Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies
Christchurch, New Zealand
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
5 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Feb 2026
TUITION FEES
NZD 26,572 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international close date: please enquire
** international fee | Indicative student services fee: $370.50/year
Ara welcomes international students to join us for a semester abroad (or longer) for a transformative experience of studying in Ōtautahi Christchurch, a living case study of a revitalised, resilient city.
Our IT industry partners have significant input into the structure and content of this programme to ensure that what is being taught continually meets industry needs.
This programme covers a broad range of ICT topics that will provide you with a solid base of knowledge in software engineering (programming), hardware and networking, website development, IT tools and concepts and mathematics skills relevant to IT.
You'll also develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking, analysis, team work, project management, time management, self-reliance and communication skills. There is a strong emphasis on practical skills and work-readiness, so wherever possible, theory is integrated and applied to practical tasks.
Many courses include group activities or group projects, as the ability to work as part of a team is strongly valued by employers.
Ara is pleased to be able to assist students financially with a range of scholarships and grants.
We encourage you to make the most of these opportunities, which can save you thousands on fees, help you get through unexpected financial hardship, or facilitate experiences and special projects that increase learning outcomes.
Level 5
Core courses
- Cloud Technologies and the Internet of Things
- Introduction to Networks
- Operating Systems
- Introduction to Programming
- Introduction to Software Engineering
- Database Design
- IT Practitioner Fundamentals
- Computational Methods
Level 6
Core courses
- Enterprise Solutions Deployment
- IT Service Management
Elective course(s)
- System Infrastructure
- Network Infrastructure
- Routing and Switching Essentials
- Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation
- Best Programming Practices (Web and Mobile Development)
- Interactive Media Development
- Database Administration
- Web Development
- Best Programming Practices (C# .NET)
- Best Programming Practices (Java)
- Best Programming Practices (Server Side Programming - PHP)
- Professional Practice
- Research for Information Solutions
- Introduction to Enterprise Solutions Architecture
- Introduction to Enterprise Intelligence and Analytics
- Wireless Local Area Networks
- Network Security
- DevOps
- Cryptography
- Ethical Hacking and Testing
Level 7
Core courses
- Managing Information and Cybersecurity
- Information Technology Governance
- Work Integrated Learning Project
Elective course(s)
- Cloud Services
- Special Topic in Networking and Infrastructure
- Software Development Project
- Advanced Programming
- Enterprise Solutions Architecture
- Enterprise Intelligence and Analytics
- Special Topic in Information Systems
- Mobile Technology
Employment prospects are very strong for IT graduates. Many companies are struggling to fill vacancies and are having to recruit overseas. Job opportunities in the IT sector are forecast to increase significantly in the next few years and the sector is regularly recognised as one of the highest paid in the country and globally. Job opportunities are not limited to IT companies as almost every business these days has IT needs and many non-IT businesses employ significant numbers of IT professionals. Depending on the specialist pathway followed, you might gain employment in roles such as business analyst, network manager, webmaster, IT support specialist, database administrator, test analyst, systems administrator, web developer, interactive media developer or software developer/programmer. As a new graduate you’re likely to start at a junior level but you can quickly advance to higher-level positions within a few years, especially in larger companies.
Study pathways
The Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies provides entry to postgraduate ICT programmes at many tertiary institutes, and with strong grades in the BICT, you may also qualify for entry to a Masters’ degree at most universities in New Zealand. Ara is a participant in the SIGNAL ICT Graduate School, which offers a Master of Professional Practice to degree-qualified graduates.
Recommended school subjects
- Maths
- English
- Computing/ICT
You will be part of a friendly, inclusive community
Ara is a culturally and socially diverse community where you will enjoy a sense of belonging. You will be treated as an individual (our class sizes are small, so your tutors will know you by name) and you will be supported with an extensive range of student services and specialist support staff.
Our qualifications are world-class class
Ara is a Category 1 institute, the highest rating awarded by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). All of our qualifications are NZQA-approved and recognised internationally. Ara graduates can be found working and making a difference around the globe.
Our tutors are experts
Our tutors come from the industry and have years of on-the-job experience in their speciality area. They are committed to sharing their knowledge with you and inspiring you to achieve your study goals.
We focus on hands-on, real-life learning
Ara is known for its practical, hands-on programmes. You will learn in environments that mimic real workplaces and undertake some form of work-based learning like an internship, industry project or work placement.
You will be work-ready when you graduate
All that you do and learn at Ara will ensure your transition to the workplace is seamless and that you have the confidence and capability to contribute from your first day on the job.