Postgraduate Digital Transformation Diploma

Qualification

Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Transformation

28 weeks
NZQF Level 8 (120 credits)

Intake Dates

5 November 2021

12 February 2022

2 April 2022

21 May 2022

Course Fees (Year 1. See fees information.)

Domestic $11,977.00 NZD

International $23,954.00 NZD

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree and/or professional experience.

Portfolio Requirements

Written personal statement, proof of previous qualifications, professional CV.

Study options

Online

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Overview

Become a digital leader

What is unique about this programme is that it has been created by industry leaders for working adults with industry experience, or qualifications, developed in response to the increasing demand for future-focused business leaders in the digital age. This programme provides sound knowledge of the digital tools and capabilities needed to grow in an increasingly competitive global market through digital innovation. Customise your programme by choosing from the wide range of available electives to suit your business needs, including:

Agile Mindset
Artificial intelligence (A.I.)
Blockchain
Cloud Computing
Cyber Security
Design Thinking and Creative Intelligence
Dynamic Leadership
Human Centred Design
Internet of Things (IoT)
User Experience (UX)

Why a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Transformation?

Digital transformation is the commonly used term for integrating digital technologies in a business or organisation. A digital transformation strategy can fundamentally change how a business operates, delivers value to customers, and grows in an ever increasing competitive global environment.

Graduates of this online programme will have gained a high level understanding of the purpose and function of current and emerging technologies that lead to digital transformation. They will also have the capability to evaluate an organisation’s capacity and readiness for digital transformation and design and implement innovative digital solutions.

Integral to this programme is Mātauranga Māori (kawa and tikanga), Māori ethics and the Treaty of Waitangi principles as it relates to the digital industry.

This programme will help you to future-proof your career by developing your knowledge and understanding of digital technologies. We will support and encourage you to rethink old operating models, experiment more, and become more agile in your ability to meet changing business and market needs.

This programme is delivered fully online, with optional support through on-campus networking events, meetings and masterclasses.

What you'll cover in this course

For the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Transformation, a student must complete the eight common 6-credit components; two elective 6-credit components; the four common 12-credit components and one elective 12-credit components to a total of 120 credits (at NZQF Level 8).

Progression

Upon successful completion of the requirements of the Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Transformation, students may opt to apply for the Master of Digital Transformation.

Study Duration

The Postgraduate Certificate of Digital Transformation, Level 8, 60 credits

Full time over one 14 week trimester
Part-time over three 14-week trimesters

The Postgraduate Diploma of Digital Transformation, Level 8, 120 credits

Full time over two 14 week trimesters
Part time over six 14 week trimesters

Students studying part-time may elect to enrol in components out of the offered sequence within a trimester.

Students must complete the eight common 6-credit components; two elective 6-credit components; the four common 12-credit components and one elective 12-credit components to a total of 120 credits (at NZQF Level 8).

Component Name	Credits	Toggle
Digital Transformation	6
Gain a  comprehensive insight into the future of the work  landscape, how technology has defined and continues to redefine it through the  process of Digital Transformation.  You will develop knowledge, skills and attributes appropriate to that landscape; both  from the perspective of employability as well as in terms of leadership and strategic thinking. New technologies and how they are interlinked under the umbrella of  Digital Transformation are explored. You will be exposed to innovative work practices and frameworks, and their  associated techniques and processes, drawing on insights from multiple disciplines to articulate findings and recommendations. You will develop skills in business storytelling and your ability to deliver impactful  presentations. Level 8 DT001 DT

Design Thinking and Creative Intelligence	6
In this course students will explore the Design Thinking and Creative Intelligence methodology as a framework for creative problem solving within the context of Digital Transformation. You will navigate the iterative design process of understanding using the lens of empathy, ideation, development, and delivery. This course encourages students to develop problem solving skills through the application of both creative and critical thinking skills and will explore concepts such as convergent and divergent thinking processes. You will explore the strategic thinking and entrepreneurial skills that are required for successful leadership and implement an effective work practice within an interdisciplinary group, applying the methods, processes, and tools of problem-based learning to demonstrate autonomy, collaboration, and well-developed judgment and responsibility in a Digital Transformation. Level 8 DT002 DT

Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence	6
This course is an introduction to the areas of Data Analytics and Artificial  Intelligence (AI). You will gain insight into basic knowledge representation, problem solving  techniques and explore data science processes, data ingestion, cleansing, and  transformation fundamentals that  turn data analytics into insights to drive decision  making. You will learn techniques and best practices in the analysis of data sets, which are useful for crucial  organisation  decisions. You will explore how data and tools can be used to solve complex, real-world business problems through the application of machine  learning, algorithms, and other Artificial Intelligence techniques. You will also investigate the  ethical and privacy issues related to machine learning and artificial intelligence. Level 8 DT003 DT

