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- New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (Level 5)
Study information technology (IT) support
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 1 year (34 teaching weeks), part-time available
The maximum time to complete this programme part-time is 3 years.
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Start dates
February, July
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Qualification
New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (Level 5)Programme code: NZ2596 -
Credits
120 -
Locations
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Domestic fees
$7,700 (approx.)
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International fees
NZD $26,000 (approx.)
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Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
Programme highlights
Future-proof your career with skills in information technology (IT).
You'll learn what it takes to help businesses navigate the ever-changing IT landscape.
Learn how to solve common technical support issues and develop service management and customer service skills.
Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to work in roles such as:
- Computer technician
- Help desk and technical support officer
- Entry-level network administrator.
Entry requirements
Applicants must meet the following entry requirements:
Learners enrolling are recommended to hold one of the following qualifications, or have equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.
- NCEA Level 2 or 3 including Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy
- New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3)
- New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Advanced User) (Level 4)
- New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)
- New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5)
International
- IELTS 5.5 (no band lower than 5.0) or equivalent
or
- Achieved the academic entry requirements in New Zealand or at an institution where English was the language of tuition and assessment.
Special Entry
- An applicant who does not meet all entry requirements may be granted entry where the Head of School responsible for the programme is satisfied the applicant is capable of undertaking the programme.
Entry equipment/material requirements
- Access to Windows computer/laptop/tablet
Special & discretionary admission
Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. Te Pūkenga works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme. Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme may be eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.
Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?
Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below eight courses (120 credits):
Content includes computer infrastructure and networking, software development, SQL and web design tools, planning, designing and creating solutions, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, communication, legislation and ethics and trends in the use of digital tools. You will also gain experience in the soft skills areas such as professional conduct, self-confidence, communication, people skills and teamwork.
563.543 IT system overview (15 credits)
This course introduces the skills and knowledge students will require to enable them to provide effective IT solutions for an organisation.
563.544 Database administration (15 credits)
This course introduces students to key database concepts as well as developing skills to manage and administrate a relational database.
563.545 Hardware servicing (15 credits)
This course introduces students to the troubleshooting and maintenance of computer hardware, software, and peripherals. The students will understand the fundamentals and basic concepts of computer security networks.
563.546 Professional practice (15 credits)
The course enables students to apply professional, legal, and ethical principles and practices in a socially responsible manner, and apply business concepts and analysis, communication, and interpersonal skills relevant to IT roles.
563.547 IT technical support (15 credits)
The course enables students to apply knowledge of IT Service Management and be able to troubleshoot and resolve a range of common systems, networking, application and security problems using appropriate tools and procedures.
563.548 Server management (15 credits)
This course enables students to demonstrate skills in planning, building, maintaining, troubleshooting, securing, and supporting server hardware and software.
563.549 Fundamentals of programming and problem-solving (15 credits)
The course enables students to learn and apply the principles of problem solving to create simple working applications by programming and software development.
563.550 Implementing networks (15 credits)
This course introduces students to the fundamental networking concepts and technologies and the skills needed to implement and maintain a simple network in a secure manner.
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?
Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.
Further training or study
The qualification provides a pathway to Level 6 specialist or other higher-level IT qualifications. These may include:
- New Zealand Diploma in IT Infrastructure (Level 6) with strands in Networking, and Systems Administration
- New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 6) with strands in Business Analysis, User Experience, IT Project Management, Information Systems Innovation, and Data Analysis
- New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (Level 6)
Further education pathways include higher-level IT-related qualifications as well as industry certifications.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this diploma will have the skills and knowledge to work in roles such as computer technician, help desk and technical support officer, and entry-level network administrator and applications support analyst roles.
For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
See why more people choose digital technologies at MIT
"I chose to study at MIT after attending an open day and meeting the lecturers who I felt could help me get the right start in my career. It was a great choice. During my studies for a Bachelor of Information Systems, I gained expert knowledge, tools and valuable industry experience through an internship. I’m dyslexic but the open learning style at MIT allowed me to overcome any potential disadvantage from this.
