Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Applied Computing at Lincoln University is a taught master's designed to prepare students for technology-focused careers through practical, project-based learning. The programme is particularly suitable for students who want to move into computing from another academic or professional background. Lincoln states that the programme can develop the skills needed for a technology-based role and combines technical capability with communication, teamwork and professional skills.

Key benefits include:

• Practical, experiential and project-based learning rather than only theoretical study.
• An industry project involving an external client, providing exposure to real-world professional work.
• Development of software design, development and deployment skills.
• Opportunities to develop specialist technical expertise according to individual interests.
• Experience working with industry professionals and building professional connections.
• Opportunity to present completed work and develop a portfolio of project experience.
• Computing applications connected with land-based industries, as well as data, databases and GIS depending on elective choices.
• A potential pathway for students without a previous technology-focused academic background.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

Students must complete 180 credits.

Compulsory courses:

• COMP 636 – Software Development: 40 credits
• COMP 639 – Studio Project: 40 credits
• COMP 693 – Industry Project: 40 credits

Elective options listed by Lincoln include:

• ERST 606 – Advanced Geographic Information Systems A: 20 credits
• ERST 607 – Advanced Geographic Information Systems B: 20 credits
• ENGN 676 – Agricultural Engineering: 20 credits
• COMP 637 – User Engagement and Business Analysis: 20 credits
• COMP 642 – Advanced Programming: 20 credits
• COMP 643 – Advanced Database Management: 20 credits
• COMP 640 – User Experience: 20 credits

The programme therefore covers areas such as:

• Software development
• Programming
• Database management
• Geographic information systems
• User experience
• Business analysis
• Agricultural engineering
• User engagement
• Applied computing
• Professional and industry project management

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme does not publish formal named specialisations. Instead, students can develop technical expertise through their elective choices.

Potential areas of focus include:

• Software development
• Advanced programming
• Database management
• GIS and spatial data
• User experience
• User engagement and business analysis
• Agricultural computing/engineering
• Computing applications for land-based industries

Programme Highlights

• Level 9 taught master's qualification.
• 180 credits.
• 1.5 years full-time under the standard schedule.
• Potential completion in approximately 12 months from the November intake.
• Three available entry periods: November, February and July.
• Strong practical and project-based approach.
• Compulsory Studio Project.
• Compulsory Industry Project.
• External-client engagement.
• Opportunity to build a professional project portfolio.
• Flexible electives allowing students to develop a technical area of interest.
• Strong connection with land-based industries and applied computing. 

Career Outcomes

Lincoln identifies potential technology-related career opportunities including:

• Software creation and maintenance.
• Software development for land-based industries.
• Data-related roles.
• Database-related roles.
• Geographic information systems roles.
• Other technology-focused positions depending on elective choices and technical expertise.

The programme can also support broader roles such as:

• Software developer
• Application developer
• Database specialist
• GIS/computing specialist
• Business analyst
• UX-related roles
• Computing consultant
• Technology project roles

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest programme page currently lists three upcoming starts:

• 9 November 2026
• 22 February 2027
• 19 July 2027

Important programme-specific requirements and conditions include:

• Level 7 bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent.
• B average or better in 300-level and final-year full-time-equivalent courses.
• English-language requirements where applicable.
• 180 approved credits.
• Three compulsory courses.
• 60 credits of electives.
• At least 40 elective credits must meet Lincoln's COMP/ENGN or specified-elective requirement.

International Student Visa Requirements

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

For a new student, Lincoln states that the Student Visa application requires:

• Offer of Place from Lincoln University.
• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid, normally a fee receipt.
• Passport.
• Digital photograph.
• Proof 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.

Immigration New Zealand may also request:

• Medical certificates or a chest X-ray.
• Police Certificate.
• Additional information depending on the applicant's circumstances.