Course details

Summary

There is an increasing demand for work-ready graduates who possess specialist skills from a postgraduate degree in Information Systems/ ICT that complement their prior undergraduate degree/s. Information Systems courses at a postgraduate level can help graduates from different backgrounds gain a broad understanding of the world of business and technological solutions. This mix of 'business savvy' and 'tech savvy' skills mean IS graduates often become business analysts. These graduates are seen as being a key component in developing and growing the business and ICT sectors and the knowledge base in Canterbury and New Zealand.

The MBIS qualification sits within the Executive Development Programmes and is part of a suite of Information Systems programmes offered by UC's Department of Accounting and Information Systems. UC ranks in the top 200 universities in the world for Computer Science and Information Systems (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2016). The School of Business and Economics is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), placing it in the top five percent of business schools worldwide.

Furthermore, UC's Information Systems/ICT students benefit from its location on the 'Silicon Plains' of New Zealand, where there are dozens of large, hi-tech companies employing UC graduates.

Subjects and courses

The qualification contains both Information Systems and Business components. Eight courses can be chosen from:

Information Systems elective courses

• MBIS601 Management of Information Systems
• MBIS602 Systems Analysis and Process Modelling
• MBIS603 Digital Business and Technology
• MBIS621 Project Management
• MBIS622 IS Security and Risk Management
• MBIS623 Data Management
• MBIS624 Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Systems in Organisations
• MBIS691 Information Systems Internship
• 15 points from INFO620-INFO670
• 15 points from another relevant subject (at the appropriate level), which is subject to approval by the relevant Head of Department and the Dean.

Business elective courses

• MBAZ604 Business Research Methods
• MBAZ601 Managerial Accounting
• MBAZ602 Business Economics
• MBUS650 Business Strategy

15 points from another relevant subject (such as Leadership, Marketing, Business Development and Entrepreneurship) at the appropriate level, which is subject to approval by the relevant Head of Department and the Dean.

Further study

Students can study a Master of Business Information Systems or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Systems.

Career opportunities

The Postgraduate Diploma of Business Information Systems will provide students with the skills, knowledge and competencies to undertake entry-level Information Systems-related roles within an organisation, such as those of business analyst, business process analyst, and business intelligence analyst.

It is also a good foundation for developing further and moving into more advanced roles in IT management which contribute to the strategic development of organisations through technology both in New Zealand and internationally. These more advanced roles could include IT consultant, IT project manager, and IT manager.

Entry criteria

Normally the minimum requirement is a three-year bachelor's degree from a New Zealand university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to make sure they are of an equivalent standard.

A degree with at least a B grade average in 300-level courses is required. Candidates must be approved by the Dean of Commerce who will take account of the relevance and standard of previous studies and experience.

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.