Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Artificial Intelligence for Land Use at Lincoln University is a specialised taught master's designed to combine advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning with land-based applications. Lincoln describes it as a practical programme focused on solving real-world problems across agriculture, forestry, environmental management, land planning and related sectors.

Key benefits for international students include:

• Learn advanced AI and machine learning techniques and apply them specifically to land-use contexts.
• Develop practical skills to design, code, test, document and improve AI solutions.
• Work with current AI tools and technologies, including deep learning and generative AI.
• Develop knowledge of ethical, cultural and policy issues surrounding AI and data.
• Complete an industry project or, for eligible students, a research dissertation.
• Gain experience applying AI to agriculture, forestry, environmental management and other land-based industries.
• Develop skills relevant to emerging AI and data-driven careers.
• Study at Lincoln's Centre for Geospatial and Computing Technologies, which brings together expertise in AI, machine learning, GIS, visualisation, software engineering and complex systems modelling.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme consists of 140 credits of compulsory coursework plus a 40-credit Industry Project or Dissertation.

Semester 1:

• COMP 648 Machine Learning – 40 credits.
• COMP 649 Ethics, Policy and Cultural Intelligence in Artificial Intelligence Design – 20 credits.

Semester 2:

• COMP 661 Deep Learning – 20 credits.
• COMP 662 Generative Artificial Intelligence – 20 credits.
• COMP 663 Artificial Intelligence Optimisation Techniques – 20 credits.

Summer:

• COMP 6AA Advanced Topics in Artificial Intelligence for Land Use – 20 credits.
• COMP 660 Dissertation – 40 credits, or
• COMP 693 Industry Project – 40 credits.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme does not list separate formal majors or specialisations. Instead, the entire qualification is specialised around the application of AI to land use.

Major application areas include:

• Agriculture and agri-tech.
• Forestry.
• Environmental management.
• Land management.
• Sustainable land use.
• Climate-change resilience.
• Urban planning.
• Water stewardship.
• Conservation.
• Geospatial and GIS applications.
• Maori land and food-and-fibre contexts.
• Data-driven land-use decision-making. 

Programme Highlights

• 180-credit Level 9 taught master's.
• Minimum duration of 12 months.
• Three-semester structure.
• 140 credits of compulsory coursework.
• 40-credit Industry Project or Dissertation.
• Focus on AI and machine learning for land-based applications.
• Practical and project-oriented learning.
• Training in machine learning, deep learning, generative AI and optimisation.
• Dedicated study of AI ethics, policy and cultural intelligence.
• Industry project opportunities with external organisations.
• Potential research pathway through the dissertation option.
• Strong connection with agriculture, environmental management, forestry, land use and geospatial technologies.
• Programme developed to address emerging AI skills needs in land-based industries.

Career Outcomes

Lincoln identifies a wide range of potential career roles, including:

• Environmental data scientist.
• Iwi/Indigenous environmental or technology innovation consultant.
• Agricultural data analyst.
• Remote sensing specialist.
• GIS specialist.
• Climate change analyst.
• Land management consultant.

The programme can also prepare graduates for broader AI and data roles across:

• Agriculture.
• Forestry.
• Environmental management.
• Land-use planning.
• Agri-tech.
• Conservation.
• Geospatial technology.
• Technology innovation.
• Sustainability and climate-related sectors.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students must hold a current, valid New Zealand visa allowing them to study at Lincoln University.

For a new international student, Lincoln states that the visa application normally requires:

• Offer of Place from Lincoln University.
• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid, normally a fee receipt.
• Passport.
• Digital photograph.
• Proof of funds of NZ$20,000 per year for living expenses.
• Evidence of funds for travel to the student's home country at the end of study, or an air ticket.
• Visa application fee.

Depending on the student's circumstances, Immigration New Zealand may also request:

• Medical certificates or a chest X-ray.
• Police Certificate.
• Additional information for students who will be under 18.