Course details

Summary

Be at the leading edge of computer science and advance your professional or academic knowledge and skills with a Master's degree.

Enhance your career with a Master of Computer Science (MCompSc). This flexible coursework and project-based programme will put you at the forefront of innovation in a rapidly developing industry.

Gain specialist knowledge of computer science theories, methods and strategy, and build on your skills in computing architecture, construction, engineering and design.

Examine networks, software, tools and packages, and learn more about a range of programming languages and computer-based systems. Study emerging technology and explore concepts that will form the foundations of future innovations.

You can choose to focus on Computer Science courses or on Network Engineering or Software Engineering. Or choose a broad combination of all three to suit your interests and career goals.

Research project

You'll focus mainly on coursework but will also do an individual project that involves designing, implementing and evaluating a solution to a complex research problem. Your project is a great opportunity to showcase your skills and demonstrate your critical thinking.

Taught by the School of Engineering and Computer Science and the Faculty of Science you'll work with and learn from staff with international reputations as experts in their field.

Degree structure

The 240-point MCompSc is divided into Part 1, the first year, and Part 2, the second year. If you have enough professional experience or more than the equivalent of a three year New Zealand degree, you may be able to be exempted 60 points from part 1, enabling you to complete the qualification with 180 points. You'll need to get the approval of the head of school to do this.

In your first year you'll take an approved combination of courses totalling 120 points. Choose courses from 400-level Computer Science, Network Engineering and Software Engineering. In your second year you'll complete Part 2 as outlined below.

Part 2 is made up of a project and further coursework. You'll complete an individual 30-point project under the supervision of academic staff. You can do your project in partnership with industry, in which case you'll also have an industry supervisor. For the project you'll do a series of written reports, an oral presentation and, where needed, a practical demonstration.

You'll also take one 500-level course from Computer Science worth 15 points and a further 75 points from 400-level courses in Computer Science, Network Engineering or Software Engineering.

PhD study

The coursework-based MCompSc is not a usual pathway to PhD study; however, if you also have extensive professional experience and wish to explore this route, you should contact the programme director to discuss it.

Entry criteria

To be accepted into this programme you'll need:

• A Bachelor's degree or extensive professional experience
• To be accepted by the MCompSc Board of Studies as having adequate preparation in Computer Science

Proof of English proficiency

• IELTS overall band of 6.5, no sub-score below 6.0; or
• TOEFL 90 on the internet-based test with at least 20 in writing; or
• A minimum of two ratings of 5 and two ratings of 4 in the Victoria University English Proficiency Programme test
• Pearson Test of English: A score of 65 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 58).