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.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Students enrolled in this programme must bring their own device (laptop or tablet). For more details and specifications on the model, click hereโ.
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.
โFEE PROTECTION
Section 236A of the Education Act 1989 requires student fees (over $500 in total) to be placed in an approved trust account to provide security for the repayment of prepaid fees in the event programmes are terminated early. Accordingly, student fees paid in advance are held in the AGI Public Trust account. Fees are drawn down after commencement in stages as the course is completed.
In the event a programme is terminated and alternative tuition services are not provided, the student is entitled to a refund of prepaid student fees pro rata for the balance of the course based upon the number of full weeks required to complete the programme. This arrangement has been accepted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority as meeting the requirements of the Education and Training Act 2020 and the Student Fee Protection Rules 2025.