Make sense of a digital world
Technology shapes how we live, work, learn, connect, and make decisions. Digital Intelligence is the ability to understand that world, make better decisions within it, and shape it so that it works for everyone.
In this major, you’ll develop the skills to become a digital architect—someone who can understand technology, build digital solutions, and use information to solve real problems for individuals, organisations, and society.
You won’t need any prior coding experience. This major builds your technical skills step by step, teaching you to create programmes and applications using modern AI-assisted development tools.
Information Systems is now Digital Intelligence
Starting in 2027, Digital Intelligence will replace Information Systems.
If you’re already studying Information Systems, you may be able to continue your major or choose to switch to Digital Intelligence.
Contact the School of Information Management to discuss your options.
Email: sim@vuw.ac.nz
What you’ll learn
Digital Intelligence is about more than technology. This major is built around three core capabilities. You’ll learn to:
- Think strategically—understand how technology shapes people, organisations, and communities, and how to shape it responsibly
- Build solutions—design and create digital products and applications using AI and modern digital tools to solve problems that matter
- Make sense of information—work with data to uncover insights, support decisions, and create value
You’ll start by exploring your own digital world, then build outward—learning how technology shapes organisations, and finally, society as a whole. Along the way, you’ll gain skills that help you in daily life, in your community, and in your future career.
Why Wellington
Wellington is New Zealand's capital and a leading technology hub. It's home to organisations driving digital innovation, transformation, policy, and public impact.
Here, you're at the intersection of technology, business, government, and society—making it an ideal place to grow as a digital innovator.
Choose your study path
You can study Digital Intelligence as a major subject in a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc).
These degrees give you a range of ways to structure your study and combine Digital Intelligence with other subjects.
Combining with other majors
Digital Intelligence pairs well with other majors in the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom). It adds valuable digital, analytical, and innovation skills that complement a range of business disciplines.
You can also combine it with Artificial Intelligence in the Bachelor of Science (BSc)—a natural pairing, since AI is a specific technology, while Digital Intelligence is the broader ability to understand, use, and shape technologies like AI.
Several Digital Intelligence courses also count towards the Digital Health major in the Bachelor of Health (BHlth).
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.
Study options
Find out how you can study Digital Intelligence at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Switch to Digital Intelligence from another subject
Already have a Bachelor's degree in another subject? You can upskill in Digital Intelligence through a Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate in Commerce, specialising in Digital Intelligence. The Certificate is the shorter option.
International recognition
Wellington School of Business and Government is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide that hold the ‘Triple Crown’ of international business education accreditations. By studying here, you can be confident your qualification will be recognised globally for its quality.
Future careers
Digital Intelligence graduates can pursue roles such as:
- business analyst
- product manager
- data analyst
- digital transformation consultant
- UX/service designer
- digital policy adviser.
This major also gives you a strong foundation for postgraduate study and research.
More career information
Find out more about careers on our 'What can I do with my degree' page for Information Systems (the subject that Digital Intelligence replaced).
The government careers website, Tahatū, also offers information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver 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 Commerce
-
The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
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 offer 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 Commerce
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
Postgraduate study
After completing your Bachelor’s degree, you can continue your learning with postgraduate study through one of these qualifications:
At the Wellington School of Business and Government (WSBG), we offer postgraduate study options in a wide range of subjects.
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.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.