Course details

Summary

More and more of our lives are affected by Computer Science. The demand for technology just keeps growing, and so does the demand for specialists to imagine, develop and maintain it. Computers are now so indispensible in fields such as education, medicine, commerce, engineering, and just for fun, that we can’t imagine what we would do without them.

Computer Science gives you an understanding of the conceptual building blocks of computers, software, and communications between computers. For example, an incredible amount of information is available on the internet. The ability to retrieve, organize and manipulate that information in a useful manner needs Computer Science.

An ability to understand and use computers effectively and creatively will greatly improve your value to almost every employer or if you are self employed. The study of Computer Science also involves logical thinking, problem solving, abstraction and analytical skills – all useful life skills that can be adapted to many situations.

The subject includes the following topics:

• How computers and computer systems work – architecture, systems software, programming languages, data communications, networks and robotics
• How computers manage information – algorithms, data structures and data management
• Applications of computers in society – artificial intelligence, world wide web, multimedia, computer graphics, computer vision, and human-computer interactions
• The limits of computers – computability and complexity theory

There is a wealth of subjects on offer within the Bachelor of Science (BSc). The main areas include biological sciences, human sciences, earth sciences, computational sciences, physical sciences and health-orientated sciences. As well as skills that are part of your academic learning in your chosen major, you’ll have exposure to new technologies. This is the degree for you if you’re science-minded and want to keep your options open.

Career opportunities

The field of information technology is wide open. The job you might get with your degree in Computer Science may not even have been thought of when you set out on your programme of study.

The demand for skilled computing specialists remains strong – and this is worldwide. A quick search on the internet will prove this is so. New Zealand has been quick to adopt new technology products and systems. The information technology sector here has been expanding rapidly over the last decade. A prolonged computing skills shortage threatens to hold up New Zealand’s potential for economic prosperity. This can include work involving web development, interface design, security issues, and mobile computing.

Further study options

• Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• Graduate Diploma in Science (GradDipSci)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Structure

Single or first major must include:

60 points from COMPSCI 210–280

60 points from COMPSCI 313–393

Second major must include:

45 points from COMPSCI 210–280

45 points from COMPSCI 313–393

Entry criteria

Secondary school qualifications

You need to have one of the following: International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24. General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects with at least a 'C' grade or higher. General Studies or similar general papers cannot be included.

GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA, Pearson Education Limited and CIE taken outside of New Zealand.

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.0; TOEFL (iBT) 80; TOEFL (paper-based) 550; CAE or CPE 169; PTE 50; MELAB 80.