Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Information Technology (MInfoTech) is designed to develop industry-ready ICT professionals rather than focusing only on theoretical computer science. The programme combines advanced ICT study with supervised, project-based learning and a compulsory 60-point industry internship, giving students an opportunity to work on a real-world project with both industry and academic supervision.

Key benefits include:

• Practical, industry-focused IT education.
• A compulsory 60-point Computer Science Internship (CSMAX596) providing hands-on professional experience.
• Supervision from both industry and academic supervisors during the internship.
• Advanced study in areas such as software development, data, programming, web technologies, AI, machine learning, mobile/wearable computing, cybersecurity and GIS.
• Opportunities to develop professional communication, teamwork, independent working and leadership skills.
• The programme was developed through the Auckland ICT Graduate School initiative, a joint University of Waikato–University of Auckland initiative focused on producing industry-ready ICT specialists.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme is built around advanced computing/IT papers plus the compulsory industry internship.

Important 2027 subject options include:

• COMPX568 – Programming for Industry, 30 points: object-oriented programming, typing, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, composition, software development and contemporary APIs/frameworks/tools.
• COMPX569 – Programming with Web Technologies, 30 points: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, server-side technologies, data access, relational databases, web-application design, HCI and mobile clients.
• COMPX570 – Data Management, 15 points: managing data in large data ecosystems and associated ethical considerations.
• COMPX574 – Open Source Software Project, 15 points: working in groups on existing open-source projects, code review and engagement with project communities.
• COMPX575 – Programming Tools and Techniques, 15 points.
• COMPX576 – Programming Project, 15 points.
• COMPX577 – Report of an Investigation, 15 points.
• COMPX585 – Preparation for Research in Computer Science, 15 points.
• CSMAX570 – Preparing for Internship, 15 points: professional, soft and transferable skills needed for the industry internship.
• CSMAX596 – Computer Science Internship, 60 points: supervised practical experience in the IT industry.

The wider 500-level Computer Science offering also includes subjects/topics such as:

• Machine learning
• Network security
• Vulnerability analysis and exploitation
• Mobile and wearable computing
• Parallel programming
• Software engineering
• AI tools and AI ethics
• Graph theory
• Usability engineering
• Computational methods
• Open-source software
• Data management
• Programming
• GIS and spatial analysis.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The principal formally identified specialisation is Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

For the GIS specialisation, students must complete 30 points from the following 15-point papers:

• ENVPL509 – Urban Spatial Analysis
• GEOGY538 – Automated Spatial Analysis using Geographic Information Systems
• GEOGY558 – Applied Geographic Information Systems for Research and Planning.

Beyond GIS, the programme allows students to build expertise through their selection of advanced Computer Science papers. Areas represented in the current 2027 paper offerings include:

• Software development and programming
• Web technologies
• Data management
• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Cybersecurity
• Mobile and wearable computing
• Software engineering
• GIS/spatial computing
• Open-source development
• Research and advanced computing. 

Programme Highlights

• Industry-oriented Master of Information Technology.
• 120-, 180- and 240-point pathways depending on previous study.
• 1–2 years depending on entry route.
• Hamilton-based teaching.
• March, July and November trimester framework, with pathway-specific intake availability.
• Compulsory 60-point IT industry internship.
• Real-world project experience under industry and academic supervision.
• GIS specialisation available.
• Advanced subject choices across software development, AI, machine learning, data, cybersecurity, web technologies and spatial computing.
• Developed through the Auckland ICT Graduate School initiative.
• Strong emphasis on employability and professional ICT skills.

Career Outcomes

The University identifies the following potential career opportunities for MInfoTech graduates:

• Data Scientist
• Cloud Computing Developer
• Database Developer
• Business Analyst
• GIS Analyst
• Web Developer
• Software Developer
• Test Analyst.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The University's 2027 Computer Science subject regulations are current as of 8 October 2026 and show continued provision of the MInfoTech's key internship and advanced Computer Science papers.

Important current requirements include:

• Students must follow an approved programme of study within the Division of STEM.
• Required papers must be completed according to the applicable MInfoTech pathway.
• CSMAX596 Computer Science Internship is compulsory.
• CSMAX570 Preparing for Internship is compulsory for the 120-, 180- and 240-point structures.
• Students must meet the relevant GPA progression requirements before proceeding to the internship.
• Students admitted to the programme must complete the University of Waikato Academic Integrity Module.

International Student Visa Requirements

Most international students studying the MInfoTech in New Zealand will require a Fee Paying Student Visa. Waikato states that the student visa must name the University of Waikato as the place of study.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that the Fee Paying Student Visa:

• Allows study in New Zealand for up to 4 years.
• Costs from NZD 850.
• Requires an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Requires sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or evidence of a scholarship.
• Requires sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Requires acceptable insurance.
• Requires the applicant to meet applicable health, character and genuine-intention requirements.