Course details

Summary

When people think of Computer Science they often just think of programming, but there are many more aspects to the field including interaction design, communications and networks, software design, computer security, information systems, graphics operating systems, educational systems, artificial intelligence and embedded systems (processors that are embedded in everything from mobile phones to cars). All of these areas are experiencing rapid growth both in New Zealand and internationally and there is a strong demand for Computer Science graduates.

Computer Science is about helping people do their work efficiently and effectively by analysing needs and constructing appropriate solutions. It provides a step beyond programming, and is about knowing how to design systems that are fast, usable, reliable, secure, scalable and make a positive impact on society and our environment.

Computer Science students learn techniques to tackle these challenges for applications as diverse as monitoring the condition of patients in hospitals to designing educational games for smart phones.

Qualification structure and duration

Part I of the MSc usually consists of coursework while Part II usually consists of a thesis or dissertation. Coursework must be satisfactorily completed in Part I before the student can proceed to Part II. The requirements vary depending on your choice of subject, as some subjects require only Part II.

Duration

• Part I and Part II must be completed in two years full-time; up to four years part-time.
• Part I must be completed full-time in one year.
• Part II is completed full-time in one to two years or, with the Dean of Science's permission part-time in up to four years.

Career opportunities

There is a strong demand for graduates who are qualified in Computer Science, particularly those who combine technical skills with good communication skills and teamwork ability. Canterbury's leading-edge IT sector is facing a shortage of qualified graduates, meaning that UC-qualified Computer Science graduates are in high demand.

Many employment opportunities exist with organisations that run large computer-based systems, such as finance companies, airline industries, government departments, state-owned enterprises, consulting companies, and computer organisations themselves. Work with these organisations often involves international travel opportunities. Many of our students start up their own software companies, and end up being employers rather than employees.

Apart from a professional career in computing, a degree in Computer Science can be used as a good basis for a career in the many areas in which computer systems are applied. Graduates are employed in fields including education, computer forensics, embedded systems and computer graphics, and in a variety of positions including software engineer, programmer, analyst, computer consultant, webmaster, internet developer, GIS analyst, games developer and computing tutor.

Entry criteria

Candidates must have completed one of the following:

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Science with Honours*
• Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
• Postgraduate Diploma in Science*
• Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Geology
• or any bachelor's degree and a qualifying programme.

* Students who have qualified for a Bachelor of Science with Honours or Postgraduate Diploma in Science in a subject may be admitted to a MSc Part II (by thesis-only) in that subject.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum B+ grade; CAE or CPE score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 64 and no PTE communicative skills score below 58.