Cybersecurity	6
This course introduces  the principles of Cybersecurity.  You will explore the  scale of the Cybersecurity challenge globally, including the social factors informing  individual,  organisational, and international attitudes towards Cybersecurity.  You will examine risk and governance frameworks and Cybersecurity strategies, risk treatment plans and incident response plans. Reviewing and applying Cyber prevention strategies and techniques. The entire development lifecycle of IT systems in a secure environment will be examined,  including secure design methodologies, software development models, architecture  design and industry ‘Secure by Design’ standards. Level 8 DT004 DT

User Experience	6
This course develops conceptual knowledge and skills in User Experience Design. You will use industry-standard User Experience Design  research methods to  analyse  both audience and content requirements. They will examine qualitative and quantitative research methods and will explore personas, mindsets, customer journeys and user touch points. You will develop your knowledge and skillset in terms of creating usable  and user-centred  design experiences and will gain insight into  the processes that lead to improved User Experience and its application in both physical and online environments. Level 8 DT005 DT

The Internet of Things	6
This course introduces the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) and of the underlying connections between people, process and platforms that can drive the digital transformation of organisations. You will be introduced to the key technological components underpinning IoT and how their implementation can serve a business strategy by increasing organisational efficiencies, improving coordination, and driving productivity. You will gain the capacity to articulate how key IoT technologies can improve organisational productivity and add value, to recommend strategies for developing the necessary skills and foundational capabilities to support the implementation of IoT technologies within an organisation and to create a road map for the implementation of IoT in a business context. Level 8 DT006 DT

Cloud Computing	6
This course provides a fundamental understanding of Cloud Computing. You will explore how Cloud Computing infrastructure has evolved from traditional Information Technology infrastructure and the business advantages and disadvantages that it brings. You will gain knowledge of the different cloud segments and service models, architectures/platforms, and cloud deployment models and of the key players active in the market. You will learn to assess how the various models can be applied to solve business problems and to make ‘fit for purpose’ decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of user case needs. Level 8 DT007 DT

Blockchain	6
This course examines the core concepts and principles of Blockchain and of its potential emerging trends in areas such as financial services, smart contracts, supply chain logistics and other fields. Where an open, distributed ledger that can record transactions between two parties efficiently and in a verifiable and permanent way may be useful. While not offering an examination of the deeper mathematical and cryptographic principles underlying Blockchain technology, you will gain an understanding of the fundamentals and potential impacts of Blockchain to implement a ‘secure by design’ distributed computing system with high fault tolerance. This will provide a deeper understanding of the capabilities and limitations of blockchain technology, enabling you to assess which business problems it can potentially solve. Level 8 DT008 DT

Agile Mindset	6
This course introduces the principles of Agile Mindset methodologies for Project Management. Agile Mindset is a project management methodology that involves securing client feedback in every step of the project development process. You will critically evaluate a range of Agile Mindset methods and their suitability to various projects. You will examine processes, tools and artefacts used in Agile Mindset project management and discover which methods are most appropriate to the problems to be solved and how they can best contribute to project success. This course breaks down projects into small pieces, completed in work sessions that run from the initial design phase to testing and quality assurance (QA). Level 8 DT009 DT

Dynamic Leadership	6
This course focuses on developing your own leadership capability. Your own leadership development and self-image are explored, using reflective research supported by a mentoring partner. You will prepare a plan for continued leadership and professional development consistent with personal values, anchored by academic literature, fostering your authenticity, confidence, and resilience in leading a productive workplace. You will also develop your knowledge of both intellectual and emotional leadership (know-what) and the often-neglected tacit knowledge (know-how), with exploration. Level 8 DT010 DT

Social Enterprise	12
This course focuses on developing your understanding of the fundamental contemporary theories of social entrepreneurship and a variety of applicable business models. At the core will be a focus on customer experience design, both theory and skill, and why user centric principles are increasingly used in business today. This will be supplemented with cross-discipline material encompassing design, business, and technology and how to use this knowledge to amplify potential for success in modern society. You will examine the latest neuroleadership principles, why EQ (Emotional Intelligence) is just as important as IQ in both design and business, and learn patterns, frameworks and mechanics of storytelling, behaviour design, game design and platform design. Your project will entail you applying the knowledge of entrepreneurship business strategies in a philanthropic context to solve real-world problems with a ‘design for good’ angle in either a profit or non-for-profit business model, that you can execute to be ‘pitch ready’ for investment. Level 8 DT011 DT

Business Decision Analytics	12
This course engages the nuances of data collection, how to filter data and how to use it most effectively in decision-making. You will develop qualitative and quantitative research skills, and digital literacy, while learning about pressures of the environment under which individual and group decisions have to be made. You will also develop skills in selecting, observing and distilling data sets to make decisions that positively impact firms and communities. Level 8 DT012 DT

Systems Thinking	12
This course introduces you to a holistic view of the organisation and the broader ecosystem it operates in. You will be introduced to basic principles of operations management in the context of Systems Thinking, and exposed to Systems Thinking tools to diagnose and propose innovative solutions to contemporary business issues. Level 8 DT013 DT