Everyone I graduated with got jobs quickly, and there are so many opportunities with ICT in New Zealand and overseas. I’m working as a web developer, which I love. Thanks to what I learnt at MIT I can quickly pick up new technologies and techniques, and use them effectively in my job.
My employer has commented on the strong industry knowledge I gained at MIT and the new ideas I continue to bring to the company."
Louis Rogers
MIT graduate
"I chose to study at MIT because of its strong academic reputation. The graduate diploma allowed me to develop industry-specific skills and the professors are world-class.
The training I gained in the IT industry set me up for a career in almost any sector I could imagine including financial services, education, transportation, manufacturing, oil and gas, government, hospitality and healthcare. Graduates with ICT and networking skills are in short supply worldwide.
Since graduating, I have got a job as a service desk engineer, providing technical services to the company and customers.
My qualification is recognised anywhere in the world. MIT has given me an excellent foundation to be an immediate contributor to the IT field and for achieving my goal of becoming a managed services engineer.”
Navdeep Kaur
MIT graduate
"After leaving high school I was a little lost but I enjoyed playing on the computer as a hobby, so I decided I would give digital technologies a try. The course teaches us a lot about web design and coding. It is difficult but also really fun.
After studying you can go and work in IT or you can use your skills to build your own websites, so it will help if you want to start a career in that.
What I enjoy most about MIT is the opportunity to make new friends. It’s a fun and outgoing atmosphere here. You learn new things every day. I want to aim for my bachelors and try to make it in life."
Jorden Souriyavong
MIT student
"There are so many success stories from MIT - I knew right away this was the place to start my future.
I’ve always been interested in computers and wanted to know more, so taking the next step to pursue this as a career was a natural choice. I chose to study a Bachelor of ICT to learn the fundamentals and am now qualified to go straight into the industry. There are so many job opportunities open to me, which is really exciting.
As a female, studying in a male-dominated sector was a little intimidating at first, but the support of the people around me, including the lecturers, gave me the confidence to believe in myself.
My advice to anyone considering MIT would be to not let anything stand in the way of pursuing your dreams."
Sam Khiev
MIT graduate
"I chose this subject because it's always been a passion of mine. Since I was a 4-year old I was playing with computers. This just felt like the right place to come.
We are studying a range of exciting courses like technical support, computer architecture, and software development. We are learning how to code, create websites, assemble and disassemble computers. If you are ever interested in working in the software or hardware side of things then computer development is for you, that’s what you want to do. It provides you with so many practical skills, life skills, and even social skills.
My goal is to land a safe and steady job that will allow me to provide for myself and other people."
Daniel Owen tongia-Lennon
MIT student
"I am an international student. I study digital technologies, majoring in software development.
My husband is an IT guy, that is where my interest in the subject started from. I think it's pretty cool. MIT is a great place to be. I have been at other institutes and MIT is the most practical. IT is a really interesting subject because you really have to understand the logic before you can further progress.
I want to further myself and see if I can go further in this area because I really enjoy it. My advice is to come along because it’s a great place to be."
Guiyu Fei (Tracy)
MIT student
"Through the years of studying at MIT, I never thought I’d find a place I could really call home for me after studying elsewhere. Through all the ups and downs, I’ve loved the connections and experiences I’ve had with both my fellow graduates and lecturers.
It is many thanks to MIT that I’ve seen myself grow into a person that I hope MIT can be proud of. MIT is home and family who will always have a piece of my heart."
Fran Frandi
MIT graduate
“I graduated MIT as the highest paid software and web development graduate, all thanks to MIT for providing me with the soft and technical skills, practical experience and valuable knowledge that I wouldn’t get anywhere else.
MIT is by far the most unique educational facility I have experienced to date, that is because MIT has a different learning approach that is very engaging and practical. I fell in love with MIT because of how the courses were delivered. The lecturers were highly engaged with students one-on-one and there was so much practical hands-on experience that wasn’t available elsewhere."
