successfully undertake the Programme with a reasonable likelihood of success may be requested.

English Language Requirements

All applicants must have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level. Those students whose first language is not English should have:

• An international English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall academic score of at least 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each band) issued within the last two years

OR

• A qualification considered to be equivalent to the above.

Other requirements

Students will require access to a recent model computer and a fast internet connection.

Special Entry

In exceptional circumstances an applicant who does not meet the entry requirements may be granted entry to the Programme where they supply evidence to satisfy the Head of Department or delegate of their ability to succeed on the Programme.

You are required to have your own laptop with these minimum specifications(external link).

Networking fundamentals

• Identify and discuss the main issues involved in computer networking in the business environment. 
• Explain and discuss the application of fundamental network principles to the design of computer networks. 
• Describe and use physical network components effectively within a computer network. 
• Describe and use software components effectively within a computer network. 
• Describe and explain the use of a range of Internetworking technologies .
• Implement a small client/server network, utilising a modern operating system.

Operating Systems and Application Software

• Understand key operating system concepts focussed on the areas of processor, memory, disk and network. 
• Perform typical file management operations, including secure file access. 
• Perform attended and unattended installations. 
• Install and manage system software and services. 
• Control and manage the boot process. 
• Manage system disks.

Database Concepts

• Discuss how data is used in organisations. 
• Outline the principles underlying database management systems. 
• Apply the basic processes and techniques of database design. 
• Describe the management and administration of a relational database. 
• Using a commercial database management system, create and use a small database.

Technology Support

• Discuss the basics of service standards, monitor service standards, and understand how management standards support exceptional customer service. 
• Understand the core “best practices” of an IT service desk as a function and perform troubleshooting and resolve a range of common system problems using appropriate tools and procedures. 
• Manage systems and applications to meet the performance, capacity, and business continuity requirements of an organisation. 
• Understand the issues of implementing service management processes into an organisation and creating a cycle of continuous improvement.