Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Information Sciences provides advanced study across information sciences, computing, software, data and related technologies.
• Students develop problem-solving and analytical-thinking skills for complex computing problems, with current topic areas including machine learning, computer vision, system security, user-interface design, data science and analytics.
• The programme combines theory with practical professional experience. The professional pathway includes an in-depth project that is normally undertaken over one full-time semester. Massey states that students may have opportunities to work on real projects for companies, giving them practical experience to add to their CV.
• The research pathway provides substantial thesis experience and is specifically recommended by Massey for students who intend to progress to PhD study.
• Massey describes the programme as suitable for graduates who want to deepen their specialist knowledge or progress their careers into more advanced information-science roles.
• Classes are described as small and interactive, allowing close contact with lecturers.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme has two principal routes.

Professional Pathway – 180 credits

• Part One: 120 credits of approved courses.
• Part Two: 60-credit professional project.
• The professional project can involve requirements engineering, product modelling, user-interface design and evaluation, systems security, software testing and quality assurance, depending on the project selected.

Research Pathway – 180 credits

• Part One: 60 credits of approved courses.
• Part Two: 120-credit thesis.
• The thesis involves supervised, independent research and is particularly suitable for students intending to progress to doctoral study.

Examples of current Part One course areas include:

Computer Science:

• Computer Graphics
• Computer Vision
• Parallel and Distributed Systems
• Operating Systems and Architecture
• Intelligent Systems
• Artificial intelligence
• Natural language processing
• Network security and distributed computing.

Data Science:

• Data Mastery: Scripting, Databases and Data Privacy
• Data Science – Making Sense of Data
• Multivariate Analysis for Big Data
• Practical Data Mining
• Data mining
• Machine learning
• Natural language processing
• Data visualisation
• Customer segmentation.

Information Technology:

• Practical Software Engineering
• Advanced Machine Learning
• Implementation and Management of Systems Security
• Location Systems: Spatial Databases, Tools and Applications
• Location Data: Mapping, Analysis and Visualisation
• Information Sciences Research Methods
• Object-Oriented Software Development
• User Interface Design and Evaluation
• Information Technology Project Part 1 and Part 2.

Business-related options:

• Organisation and Management
• Health Information Management.

Students can normally select no more than 30 credits from the listed business courses.

Professional Part Two options include:

• Information Technology Professional Project – 60 credits
• Research Report – 60 credits
• Computer Science Professional Project – 60 credits.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The current MInfSc is awarded without a subject/specialisation.

However, the current regulations state that Computer Science, Information Technology and Software Engineering subjects/joint subjects remain available under transitional provisions.

The current course schedule allows students to develop expertise through course selection across areas such as:

• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Information Technology
• Software Engineering
• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Computer vision
• Cybersecurity and systems security
• Data analytics
• Data mining
• Human-computer interaction
• Spatial/location information systems
• Information systems
• Information sciences research.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 master's qualification.
• Standard 180-credit structure.
• 1.5 years full-time.
• February and July starts listed for 2027.
• Auckland Campus.
• Professional and Research pathways.
• Advanced 120-credit thesis option for eligible applicants with prior postgraduate study.
• Strong combination of theoretical and practical information-science learning.
• Professional project can provide experience with real-world computing/IT problems.
• Current study areas include AI, machine learning, data science, computer vision, cybersecurity, software engineering, data mining, user-interface design and spatial information systems.

Career Outcomes

Massey describes the MInfSc as relevant to the growing demand for information-technology professionals and states that the qualification can support progression into professional practice and leadership-oriented roles.

Depending on the courses, pathway and previous experience, potential career areas include:

• Software development
• Software engineering
• Data science
• Data analytics
• Machine learning
• Artificial intelligence
• Computer vision
• Cybersecurity and systems security
• IT project management
• Information systems
• User-interface and user-experience development
• Data mining
• Database and information management
• Spatial/location information systems
• Research and academic careers.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The 2027 International Prospectus lists MInfSc as a February or July intake, 1.5-year programme, with an international tuition estimate of NZ$47,490 per 120 credits.
• The current qualification page continues to describe the standard degree as 180 credits.
• The current regulations state that the degree is awarded without a subject, while Computer Science, Information Technology and Software Engineering remain available under transitional provisions.
• A B- average is required for progression from Part One to Part Two.
• Students using the professional-experience entry route need at least two years of relevant experience, demonstrated through a portfolio, and may be interviewed.
• Applicants intending to undertake at least 90 credits of research must provide a research-interest summary of 200 words or less.
• Applicants seeking direct entry to the 120-credit thesis must arrange an appropriate academic supervisor before enrolment.
• Not all listed course options are offered every year.
• Workshops, block courses, tutorials or laboratories may be compulsory where specified by the programme.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying the MInfSc physically at Massey's Auckland Campus, the relevant visa is normally the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires applicants to have:

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