Bachelor of Applied Computing
Why Study/Key Benefits
Industry-informed curriculum developed in collaboration with the local ICT sector.
Practical learning in programming, software development, cyber security, algorithms, data management and analysis.
Development of software engineering skills, including development methods, software architecture and testing.
Exposure to mobile, web, Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics platforms.
60 points of work-integrated learning, providing opportunities to apply knowledge to workplace projects and build industry contacts.
The degree is fully accredited by the Australian Computer Society from 2025, supporting recognition against international ICT education standards and providing a pathway towards ACS membership, subject to ACS membership requirements.
Teaching is linked to the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, known in M?ori as Au Reikura.
Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics
The 2027 Bachelor of Applied Computing regulations require 225 points of prescribed Applied Computing papers and another 135 points of undergraduate study. The prescribed papers include the following:
Year 1 – Computing foundations:
COMPX101 or ENGEN103: introductory programming / engineering computing. The 2027 COMPX101 paper is titled Introduction to Programming with AI Tools and introduces C# programming using Visual Studio, including modern AI-assisted programming practices.
COMPX102: Object-Oriented Programming.
CSMAX175: Introduction to Cyber Security.
COMPX171: Introduction to Digital Professional Skills.
One of MATHS135, DATAX111 or DATAX121: discrete structures or an approved data-related foundation option.
Additional elective papers to complete the required points.
Year 2 – Applied computing and software development:
COMPX201: Data Structures and Algorithms.
COMPX202: Mobile Computing and Software Architecture.
COMPX225: Introduction to Databases and Web Development.
COMPX271: Introduction to Software Development Methodologies.
CSMAX270: Cultural Perspectives for Computing and Mathematical Sciences.
Additional undergraduate electives.
Year 3 – Advanced computing and practical application:
COMPX324: User Experience Design.
COMPX322: Advanced Web Development.
COMPX323: Advanced Database Concepts.
COMPX398: Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study.
Additional undergraduate electives.
Examples of additional 2027 Applied Computing papers listed in the University's subject regulations include:
COMPX161 – Introduction to the Web.
COMPX221 – User Experience Design for Creative Industries.
COMPX251 – Applied Computing Tools 1.
COMPX252 – Applied Computing Tools 2.
DSIGN241 – Aspects of Web Design.
COMPX310 – Machine Learning.
COMPX335 – Emerging Technologies, including social robotics and the Internet of Things.
COMPX390 – Directed Study.
COMPX535 – Advanced Emerging Technologies.
Disciplines/Specialisations
The BAppComp is a broad applied-computing degree rather than a degree with separately named specialisations. Its core and elective papers cover:
Programming and software development.
Object-oriented programming and algorithms.
Cyber security.
Web development and web design.
Mobile computing and software architecture.
Databases and data management.
User experience and interface design.
Machine learning and emerging technologies.
Internet of Things and robotics.
Digital professional skills and computing ethics.
Programme Highlights
Three-year, 360-point undergraduate computing qualification.
Designed with input from the local ICT industry.
60 points of work-integrated learning, giving students an opportunity to apply computing knowledge to an industry-related project.
Practical focus on programming, cyber security, web development, databases and software engineering.
Curriculum includes modern computing topics, with the 2027 subject catalogue listing programming with AI tools and machine learning.
Fully accredited by the Australian Computer Society from 2025, according to the University. The University describes this as accreditation against international ICT education standards associated with the Seoul Accord.
Career Outcomes
The University lists the following potential career paths:
Programmer.
Software developer.
Web developer.
Database developer.
User experience designer.
User interface designer.
Test analyst.
Front-end developer.
Latest Updates/Special Requirements
The 2027 Applied Computing subject catalogue includes COMPX101 – Introduction to Programming with AI Tools, reflecting the inclusion of AI-assisted programming practices in introductory computing study.
The University states that the BAppComp has been fully accredited by the Australian Computer Society from 2025.
The qualification regulations require 360 points, including 225 prescribed Applied Computing points and 135 additional undergraduate points.
The degree's published programme location is Tauranga. Students should not assume that all papers can be taken in Hamilton or online simply because individual papers elsewhere in the University have other delivery locations.
The 2027 subject regulations show paper availability by trimester and location. Some papers are listed in Hamilton only, while others are listed in Tauranga. Confirm that the complete sequence required for the BAppComp can be completed at Tauranga in the intended study plan.
The University’s programme page displays NZD $42,635 as its international annual fee, while the University's international tuition-cost schedule lists NZD $41,910 for 2026 and NZD $44,006 for 2027. The fee schedule is the more specific source for the 2026 and 2027 estimates; the student's enrolment agreement and invoice determine the payable amount.
International Student Visa Requirements
International students enrolling full-time in the Bachelor of Applied Computing will generally apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa.
Current published Immigration New Zealand information:
Visa application fee: from NZD $850.
Processing time: 80% of applications within 7 weeks.
Maximum possible visa duration: up to 4 years. The actual visa may be shorter and is normally linked to the period of study paid for and the applicant's passport validity.
Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 3 months before planned travel.
Main requirements:
An offer of place from an approved education provider, identifying the course, duration and full-time or part-time study status.
Evidence of tuition-fee payment or the ability to pay the required tuition fees, unless covered by an acceptable scholarship or other approved arrangement.
Evidence of sufficient living funds: NZD $20,000 per year for tertiary study.
Evidence of a ticket out of New Zealand or sufficient additional funds to purchase one.
Full medical and travel insurance for the required period.
Evidence of good health and character.
Evidence of genuine intentions to study and comply with visa conditions.
Any additional documents requested by Immigration New Zealand, such as medical examinations, chest X-rays or police certificates where applicable.
Work rights:
A student visa may allow part-time work of up to 25 hours per week during study, depending on the visa conditions.
Full-time work during scheduled holidays depends on the visa conditions and the course meeting Immigration New Zealand's requirements.
Immigration New Zealand's published criteria for full-time work during scheduled holidays refer to a course worth 120 credits and evidence of the scheduled holiday dates. Students should not assume that every break automatically permits full-time work.
Practical work experience that is a compulsory part of the programme can be treated separately from the student's permitted employment hours, provided the student can show that it is a formal course requirement.
South Asian financial sponsorship:
For applicants from India applying from India, only immediate family members can provide sponsorship or a financial undertaking under Immigration New Zealand's South Asia rules.
Immediate family includes a partner, parents, siblings, grandparents and parents-in-law.
