Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Postgraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (PGCertAI) is a 60-point postgraduate qualification designed to strengthen computing skills for an employment market where AI is increasingly integrated into everyday systems and business processes.
• The programme focuses on advanced AI topics including machine learning, deep learning, computer vision and AI ethics.
• Students develop technical AI knowledge as well as workplace skills for collaborating with technical specialists and non-technical clients seeking AI solutions.
• The qualification can be useful for students who already have a computing or related background and want a concentrated postgraduate AI qualification rather than immediately undertaking a full master's degree.
• It provides a pathway into UC's Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence or Master of Artificial Intelligence, subject to the relevant progression requirements.
• The qualification was first offered in 2025 and is administered within UC's Engineering faculty under the current 2026 regulations. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The PGCertAI consists of 60 points across four 15-point courses.

The current structure is:

45 points selected from the core AI courses:

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

Students then select 15 further points from an approved group that includes:

• DATA420, DATA423–425 or DATA430–439
• COSC420 – Intelligent Tutoring Systems
• COSC428 – Computer Vision
• INFO621 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business
• INFO634 – Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
• eligible 400-level Computer Science courses
• eligible 400-level Software Engineering courses.

Major subject areas therefore include:

• Machine learning
• Deep learning
• Computer vision
• Intelligent tutoring systems
• Artificial intelligence ethics
• Data science
• Data analytics
• Business intelligence
• AI in business
• Computer science
• Software engineering.

Major subject areas therefore include:

• Machine learning
• Deep learning
• Computer vision
• Intelligent tutoring systems
• Artificial intelligence ethics
• Data science
• Data analytics
• Business intelligence
• AI in business
• Computer science
• Software engineering.

Programme Highlights

• 60-point postgraduate qualification.
• First offered in 2025.
• February and July intakes.
• 6 months full-time or up to 2 years part-time.
• Four 15-point courses.
• Focus on advanced AI topics.
• Covers machine learning, deep learning, computer vision and AI ethics.
• Allows selected study in data science, business intelligence, AI in business, computer science and software engineering.
• Primarily campus-based.
• Designed for students with a Computer Science or related academic background.
• Provides progression opportunities to the Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Master of Artificial Intelligence.

Career Outcomes

UC states that the PGCertAI prepares graduates to meet industry demand as AI becomes integrated into more systems and processes. Students gain both technical knowledge and professional skills for finding and implementing AI tools in the workplace.

Potential career directions include:

• AI specialist
• Machine learning-related roles
• AI/data analyst
• Computer vision roles
• AI implementation and solutions roles
• AI technology consultant
• Data and business intelligence roles
• Software/AI development roles
• AI-related technical support and product roles.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current 2026 regulations are particularly important because the qualification has recently been introduced.

• Current regulations came into force on 1 January 2026.
• The certificate was first offered in 2025.
• The qualification has a 24-month maximum time limit.
• No majors, minors or endorsements are available.
• The qualification can be awarded with Merit or Distinction under the general UC regulations.
• Admission requires approval by the Executive Dean of Engineering or delegate.
• The alternative experience-based admission route requires at least 5 years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience and evidence of relevant computing/mathematics knowledge.
• Individual courses can have prerequisites. For example, COSC401 Machine Learning has specified prior computing and mathematics requirements.
• Some courses may be campus-based while an individual course can have a distance occurrence, so students should verify the exact course schedule for their intended intake.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student undertaking the PGCertAI in New Zealand would normally apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that this visa:

• costs from NZD $850;
• can permit a stay of up to four years;
• requires an Offer of Place from an approved education provider;
• requires evidence of tuition funding or an acceptable scholarship;
• requires sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor;
• requires acceptable health/travel insurance;
• requires applicants to satisfy the other visa requirements.