Sabrina Papps
MIT graduate
Get a real-life industry experience at MIT
"I gained the soft and technical skills that employers want. No other institution's quite the same as MIT."
When studying digital technologies at level 7 (or higher) with MIT you’ll learn to apply your academic skills and knowledge as you complete a real-life industry placement in the workplace. Find out how Sabrina’s industry experience and bachelor qualification helped her secure a job as a business analysist with Westpac.
“Studying technology can open up a number of endless options and career paths.
Every company needs tech experts that help keep things running – giving you the opportunity to shape a future you can be proud of.
In my first year of studying at MIT, my lecturer approached me and said... “I really want you to do well in this course. There are hardly any females in technology, even more so, Pacific Islanders in ‘networking’ and I’m rooting for you all the way”. In this moment I knew that what I was doing would hopefully encourage others to follow a career in tech and one day I would help pave the way for other Pasifika females who are looking at getting into technology.
A month after I graduated from MIT, I was able to secure a job as a Network Services Coordinator at one of New Zealand’s top tech companies, Datacom. I feel so grateful and blessed to be given an opportunity to put to use all that I have learnt through my studies at MIT and to be working at a company I never thought would be a possibility as a graduate, but more so as a Pacific Islander.
No matter what stage in your life journey you are at, MIT is a great choice for you to begin or continue with your education. Whether you are straight out of high school or looking for a fresh new start, MIT will have many options to choose from. Courses are delivered in a way that keeps you engaged, connected and involved with your learning and as a bonus, you get to meet great people along the way.
Education is key to success, and MIT has played a pivotal part as the foundation of what I have accomplished so far. I have found myself no longer holding back but knowing I have the potential and mindset to achieve and follow my dreams.
MIT has a unique and diverse culture that makes you feel accepted and a sense of belonging. They are known for helping to build, mould and prepare students with the experience, knowledge, skills and confidence to make the world a better place. So, I knew this would be the right place to begin this part of my journey.
For my industry project I was selected to go to an organisation called Cianaa Technologies, as a Cyber Security Awareness Specialist.
While there, I was asked to help pilot their awareness program for payment card industry data security standards (PCI DSS). They wanted to be able to educate and teach existing and potential customers of the dangers and risks of not protecting and safeguarding credit card information.
Together, my partner and I were to create a series of videos, using a software design tool that would be simple enough for clients and customers to understand the vulnerabilities and risks of credit card data if not secured properly and if it got into the wrong hands. We outlined the different types of security breaches, as well as provided resolutions on how to mitigate risks and threats.
Cianaa Technologies were happy with the results of the industry project and wanted the work to continue well after the assignment had finished. With an A+ as a result of months of hard work, it was all worth the long hours and sleepless nights."
Jacinta Fue
MIT graduate
"Cyber attacks are on rise and there has never been a better time to start a career in cyber security.
Cyber security is not simply about protecting the internet, it is more of a lifestyle. Here at MIT students are taught how to incorporate cyber security practices into daily life.
MIT is one of the best and highly reputed institutes in New Zealand that offer specialised course in cyber security. The applied technology course at MIT is designed in such a way that it prepares students for real-world jobs. More stress is given on learning by doing.
Since graduating, I have landed a job as cyber security analyst at one of the largest companies in New Zealand where I can see a huge potential for my career growth in next five years. All this has been possible due to meticulously drafted course material and highly skilled teaching staff at MIT.”
Bhupinder (Bobby) Singh
MIT graduate
"My time at MIT has been great. I met so many friends and had so many experiences. I was part of the student council, so we got to work with MIT staff and see the great work that they do, and how much they care about the students.
The advice I would give to people looking to study would be just go for it. Give it a go. MIT has a lot of options, and you can choose what you prefer."
Mario Aguirre Lopez
MIT graduate
“I was working as a contact centre agent but wanted to learn more about technology and gain a high-quality education.
