Diploma in Computer and Information Sciences
Interested in computing? Start your university studies with our Diploma in Computer and Information Sciences, become familiar with computing subjects and prepare yourself for further study.
The Diploma in Computer and Information Sciences is a great choice if you’re not sure what to expect from uni or from studying computing, or missed out on getting into your dream degree.
You’ll take the same courses as our first-year bachelor’s degree students, and become familiar with different computing subjects in a supportive environment with additional academic and student support. Once you’ve completed your diploma you can then move into Year 2 of the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences, which means you can still complete your chosen bachelor’s degree in three years.
Download programme guides
Minimum entry requirements
If you have New Zealand qualifications
- University Entrance OR
- 42 NCEA level 3 credits, including UE literacy and numeracy, with:
- 10 credits in each of three approved subjects OR
- 12 credits in each of two approved subjects and 14 credits across two further subjects
If you don’t have University Entrance, we will work with you to make sure you have the support to succeed in this programme.
If you have qualifications from another country
See entry requirements for students from other countries. Select your country from the dropdown menu.
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in Writing and a minimum of 5.0 in other bands, or equivalent
You'll explore programming, computer networks, IT project management, database design and other computing subjects, and improve your academic knowledge and study skills to give you the confidence for further study.
The courses you study are from the first year of the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences. After you've completed this diploma, you can then cross-credit your courses and transfer to the second year of the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences. Your diploma courses can also help you decide which subjects you might like to focus on later once you move into our bachelor's degree.
We'll work with you to help you identify where you want to go and what courses will help you get there.
Complete the following courses
In your first semester you study
- COMP500 Programming Concepts and Techniques
- COMP501 Computing Technology in Society
- DIGD507 Mahitahi | Collaborative Practices
- MATH503 Mathematics for Computing
In your second semester you study
- COMP503 Object Oriented Programming
- COMP504 Networks and Internet
- COMP507 IT Project Management
- COMP508 Database System Design
Because you study the same first-year courses as our bachelor’s degree students, you can move into the second year of the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences once you’ve completed this diploma.
- Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
- Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
- There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
- International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.
- Fees-free study may be available for domestic students
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.