Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Information Sciences (Information Systems) is designed for students who are interested in information technology but prefer working with people, understanding organisational requirements and connecting technology with business needs. Massey distinguishes Information Systems from computer science and information technology by its emphasis on the social, human and organisational context in which information systems are designed and used.

Key benefits include:

• Learn how organisations use information systems to support strategy, decision-making and business operations.
• Develop skills in business and systems analysis.
• Learn how to identify user requirements and design systems around those requirements.
• Develop understanding of information technology from the perspectives of system developers, managers, administrators and entrepreneurs.
• Study topics such as technology innovation, digital business governance, databases, user experience, networks, security and digital innovation.
• Gain flexibility to add a minor or potentially combine majors within the Bachelor of Information Sciences.
• Build a foundation for postgraduate study, including the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences and Master of Information Sciences.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The BInfSc is deliberately flexible. Students complete 360 credits made up of core courses, major courses and electives.

For Information Systems, the first year includes the following required/recommended courses:

• 159101 Technical Programming 1 / Applied Programming
• 161111 Applied Statistics or 297101 Statistical Data Science
• 247112 Science and Sustainability for ICT, or the approved alternative
• 158100 Information Technology Principles
• 158120 Web-based IT Fundamentals

Students then use additional electives to reach the normal eight-course first-year load.

At 200 level, the Information Systems major includes choices such as:

• 157216 Management, Analytics and Decision Making – data-supported organisational decision-making.
• 157240 Social Media Networks for Business – social media and business using a socio-technical approach.
• 157241 Technology Innovations for Organisations – technological innovation and its organisational and societal context.
• 158235 Networks, Security and Privacy – networks, Internet technologies, communications and information-system design.
• 158244 Software Quality Assurance and Testing – software testing, test planning and quality assurance.
• 158258 Web Development – design and development of web-based applications.

At 300 level, available Information Systems subjects include:

• 157340 Organisational Knowledge Management – information systems and business value in a knowledge economy.
• 157350 Digital Business Governance – technology-based solutions and organisational strategy.
• 157394 Digital Innovation Project – agile project management and design thinking.
• 158337 Database Development – enterprise data models, relational and non-relational databases and database management.
• 158359 User Experience Design – analysis, design, prototyping, implementation and evaluation of user interfaces. 

Disciplines / Specialisations

Information Systems is one of the five principal majors in the Bachelor of Information Sciences.

Current majors are:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Information Technology
• Information Systems

The degree also has a joint major in Software Engineering.

A student taking Information Systems can also add a minor, provided the minor is in a different subject from the major. Available BInfSc minors include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Business
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Games Programming
• Information Technology
• Information Systems.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 7 bachelor's degree.
• 360 credits.
• Three years full-time.
• Information Systems major worth 120 credits.
• Auckland campus and distance/online study options.
• International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• Focus on the intersection of technology, people and organisations.
• Strong emphasis on business and systems analysis.
• Optional minor.
• Potential double-major flexibility.
• Core areas include programming, statistics, ICT sustainability and information technology.
• Upper-level study includes digital governance, organisational knowledge management, databases, UX design and digital innovation.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies a range of career directions associated with the Information Systems major, including:

• Business analyst
• Systems analyst
• User support specialist
• Database administrator
• Software testing
• Software quality assurance
• IT project manager
• Independent consultant.

The major is particularly oriented toward technical environments where graduates need to understand both information technology and organisational/user requirements.

Potential employment areas include:

• Business and systems analysis
• IT project management
• Digital business
• Information systems administration
• Technology consulting
• User experience and systems development
• Database and information management
• Software testing and quality assurance. 

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current programme information highlights the following points:

• The BInfSc remains a 360-credit qualification.
• Information Systems is a 120-credit major.
• The degree permits significant flexibility through electives, minors and double-major options.
• Students must ensure they satisfy prerequisites before progressing to higher-level courses.
• At least 75 credits must be at 300 level and no more than 165 credits can be at 100 level.
• Students may be required to attend field trips, workshops, tutorials or laboratories as specified by their courses.
• The programme requires access to a Mac or Windows computer; Chromebooks are not suitable.
• International students can study online from outside New Zealand, which is important because this option does not involve relocating to New Zealand for the programme.
• Course selections, prerequisites and availability can change, so the current Massey programme page and regulations should be used when finalising an enrolment plan.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying the Information Systems major on campus in Auckland, the relevant immigration route is generally the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that applicants need:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or evidence of an applicable scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living costs or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Good health and character.
• A genuine reason for coming to New Zealand to study.
• Evidence that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.