Why Study / Key Benefits

Studying the Master of Computer Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington offers opportunities to develop advanced technical knowledge and practical computing capabilities.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced postgraduate study in computer science and computing technologies.

• Opportunities to study artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computer graphics, networking and software engineering.

• A combination of taught courses, research and practical project work.

• Development of programming, software development, analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Opportunities to investigate real-world computing challenges through an independent project.

• Access to academic expertise within the School of Engineering and Computer Science.

• Opportunities to develop skills relevant to the technology, software and digital industries.

• Potential progression to doctoral research, subject to academic performance and PhD admission requirements.

• Study in Wellington, a city with an established technology and digital business sector.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Master of Computer Science consists of 180 points and approximately 10 courses.

The qualification is divided into coursework and research components.

Part 1 – Advanced Coursework (120 points)

Students complete an approved combination of postgraduate courses from the following subject areas:

• AIML 401–479: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

• CGRA 401–459: Computer Graphics.

• COMP 401–479: Computer Science.

• CYBR 401–479: Cybersecurity.

• NWEN 401–479: Network Engineering.

• SWEN 401–479: Software Engineering.

The approved course combination is subject to programme regulations and course availability.

Part 2 – Research and Project (60 points)

Students complete the following compulsory components:

1. COMP 501 – Research Essay in Computer Science (15 points).

Students undertake an academic investigation of an approved computer science topic and develop their research, critical analysis and technical writing capabilities.

2. COMP 589 – Project (45 points).

Students complete a substantial computing project, applying their technical knowledge and practical problem-solving skills to an approved topic.

The COMP 589 project requires completion of COMP 501 and the relevant prerequisite coursework.

Potential study topics

Depending on course selection and availability, students may explore:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

• Advanced Programming.

• Computer Algorithms.

• Computer Graphics and Visual Computing.

• Cybersecurity and Information Security.

• Computer Networks.

• Distributed Computing.

• Software Engineering.

• Database and Information Systems.

• Computational Methods.

• Advanced Computer Science Research.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Master of Computer Science offers study opportunities across several computing disciplines through its approved course selection.

Relevant disciplines include:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

• Computer Science.

• Computer Graphics.

• Cybersecurity.

• Network Engineering.

• Software Engineering.

Programme Highlights

The major features of the Master of Computer Science include:

• A 180-point postgraduate qualification.

• NZQF Level 9.

• Three trimesters of full-time study.

• Approximately 10 courses.

• 120 points of advanced computer science coursework.

• 60 points of research and practical project work.

• Study options across artificial intelligence, computer graphics, cybersecurity, networking and software engineering.

• Compulsory research essay and project.

• Lectures and laboratory-based learning.

• Access to the School of Engineering and Computer Science.

• Potential progression to further research and doctoral study.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue professional opportunities across technology, software development, computing research and digital industries.

Potential career pathways include:

• Computer Scientist.

• Software Developer.

• Software Engineer.

• Artificial Intelligence Specialist.

• Machine Learning Engineer.

• Cybersecurity Analyst.

• Cybersecurity Specialist.

• Network Engineer.

• Computer Systems Analyst.

• Computer Graphics Developer.

• Data and Computational Analyst.

• IT Consultant.

• Research and Development Specialist.

• Technology Researcher.

Potential employment sectors include:

• Software and technology companies.

• Financial services and banking.

• Telecommunications.

• Cybersecurity organisations.

• Government and public-sector technology departments.

• Research and development organisations.

• Digital and IT consulting companies.

• Artificial intelligence and data-driven businesses.

Further study opportunities:

Students who achieve strong academic results and demonstrate research capability may consider applying for a PhD in Computer Science or a related discipline.

These are potential career pathways based on the qualification's subject areas, not guaranteed employment outcomes.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Latest application information:

• The university publishes a 2027 Trimester 1 commencement date of 22 February 2027 for the programme.

• The international application deadline should be checked against the programme's application portal before submission.

• The general international application deadline for Trimester 1 is 8 December 2026.

• The programme requires students to complete 180 points, including the compulsory research essay and project.

• Students must satisfy the approved course prerequisites before enrolling in the research components.

• New international students must attend International Orientation and Enrolment before starting their programme.

Special requirements:

• Students must have an appropriate academic background in Computer Science.

• Students must meet the minimum academic entry requirements or receive an approved alternative admission decision.

• COMP 501 and COMP 589 have specific prerequisite requirements.

• Students must obtain approval for their selected course combination.

• Students must complete the research essay and project to graduate.

• International students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and comply with their student visa conditions.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students from India intending to study the Master of Computer Science generally require a Fee Paying Student Visa issued by Immigration New Zealand.

Visa category

• Visa type: Fee Paying Student Visa.

• Immigration authority: Immigration New Zealand.

• Study permission: Full-time study in the approved qualification.

• Maximum visa duration: Up to four years, depending on the individual application.

• Visa validity: Normally linked to the period of study paid for, subject to the visa decision.

Required documents

Applicants generally need:

• Valid passport.

• Offer of Place from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

• Evidence of tuition-fee payment or sufficient funds to pay tuition fees.

• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.

• Academic qualifications and transcripts.

• English-language test results, where applicable.

• Evidence of genuine intentions to study.

• Medical examination or chest X-ray, if required.

• Police certificate, if requested.

• Evidence of acceptable medical and travel insurance.

• Evidence of onward travel arrangements or sufficient funds to purchase an onward ticket.

Financial requirements

Immigration New Zealand requires tertiary-level international students to demonstrate access to:

• NZD $20,000 per year for living expenses when studying for one year or longer.

• NZD $1,667 per month for courses lasting less than one year.

Tuition fees are additional to these living-cost requirements.

Acceptable financial evidence may include:

• Personal or sponsor bank statements.

• Education loan sanction letters.

• Fixed-term deposit certificates.

• Scholarship award letters.

• Acceptable sponsorship or financial undertaking documents.

Work rights

Eligible student visa holders may:

• Work up to 25 hours per week during study periods.

• Work full-time during scheduled holidays where their visa permits it.

• Undertake approved practical work experience if it forms part of their qualification.

Visa application cost and processing

• Application cost: From NZD $850.

• Processing estimate: 80% of applications within seven weeks.

• Recommended application timing: At least three months before intended travel.

Other visa conditions

• Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

• Students must attend their approved programme as required.

• Students must maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance.

• Students must comply with the conditions specified in their student visa.

• Students must demonstrate that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their authorised stay.