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Postgraduate Diploma in Software Testing
(Level 8)

Credits: 120

Duration: 44-48 weeks (40 Academic + 4-8 break weeks) (plus 4 weeks summer break depending on intake start date)

Locations offered: Auckland City

Fees: International: $ 28,688 

Next intake: 28th April 2025

Postgraduate Diploma in Software Testing

The aim of this programme is to provide Aotearoa New Zealand with graduates who have attained sufficient specialised software testing and relevant leadership skills to work in the Information technology industry. This programme targets software testing professionals from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The programme is designed for people who are existing Information technology professionals and the ones who have an interest in working in the Information technology sector and have acquired relevant qualifications.  Postgraduate Diploma in Software Testing (PGDST) graduates will demonstrate and apply advanced specialist knowledge and skills in the testing of software involving complex environments, allowing organisations to build accurate, effective, robust, scalable and usable software applications or services. They will be able to act professionally and ethically while researching, evaluating, designing and implementing contemporary technology, tools and techniques for software testing to bring efficiencies in an IT organisation environment.

Entry Requirement

Domestic applicants  

  • Bachelor or higher IT degree with programming knowledge; and/or

  • Subject to the regulations of the award, those who have been able to demonstrate equivalent practical, professional or educational experience in an IT-related field may be granted admission. In such case the candidate will be interviewed by Head of Computing Department (HOD) and the enrolment depends on the discretion of HOD satisfaction.

International applicants

  • Bachelor or higher IT degree with the knowledge of programming; and

  • NZQF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2013 (Appendix 2), i.e., an IELTS Academic score of 6.5, with no band score lower than 6 from one test taken in the previous 2 years; or the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 5) [Ref: 1884] or equivalent in accordance with NZQA's Table for Internationally Recognised English Proficiency Outcomes for International Students.

Qualification Awarded: Post Graduate Diploma in Software Testing (Level 8)

Core papers included

PGDST801 Software Testing Life Cycle – Credits 15

PGDST802 Testing Tasks and Techniques – Credits 15

PGDST803 Test Management and Test Governance – Credits 15

PGDST804 Specialized Testing – Credits 15

PGDST805 Test Management Tool – Credits 15

PGDST806 Functional Automation Testing – Credits 15

PGDST807 Performance Testing – Credits 15

PGDST808 Applied Industry Project – Credits 15

Graduate Profile

After successful completion of this diploma, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the Software Testing Body of Knowledge within a variety of project, technological and organisational contexts.

  • Collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including software development teams, to plan, design, execute, control, monitor and review software testing activities.

  • Analyse policies, standards, procedures and current trends in software testing, and demonstrate an ability to manage complex software testing projects.

Employment outcomes 

Once awarded the PGDST, a graduate will be able to take on a role as a:

  • Software Tester

  • Test Analyst

  • Test Lead/ Technical Test Lead

  • Testing Consultant

  • Business Analyst

  • Test Management

  • Test Engineer (manual testing, automation testing, performance testing)

  • Automation Tester

  • Performance Tester

  • Quality Assurance Analytics or Quality Engineers or Test Analysts

  • Tester to developers - Software developer

  • Testing framework maintainer

Education Pathways

After successful completion of this diploma, the graduate can pursue further postgraduate study.

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