Kickstart a new career
Pivot into a career in the thriving tech industry. With the Master of Software Development (MSwDev), you’ll develop the knowledge and experience to develop web, mobile, and other software applications.
The MSwDev is an intensive 12-month programme that starts in July (Trimester 2). It teaches you core programming concepts and skills that you can apply to an industry-related project.
You’ll build strong foundational programming skills using industry-standard programming languages. You’ll develop the ability to work confidently across a range of technologies. By the time you graduate, you’ll be equipped to thrive in a variety of professional environments.
Who can study for this qualification
The MSwDev is for people who want to build a career as a software developer but don’t have a tech background. If you have a degree with at least a B average in a different subject and want to change careers, we’ll teach you what you need to know to make the move.
It helps you to have some familiarity with coding, but it doesn’t need to be a lot. For example, you might have done some basic programming at high school, followed some introductory online coding tutorials, or touched on some scripting in your job.
If you don’t feel you meet the entry requirements (see below), come and talk with us. We may be able to admit you to the degree if you’ve developed skills and experience that would help you complete the course.
If you have a strong programming background
If you have a strong technical programming skills already, the MSwDev is unlikely to be the right degree for you. One of our other degrees might be a better fit.
Focus on coursework
Focus on research
What you’ll learn
The MSwDev is a full-time, 180-point Master’s degree that starts in July (Trimester 2). You’ll complete this qualification in three consecutive trimesters over 12 months of full-time study.
Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 hours a week for much of the year. You’ll need to be on site and in class for at least 26 hours of this.
You’ll study in two parts: coursework in the first half of your degree and an R&D project later in the year.
Coursework (July to March)
In the first two trimesters of your degree, you master core programming skills, concepts, and techniques. You learn about:
- fundamental control structures
- programming commands
- data structures
- object orientation
- fundamental algorithms.
The degree covers a range of topics in software development and computer science.
You’ll also work on a variety of industry-relevant group projects where you’ll develop your teamwork, professional practice, and communication skills. You’ll attend industry seminars from industry professionals on a range of topics.
Your study explores topics like:
- web development
- testing
- mobile apps
- cloud computing
- artificial intelligence
- agile development
- programming languages
- security.
The group work, practical exercises, and teaching are done in the same physical space. Your learning experience in this area will be quite fluid—you might move between presentations, individual exercises assisted by staff, and group exercises throughout your day.
Industry research and development project
(March to June)
In your final trimester, you’ll work on a substantial software research and development project.
Generally you’ll complete this project as a placement in a local ICT business, but it can also be an industry-related project done within the school. The project involves supervision by one of our teachers and by the industry supervisor. You’ll report on your work and give presentations.
Part-time study options
The MSwDev is an intensive degree that is designed to be completed in 1 year of full-time study. However, it is possible to study for the MSwDev part time if you pause between courses for a year and complete the remainder of the degree within 2 years of starting.
Degree 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.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
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 MSwDev degree shall have:
(i) completed a degree of a tertiary institution in New Zealand with an average grade of at least B; and
(ii) demonstrated a basic level of competence in programming;
(iii) been accepted by the Head of the School of Engineering and Computer Science as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Note: Students with a qualification in Software Engineering, Computer Science (or a similar subject), or with substantial experience in software development in industry will not be accepted into the programme.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MSwDev
2. (a) The course of study for the MSwDev shall consist of:
Part 1: Professional Programming Skills (SWEN 501), Software Development Studio 1 (SWEN 502), Software Development Studio 2 (SWEN 504)
Part 2: Industry Research and Development Project (SWEN 589).
(b) Entry to Part 2 requires at least a B– average in Part 1 courses or special permission from the head of school.
3. A candidate for the MSwDev must be enrolled full time, and shall normally complete the degree within 12 months of first enrolling in it, but must complete it within 24 months.
4. (a) A candidate who has completed Part 1 of the degree and not Part 2 may be awarded a PGDipSwDev.
(b) A candidate who has completed Professional Programming Skills (SWEN 501) and 502 but has not completed Part 1 may be awarded a PGCertSwDev.
Future careers
The Master of Software Development will give you the training and experience you need to launch a career in the exciting world of software development.
With input from industry professionals and opportunities for direct industry experience, you’ll gain strong practical experience and be able to hit the ground running in your new career.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
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 Engineering and Computer Science
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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...
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This scholarship will support a student studying an undergraduate degree in Architecture, Design Innovation, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Design Technology, Electric & Computer System Engineering, Software Engineering or Cybersecurity Engineering. The scholarship may also be awarded in conjunction with a Trimble Internship.
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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 Engineering and Computer Science
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
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
Andrew Chalmers
Lecturer (Teaching) in Software Engineering
Kirita-Rose Escott
Lecturer in Computer Science
Jennifer Ferreira
Senior Lecturer
Michael Homer
Programme Director
Agatha Rachmat
Lecturer in Software Engineering (Teaching)
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.