Why study a Bachelor of Information Technology?

Globally, there is increasing demand for skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. At a local level, the demand for IT skills in New Zealand continues to grow, with over 1,000 new roles created in software, application programming, and IT management in 2021 alone, according to NZTech’s New Zealand Digital Skills Survey 2023. Their survey of 159 organisations in 2023 revealed that employers face a significant recruitment challenge in finding skilled IT workers, with this skills shortage expected to impact 96 percent of IT employers.

Information Technology (IT) job growth

Set yourself up for substantial earning potential

As a result of this high demand, IT remains one of the best paying industries in New Zealand, also offering excellent benefits and flexibility.

Some of the job growth and salary prospects for roles you may find yourself in upon completing a Bachelor of Information Technology are outlined here:

• Software Engineer: 218% job growth in the past year, with a $103k typical salary.
• Cybersecurity Analyst: 179% job growth in the past year, with a $95k typical salary.
• Software Developer: 276% job growth in the past year, with a $100k typical salary.
• Systems Analyst: 313% projected job growth in the past year, with a $80k typical salary.*

*Seek.co.nz, September 2023

The job prospects and perks are amongst the reasons why you should study a Bachelor of Information Technology, but here are just a few on why you should study at Media Design School.

Where creativity meets technology

At Media Design School, we believe that true innovation arises from the synergy of creativity and technology. Our Bachelor of Information Technology programme is meticulously crafted to empower you with a comprehensive skill set that spans across the realms of IT and creative problem-solving. We understand that the landscape of the future demands professionals who can code with finesse and design with ingenuity.

Diving into the Bachelor of Information Technology programme means embarking on a multidisciplinary adventure that stretches your horizons. It's not just about algorithms and lines of code; it's about nurturing a holistic mindset that combines technical prowess with creative flair. We equip you with the technical skills needed for the ever-evolving digital industries while infusing the knowledge of human-centric computing, design thinking, and media technologies.

Elective subjects tailored to you

By studying Information Technology with us, you can design your own job pathway based on your interests and career direction, with our personalised learning experience. Along with core components, you’ll take one elective each semester that enhances and supports your area of IT interest. For example, if you want to strengthen your knowledge and skills in AI, you’ll be able to select electives such as Concepts of AI in Year 1, followed by Applications of AI in Year 2, and Machine Learning Principles or Deep Learning in Year 3.

Soft skills, such as communication, organisation, teamwork, creativity, problem-solving and analytical abilities are embedded throughout the programme, with Mātauranga Māori incorporated where applicable.

Build a network through work-integrated learning

Thanks to our Work-Integrated Learning programme, you’ll apply the knowledge and skills you learn with us directly to the workplace. Whether it be via an internship or industry brief and working on a real project, you’ll get hands-on experience in practical contexts. It’ll provide you an opportunity to think strategically and develop a trusted relationship with leaders in the IT industry. With an in-depth understanding of the realities of the industry, you’ll graduate with a competitive edge and ready to work.

If you look at the growth of the industry, the demand for advanced smart technology skills and the varied career prospects, one thing’s for sure: there has never been a better time to further your capability in these critical information technology areas.

Learn more about the Bachelor of Information Technology here.