Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence (PGDipAI) is designed for students who want advanced knowledge and practical skills in artificial intelligence.
• UC highlights advanced topics such as deep learning and computer vision.
• Students learn to critically assess AI trends, use cases and practices in industry.
• The programme provides flexibility through a broad range of elective courses, allowing students to tailor their studies toward areas of interest.
• AI skills are increasingly relevant across technology, business, data, software and other sectors, making the qualification useful for students seeking specialist AI knowledge.
• UC also provides a pathway from the PGDipAI into its Master of Artificial Intelligence.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The PGDipAI consists of 120 points:

• 60 compulsory points
• 60 elective points

Compulsory courses include:

• COSC401 Machine Learning
• COSC440 Deep Learning
• PHIL425 Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
• COSC420 Intelligent Tutoring Systems or COSC428 Computer Vision

For the 60 elective points, students can select from approved courses including:

• DATA420 and DATA423–DATA425
• DATA430–DATA439
• COSC420 Intelligent Tutoring Systems
• COSC428 Computer Vision
• INFO621 Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business
• INFO634 Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
• Approved Computer Science 400-level courses
• Approved Software Engineering 400-level courses

Disciplines / Specialisations

The PGDipAI does not have formal majors, minors or endorsements.

The current regulations explicitly state that the qualification is awarded without endorsements, majors or minors.

However, students can develop an area of interest through their elective choices, such as:

• Machine Learning
• Deep Learning
• Computer Vision
• Intelligent Tutoring Systems
• AI Ethics
• AI in Business
• Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering

Programme Highlights

• 120-point postgraduate qualification.
• One-year full-time study option.
• February and July entry points.
• Advanced study in AI rather than introductory AI.
• Compulsory coverage of Machine Learning and Deep Learning.
• Dedicated study of AI Ethics.
• Choice between Intelligent Tutoring Systems and Computer Vision within the compulsory component.
• 60 points of electives provide flexibility.
• Elective options span Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data and Business Information Systems.
• No formal major, minor or endorsement.
• Possible progression to the Master of Artificial Intelligence.
• The Master of Artificial Intelligence includes the PGDipAI course content plus an additional 60-point project course.

Career Outcomes

UC states that graduates will enter the workforce with advanced AI training and the ability to keep up with AI innovations in industry.

Potential career directions associated with the programme's subject areas include:

• Artificial Intelligence specialist
• Machine Learning specialist
• AI developer
• Machine Learning engineer
• Computer Vision specialist
• AI consultant
• Data and AI analyst
• AI solutions specialist
• AI/business technology roles
• Software and technology roles involving AI

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current PGDipAI regulations came into force on 1 January 2026.
• The qualification was first offered in 2025.
• The official qualification time limit is 36 months.
• The qualification has no majors, minors or endorsements.
• A student who completes the PGDipAI with at least a B GPA in the Diploma courses and has not yet graduated may apply to enter the Master of Artificial Intelligence or another related programme, subject to approval.
• The programme regulations also provide a route to the Postgraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence for students who do not complete or who wish to transfer from the diploma.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying the PGDipAI on campus in New Zealand, the relevant visa is normally the Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to individual circumstances.

Current Immigration New Zealand information states:

• Visa cost: from NZ$850.
• Maximum length: up to 4 years.
• Processing: 80% within 8 weeks.
• Applicants need an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Students must demonstrate funds to pay tuition fees or have an acceptable scholarship.
• Students must demonstrate sufficient living funds or have an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable insurance is required.
• Applicants must satisfy other health, character and genuine-intention requirements.
• Evidence of outward travel or sufficient funds for departure may be required.