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Ngā Hangarau Tiritiri Kōrero

Digital Technologies

Immerse yourself in technology

Love technology? Make it your career with a qualification in digital technology from Ara. You’ll learn real-world skills from industry experienced tutors and graduate work ready. Diplomas and degrees start in February so explore the options today.

Qualifications & Info Sessions

About Studying 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.

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

Trimble

New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association

Trimble is a technological pioneer with a history tracing back to 1978 when Charlie Trimble and two visionaries set out to revolutionise the world. As a global leader in industrial technology, Trimble stands at the forefront of transforming the world, connecting the physical and digital realms through cutting-edge hardware, software and services.

Ara has forged an exceptional partnership with Trimble, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn from the very best in the industry. Imagine being mentored by Trimble professionals, working on capstone projects that directly impact the world and securing internships that bridge the gap between academia and industry.

But it doesn't end there. Ara and Trimble co-organise the renowned GovHack event, a platform where students can showcase their skills in solving real-world challenges. This is not just an education; it's a journey into the heart of technological advancement.

Trimble offers a technology scholarship to Ara BICT students to strengthen the relationship between the two organisations. It’s an opportunity to join an ecosystem that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, and step into a world where the pioneers themselves nurture your passion for information technology and software development. Your future begins at Ara, where innovation meets education and where Trimble paves the way for your success in the digital era. Welcome to a world where your aspirations become reality.

Learn more about Trimble

Learn more about the Trimble Technology Scholarship

Jade

Department of Conservation

For over 40 years, Jade has helped thousands of companies accelerate growth by using technology as an enabler. Its expert, passionate people develop high-performance enterprise solutions, create engaging customer experiences through digital strategy and design, and build advanced technology platforms used by companies in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and worldwide. Companies such as Fonterra, AgResearch, SBS, Fexco Pacific, DB Cargo and Allianz are part of Jade’s customer DNA.

Jade always seeks curious, engaged people who are keen to make a difference and help its customers towards a different, exciting future. The company has worked with Ara over several years and has provided placements for multiple students undertaking their capstone projects. This is a highly worthwhile experience; the students are capable, enthusiastic, and ‘work ready’. Jade has hired several of these students and found a mutual fit. The capstone project provides an ideal way for both sides to learn about each other. Having the students available for projects has enabled Jade to undertake work and undertake research that it would otherwise not have had the resources to do.

Ara digital technology students have also been involved in Jade’s collaboration with German appliance maker Bosch, to create a voice-activated, multi-modal interface for premium home appliances.

Join Jade on a journey towards a different, exciting future where your passion meets innovation.

Learn more about Jade Software Corporation

Learn more about the Jade Scholarship

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.