Why Study "Master of Technological Futures"

The Master of Technological Futures (MTF) at academyEX is a Level 9, NZQA-accredited research master’s designed for experienced professionals who want to lead in a world increasingly shaped by AI, emerging technologies and digital transformation. The programme combines technology, business, leadership, ethics and applied research, allowing students to work on a real challenge from their own industry and develop a practical outcome such as a prototype, framework, report or demonstration. No coding background is required.

• Level of study: Level 9 Master’s degree
• Qualification: Master of Technological Futures
• Credits: 180 NZQA credits
• Duration: Approximately 18 months, part-time
• Study mode: Blended learning
• Main location: academyEX HQ, 99 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
• Learning is designed to combine weekly live online learning with in-person workshops in Auckland.
• The programme is particularly suitable for business leaders, emerging leaders and experienced non-technical professionals who want to make better technology-related decisions.

Key Benefits

• Develop practical understanding of AI and emerging technologies without needing to become a programmer.
• Learn from academics, technology specialists and industry practitioners with real-world experience.
• Build the ability to connect technology with business objectives, human needs and organisational challenges.
• Develop skills in technology adoption, digital transformation, innovation, strategy, ethics and change leadership.
• Work on a genuine industry challenge rather than only theoretical or hypothetical assignments.
• Receive one-to-one guidance from an industry advisor during the applied research project.
• Gain an NZQA-accredited Level 9 master’s qualification worth 180 credits.
• Develop a practical project or prototype that can potentially be used by an organisation, community or business.
• The programme is designed for professionals who may continue working while studying.

Program Structure

The programme is organised into three connected phases, taking students from foundational learning through to an applied research project. The current structure is approximately 72 weeks in total.

• Phase 1 – Foundations of Technological Futures: 20 weeks
  • AI and emerging technologies
  • Blockchain
  • Human-centred design
  • Business thinking and new business models
  • Technology and ethics
  • Understanding technological change and its impact on organisations and society
• Phase 2 – Scope Your Industry Challenge: 12 weeks
  • Identify and define a significant industry or organisational challenge.
  • Develop the research direction and project scope.
  • Consider stakeholders, evidence, research methods and ethical considerations.
• Phase 3 – Applied Research Project: 40 weeks
  • Complete an applied research project based on a real-world challenge.
  • Work with a dedicated industry advisor.
  • Develop a practical outcome such as a prototype, framework, report or demonstration.
  • Apply research and technological thinking directly to professional practice.

Discipline / Specialisation

The Master of Technological Futures is primarily focused on technology, innovation and leadership rather than a fixed technical specialisation. Students can shape their applied research around an area relevant to their professional interests or industry.

Key areas include:

• Artificial Intelligence and AI adoption
• Emerging and disruptive technologies
• Blockchain
• Digital transformation
• Innovation and new business models
• Human-centred design
• Technology ethics
• Cybersecurity and digital risk
• Organisational change
• Technology strategy and leadership
• Applied research and experimentation
• Technology applications across business, government, community and other sectors

Students have flexibility to investigate a technology-related challenge relevant to their own professional context.

Programme Highlights

• 18-month part-time master’s designed around professional life.
• Blended delivery with live online learning and in-person sessions/workshops.
• Auckland-based in-person learning at academyEX's Grafton location.
• Level 9 NZQA-accredited qualification with 180 credits.
• Practical, research-based learning rather than purely theoretical study.
• No coding requirement.
• Real industry challenge and applied project.
• One-to-one industry advisor support during the research project.
• Opportunities to learn from technology leaders and industry experts.
• Graduates leave with both a master’s qualification and a practical project/prototype.
• Current international intake information lists the next Master of Technological Futures start date as 25 February 2027.

Career Outcomes

The programme can support progression into technology-focused leadership and transformation roles across different industries. Career directions may include:

• Technology and Digital Transformation Leadership
• AI Adoption and AI Strategy
• Innovation Management
• Technology Strategy
• Digital Transformation Management
• Product and Innovation Leadership
• Technology Consulting
• Change and Transformation Leadership
• Technology Policy and Strategy
• Entrepreneurship and Start-up Leadership
• Research and Applied Innovation
• Technology leadership roles in business, government and community organisations

academyEX states that graduates and students have progressed into areas including start-ups, engineering leadership, disruptive futures, data leadership, financial services, fintech, marketing and product development, with graduates including CIOs, CTOs, founders, business owners and innovators.

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students who are not New Zealand or Australian citizens or permanent residents need a visa that permits full-time study in New Zealand. Students should meet Immigration New Zealand's applicable student-visa requirements in addition to academyEX's admission requirements.

For admission to the programme, international applicants are currently expected to provide:

• Passport/proof of identity.
• Evidence of English-language proficiency if English is not their first language, such as Academic IELTS 6.5 or PTE 58.
• Evidence of previous study and/or relevant work experience, such as academic transcripts, graduation certificates or a CV.
• A Statement of Intent explaining their motivation for undertaking a master’s programme.
• Participation in an admission interview to discuss professional experience, study goals and programme suitability.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The latest academyEX information lists 25 February 2027 as the next available start date for the Master of Technological Futures for international students. The 24 September 2026 intake is listed as domestic-only.
• 2027 international tuition fee: up to NZ$46,995, including GST.
• 2026 international tuition fee was up to NZ$44,880 including GST.
• academyEX notes that payment options and scholarships are available to help with tuition costs.
• The 2027 International Student Excellence Scholarship is currently open. Up to NZ$11,000 towards tuition fees is available for two international students studying a master’s programme onshore in New Zealand. Applicants must first apply for the master’s programme and then submit the separate scholarship application.
• The scholarship is intended for applicants demonstrating academic excellence and a commitment to using further study to create an impact in their organisation, community or industry.
• The programme is designed for working professionals and does not require prior coding expertise.
• Applicants should be prepared for blended study, including online learning and required in-person learning activities in Auckland.
• Tuition fees are subject to academyEX terms and conditions, and students should confirm the final fee, scholarship availability and intake arrangements before enrolment.