Enhance your career in a rapidly developing industry
The Master of Computer Science (MCompSc) is a flexible 12-month, three-trimester programme that will put you at the forefront of innovation.
You’ll gain specialist knowledge of computer science theories and methods, and build on your skills in programming and implementing algorithms.
You’ll work with and learn from staff with international reputations as experts in their field from the School of Engineering and Computer Science.
Who can study for this qualification
You can study for the MCompSc if you have a Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average in a relevant subject.
Another way is if you have a lot of practical or professional experience, or a qualification in a different area. Contact the relevant head of school to talk about your options.
What you’ll learn
Your study will cover:
- advanced technical knowledge
- specialised software architecture
- practical research methods to solve complex computing problems.
How you’ll study
The 180-point MCompSc includes both coursework (Part 1) and research (Part 2). Studying full time, you’ll complete it in 12 months. Most students start their course of study in Trimester 1, which begins in February.
Part 1
You’ll take a combination of courses from 400-level Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Software Engineering.
It’s up to you which courses you take—you can choose to specialise in one area, or study a broader range of topics.
Part 2
You’ll showcase your skills with a research project on a problem you’re passionate about. This could be a real-world or industry-related problem. You could also join an existing research project.
The project is an excellent opportunity to:
- demonstrate your critical thinking
- showcase your skills in your area of interest
- add to your portfolio.
Option to start in Trimester 2
With the school’s approval, you may also be able to start in Trimester 2.
The sequence depends on course availability and research arrangements. For example, if you start in Trimester 2 you could complete half your coursework, carry out the research component in Trimester 3, and complete the remaining coursework in Trimester 1 of the following year.
Research in Trimester 3 depends on you being ready to begin, and for suitable project and supervision arrangements to be available. Discuss your study plan with the programme director.
Part-time study options
Studying part time, you can complete the MCompSc over a maximum of 4 years.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MCompSc degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree with an average grade of at least B;
(ii) been accepted by the head of school as having adequate preparation in Computer Science, either through completion of an appropriate degree or diploma or through professional experience.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience providing appropriate preparation.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MCompSc
2. Except as provided in section 4 of these regulations, the course of study for the MCompSc shall consist of:
Part 1: 120 points in an approved combination from AIML/COMP/CYBR/NWEN/ SWEN 401–479, CGRA 401–459
Part 2: Research Essay in Computer Science (COMP 501), Project (COMP 589).
3. A candidate for the MCompSc shall normally be enrolled for at least three trimesters and shall complete the degree within four years of first enrolling in it. The associate dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
Future careers
The MCompSc can help you improve your career prospects or upskill and change careers.
The benefits of a Master’s degree can include:
- higher salary
- better career growth opportunities
- becoming a more competitive candidate for top jobs
- being able to specialise
- setting yourself apart for senior or leadership roles
- gaining niche skills that could take your career in a new direction
- setting yourself up for doctoral study.
More career information
Find out more about careers in computer science.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science and Engineering
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This scholarship is offered to women graduates intending to study at Victoria University of Wellington in a course leading to a higher degree, which includes research in some field related to the general purpose of teaching or promoting the knowledge of home or domestic science among the women of New Zealand (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, Education or Science).
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The Erasmus Scholarship is open to second year students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington who want to major in Greek or Latin.
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This scholarship was established in 1997 from a bequest from the estate of Arnold Woodford Izard. The scholarship is offered to students enrolled in a Master's by thesis degree in any faculty at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, with the exception of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. NZSM students are still eligible to apply. This scholarship is...
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science and Engineering
-
This scholarship is offered to women graduates intending to study at Victoria University of Wellington in a course leading to a higher degree, which includes research in some field related to the general purpose of teaching or promoting the knowledge of home or domestic science among the women of New Zealand (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, Education or Science).
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This scholarship has been established in honour of Sir Lloyd Geering to support students undertaking postgraduate study in Religious Studies. Sir Lloyd was the founding Professor of Religious Studies at Victoria University of Wellington in 1971. He contributed greatly to the study of religion in New Zealand and to thinking about transformations of religion in modernity. The horizons of his...
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The Jack Pearce Research Scholarship in History (the "scholarship") was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation and offers students the opportunity to gain postgraduate experience in the area of History.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Academic staff research areas
Our academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.