What degree do I need to become an information technology manager?

A Bachelor of Computer Science or Bachelor of Applied Computing is the technical foundation at Waikato. This is a senior role though, most people build several years of technical or IT experience first, then complete postgraduate study to move into management.

Which postgraduate qualification suits IT management best?

Three postgraduate paths are genuine options for those with the right experience behind them. Both the Master of Digital Business focuses on digital transformation and technology-led strategy, the Master of Management gives you a broader leadership foundation applicable across industries, and the Master of Information Technology includes a supervised industry internship and is open to graduates from non-ICT backgrounds too.

Does the Master of Digital Business include an industry internship?

Yes. It includes an industry internship, giving you practical, real-world experience alongside your study.

How much experience do I need before pursuing this career?

There's no fixed rule, but management-level IT roles typically expect several years of hands-on technical experience, often five or more, before someone moves into an IT manager position.

Is Waikato's teaching in this area internationally recognised?

Yes. Both postgraduate qualifications are taught within Waikato Management School , a Triple Crown-accredited business school, held by fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide.

Information technology manager career

Kaiwhakahaere hangarau mōhiohio

Information technology managers oversee computer and information technology services for organisations and technical teams.

$76,000 – $250,000 per year

IT manager, technology manager, information systems manager, ICT manager, IT services manager, IT support manager

Where our data comes from

What would you do as an Information technology manager?

Information technology managers

usually work regular business hours
usually work in offices
need to communicate well, solve problems and make decisions

Tasks

oversee computer and IT services
review and suggest IT equipment and software
plan and purchase IT equipment and software
develop computer and IT systems
supervise installation and repair of IT systems
manage IT staff
prepare budgets and reports
manage technology projects and services
develop company IT goals

How can you become an Information technology manager?

You usually need experience to become an information technology manager and a qualification may be useful.

You may need

experience in similar work
a relevant tertiary qualification in computer science, information systems or similar area
to join a professional organisation like IT Professionals New Zealand

If you're in school

You usually need NCEA Level 3 to do the study or training for this job.

Build your technical foundation with our Bachelor of Computer Science, or our Bachelor of Applied Computing in Tauranga. Like all our undergraduate degrees, both include work-integrated learning.

Once you've gained IT experience, you can move into management with our Master of Information Technology, Master of Digital Business or Master of Management. The Master of Information Technology includes a full-trimester industry internship.

BCompSc

Information technology manager FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

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Australian Computer Society Accreditations

Australian Computer Society accredited

Accredited by the Australian Computer Society under the Seoul Accord, recognising Waikato computing qualifications against global ICT standards.

Waikato Management School Accreditations

Waikato Management School holds Triple Crown accreditation, the highest recognition available in business education. We are accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. Only around 1% of business schools worldwide have met the rigorous standards of all three bodies.

AACSB accredited

Recognises Waikato Business School’s faculty expertise, research quality, and commitment to high academic standards.

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AMBA accredited

Recognises the quality of Waikato Management School’s MBA and Master’s programmes, including cohort experience, curriculum, and career outcomes.

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EQUIS accredited

Recognises Waikato Management School’s international reach, industry engagement, and commitment to diversity.

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Information technology manager career