Work Integrated Learning	12
This course provides you with an opportunity to pursue a project in a professional environment in an area related to Digital Transformation. Work-Integrated Learning broadens your learning environment while studying and allows you to see first-hand how your learnings translate in practice and how they relate to the ‘real world’. You will be mentored by a supervisor with complementary expertise. There are two options available: Option 1: Industry placement You will be offered an industry opportunity in an organisation with a suitable Digital Transformation position. This will provide an opportunity for you to work with and learn from people who may end up becoming colleagues, managers, or mentors and encourages you to build long-term industry relationships. It will provide context to enhance your communication skills and work collaboratively in a professional arena. You will undertake a series of industry-led tasks to understand the key concepts of working within a team with emphasis placed on the operation of the environment. Option 2: Industry Live Brief   You will respond to a Live Project in an industry context, where you will explore research methodologies appropriate to professional practice and the documentation of personal investigation. You will further investigate entrepreneurial and commercial opportunities through collaborative work practice. Level 8 DT014 DT

Research Methodologies	12
This course introduces you to a framework for developing scholarly inquiry skills and fundamental knowledge needed to make rational decisions about research strategies. You will be presented with research strategies on critically investigating exemplar studies and examining the connection between a question with appropriate research design and methodology. You will also learn about the ethical principles of research, challenges in getting approval and the approval processes. On completion of this course, you will be able to develop research questions, write research proposals and literature reviews. You will have a critical understanding of the strengths and limitations of the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method approaches to research. Level 8 DT015 DT

Human Centred Design	6
This course explores several non-technical aspects of software development, especially regarding human behaviour and interactions to emphasise the human aspects of technology. You will cover basic theories of knowledge, cognition, ethical and moral values, creativity and social interaction among humans through a technological lens, to then formulate and suggest innovative solutions to problems that affect diverse societies, with your existing knowledge and specialised skills. Level 8 DT017 DT

Secure by Design	6
This course deals with integrating the entire development lifecycle of IT systems in a secure environment through secure design methodologies, software development models, architecture design and industry Secure by Design standards such as OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project). Level 8 DT018 DT

Management, People and Teams	12
This course focuses on understanding organisational behaviour, politics, dynamics and environments and how they impact on the role and legitimacy of the management function. You will study advanced communication skills necessary in management and leadership roles, how to influence effectively, management constraints, how you can develop strategies to overcome them and leverage advantages in an organisation. You will also find ways to identify and analyse decisions to resolve people-related issues in organisations, facilitate employee development, and develop and sustain effective teams in increasingly global operating environment by studying naturally occurring data and qualitative analysis. Level 8 DT019 DT

Qualifications you'll need for this course

A Bachelor's degree, with an average grade of B- or higher in all final-year components, in a relevant discipline (e.g. business or management studies)

A Bachelor’s degree, with an average grade of B- or higher in all final-year components, in an unrelated discipline, and a minimum of two years’ work experience that is relevant to the aim of this programme

Professional experience and documentary evidence of outcomes in the work environment that demonstrate an ability to perform in the programme and commit to achieving its outcomes (including a CV showing a minimum of six years relevant employment and recommendation letters from employers or professional colleagues).

International Students

If you are an international student, you'll need to prove you have sufficient English language skills in order to complete this course. We'll be looking for Academic IELTS overall score of 6.5 (minimum) with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent qualification, if English is not your first language.

Entry Requirements

All applicants need to provide a Personal Statement, written by the applicant, explaining why they believe they should study on the programme, their motivations and further career aspirations.
Admission for individuals without the required qualification will be based on the evaluation of documentary evidence (including the completed application form, an academic record, and a CV showing a minimum of six years employment, and a recommendation letter) of the individual applicant’s ability to undertake postgraduate study in Digital Transformation.
A personal interview may be required and will cover prior education (formal, informal and work based training), personal knowledge and experience of digital transformation and motivation for post graduate study.
All entry applications are assessed by the Programme Director.
Applicants without a Bachelor degree will also require formal approval by the Executive Dean and will be enrolled into the Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Transformation. Once the qualification has been successfully completed, the applicant may opt to continue with the Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Transformation and upon successful completion may then apply for the Master of Digital Transformation.

Employment Pathways

Graduates who successfully complete the Master of Digital Transformation will be in the position to take on various strategic and digital leadership roles across a wide range of industries and sectors that have responsibility for managing digital transformation within an organisation.

Employment pathways will be determined by the graduates’ previous education, experience and choice of career. These roles could include: managers, supervisors, consultants, or strategists, in the areas of: general business or operations; or more specific areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, innovation, risk, strategy, and entrepreneurship.

Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Transformation

Overview

Become a digital leader

Why a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Transformation?

Course Outline

What you'll cover in this course

Qualification Requirements

Qualifications you'll need for this course

Language Requirements

International Students

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

Employability

Employment Pathways