The campus is very nice, and I preferred studying on campus and interacting with classmates and the lecturers. The lecturers were very supportive, and I enjoyed how they delivered the knowledge – they really helped me to understand the course and gave me very informative answers to my questions.
My qualification helped me a lot and gave me a chance to enter the IT industry.”
Darwin Dula
MIT graduate
"My experience at MIT was really good and I enjoyed it. My teachers were helpful and it’s always good to go to them and ask them questions. I chose MIT because of the diversity, there’s a lot of different cultures here and you meet heaps of new people.
My favorite part of coming to MIT is just making new friends and meeting new people, especially in the field that you're studying."
Sitani Moa
MIT graduate
"I left school when I was 15 without my NCEA level 1, but I always knew I wanted to do something in tech as I loved video games and was always on the computer. My experience at MIT was like nothing I’ve experienced before and completely different to how high school was for me. I met all these cool new people and teachers.
In high school I didn’t get along with a lot of people, but at MIT it’s a lot easier to talk to other students and even lecturers. I spent a lot of time on campus and made some really good friends.
Currently I’m employed working in my dream field. Almost everything I learnt at MIT is transferred to my work today. I actually use those skills every day.
What I enjoyed most about MIT was the lecturers. They have a star-studded line up of lecturers and I’ve only got good things to say. They’re very flexible and really encourage and push you to improve your skills. I haven’t had that experience anywhere else."
Levi Marsh-Nichols
MIT graduate
“I specifically chose MIT due to its outstanding reputation, which had been consistently praised by many. Throughout my time at MIT, I developed a strong affinity for the knowledgeable professors and forged meaningful connections with fellow students. The hands-on approach to learning at MIT was particularly enjoyable, as it made each day exciting and engaging. I hold my professors in high regard, as they played a pivotal role in guiding me through my studies.
At MIT, I acquired a solid foundation in IT fundamentals, as well as the technical skills required to navigate diverse IT scenarios. The industry placement component provided invaluable practical experience, allowing me to put theoretical knowledge into real-world practice. This immersive experience not only motivated me but also fostered a genuine interest in the field, equipping me with troubleshooting abilities and a deeper understanding of workplace challenges.
Thanks to my degree from MIT, I was able to secure a position as a Graduate Consultant, where I am responsible for providing support to clients. The comprehensive education and practical training I received at MIT have proven instrumental in my current role, enabling me to effectively address and resolve issues within my work environment."
Nehaal Prasad
MIT graduate
“Prior to studying at MIT I was working for more than 30 years. I had a passion for information technology back then – and it’s still one of my favourite subjects. I started studying at MIT in the year 2000, and did not complete. I decided I should finish my IT qualification at the school I first studied when I migrated to New Zealand. I started when I was 64-years-old and graduated at 66.
I enjoyed the company of my fellow students and lecturers at MIT – a multi-ethnicity and multi-cultural institution. MIT is people centered. The lecturers were helpful and tailored their courses to the needs of the students and the industries. Most of our IT lecturers had previous work experience, so theory and practical are taught in tandem. The online sessions for me personally were a blessing in disguise.
I'm now working in remote data collection with a consultancy business in the climate change and weather sector.
My advice is that whether you are school leavers or have plenty of experience, MIT has course structures to cater for all levels of education.
Come as you are – you'll go out ready to build the communities.”
Ausetalia Titimaea
MIT graduate
Ready to put your plans in place?
* Fees Free scheme: Free study for the first or final year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the Government’s Fees Free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must meet New Zealand residency criteria. Note: The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, starting from January 2025. Learners who have already used Fees Free in their first year of study won’t be able to access Fees Free under the new final-year policy. However, from now until the end of 2025, first-year Fees Free will operate under ‘first-year transition rules’. For more information, visit feesfree.govt.nz. All free study is subject to availability and funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.
Information is correct as at 4 December 2024. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. Where the fees are indicative, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2025 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2025 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2025 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2025 are based on the 2024 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2025. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.