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Ngā Hangarau Tiritiri Kōrero

Digital Technologies

Gain the skills and knowledge needed to create, manage and use the digital technology shaping our everyday lives.

People choose to get into the field of digital technologies for more than just the great salary. In this area, you’re always learning and adding to your expertise, and there are near limitless opportunities for innovation.

Demand for people with digital technology skills and expertise is strong. It’s one of the top five highest paying industries. In addition to paying well, many employers provide highly desirable employee conditions and benefits.

At Ara, we’ll help you establish and grow your skills in digital technologies towards a strong future in this exciting field. Our programmes and courses have been developed in conjunction with industry to ensure they’re up to date and relevant. They also cross credit easily into each other, providing options and pathways to gain qualifications.

Our digital technology facilities are located at the City campus in Christchurch.

We also offer a range of beginner and non-assessed computer courses at our Ara Connect community hubs in Papanui, Woolston, central Christchurch and Timaru.

NB: If you’re still at high school, a Dual Enrolment programme at Ara can equip you with skills while you continue your education at school. Find out more here.

Digital technologies offers a broad scope of possibilities. Whether you’re starting out in computing or looking to advance your existing skills and experience, we can teach you how to create, design and implement solutions for real world problems, both in the classroom and during valuable internships.

We offer a wide range of programmes ranging from certificates to degrees and graduate diplomas in a selection of specialty areas including systems administration, software design and networking.

As a Microsoft Approved IT Academy we are constantly upgrading our information systems, software and equipment. This ensures that you enjoy well equipped computer suites and learn in an environment that's at the forefront of technology.

You can be confident your learning is taking place in one of the most technologically advanced tertiary institutions in the country with contemporary lecture theatres, work-stations and tutorial rooms. We provide online access to hundreds of international journals, industry specific magazines and newspapers as well as:

  • Prestigious business software systems
  • Publishing services and on-site printery
  • 3D prototyping tool
  • 1Mbit internet connection and campus wide WiFi
  • Technology helpdesk

Employers seek our graduating students knowing they are qualified and competent, ready to contribute their ideas, proficiencies and enthusiasm from day one. Along with valuable work experience and intern opportunities, Ara's long standing industry relationships mean we can respond quickly to marketplace demands providing the skills and qualifications employers tell us they need you to have right now.

If you think you may require modifications in order to undertake the practical components of a particular course of study, we encourage you to discuss these with us so we can give them careful consideration.

As it may take time to consider and implement any modifications, please contact disability@ara.ac.nz as early as possible prior to the course starting. We’ll also need to check that there’s no risk of harm to you or anyone else before making a final decision.

Throughout this process we’ll communicate with you in a clear and timely manner.

Related programmes & courses

Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies

Advance your existing skills in computing and broaden your employment opportunities in this fast-evolving field.

FULL-TIME - 3 Years (Part-time options available)
Starts: July
Madras Street
Digital Technologies

Graduate Diploma in Information and Communication Technologies

Complement your existing degree and open doors to working in innovative ICT settings.

FULL-TIME - 1 Year (Part-time options available)
Starts: July
Madras Street
Digital Technologies

New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity (Level 6)

Gain the specialist IT skills needed to protect business data and intelligence.

FULL-TIME - 1 Year (Part-time options available)
Starts: July
Madras Street
Digital Technologies

New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support

Develop a broad range of technical support and networking skills.

FULL-TIME - 1 Year (Part-time options available)
Starts: July
Madras Street
Digital Technologies

New Zealand Diploma in Web Development and Design

Master the technical and creative skills required to plan, develop and maintain websites.

FULL-TIME - 1 Year (Part-time options available)
Starts: July
Madras Street
Digital Technologies

New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials

Gain a broad range of computing skills to set you on a path to a career in IT.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks (Part-time options available)
Starts: July
Madras Street
Digital Technologies

New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User)

Gain computing skills for a wide range of employment opportunities.

FULL-TIME - 19 Weeks (Part-time options available)
Digital Technologies