Computer and Information Sciences

The Bachelor of Computing and Information Sciences at Auckland University of Technology offers students a comprehensive and practical education in the rapidly evolving fields of computing, information technology, and digital innovation. Designed to equip graduates with both foundational knowledge and advanced skills, this program prepares students for diverse career opportunities in software development, data management, cybersecurity, network administration, and emerging technological domains. The curriculum covers essential areas such as programming, system analysis and design, database management, networking, and human-computer interaction, ensuring a balanced understanding of both theoretical principles and real-world applications. Students will have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies, participate in industry projects, and develop critical problem-solving capabilities that are vital for success in the digital age. The program emphasizes teamwork, communication, and ethical considerations in technology use, fostering well-rounded professionals ready to contribute to New Zealand's digital economy and beyond. With flexible study options, including full-time, part-time, and online courses, students can tailor their educational journey to their individual needs and career goals. The Auckland University of Technology's strong links with industry partners provide invaluable internship and employment prospects, ensuring graduates are well-positioned to enter the competitive technology sector. This program not only delivers rigorous academic training but also encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning, enabling students to adapt to the continual advancements in computing and information sciences. By the end of the program, graduates will possess the technical expertise, practical experience, and professional readiness needed to excel in a dynamic technological landscape, making a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.

Structure

The Master of Computer and Information Sciences allows you to focus your studies on one of the discipline clusters below, or combine papers from different clusters.

Discipline clusters include:

• Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge Engineering – including bioinformatics, health informatics, neuroinformatics, data mining and knowledge engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, nature-inspired computing and geocomputation
• Information Systems and Technology – including data warehousing and big data, IT strategy and policy, ICT issues in the SME sector, eSystems design and development, visual information processing, information visualisation, human computer interaction
• Software Systems Engineering – including usage centred design, software requirements engineering, software architecture, software development methods

You will take the core paper Research Methods, and will complete either a research project or thesis under the guidance of an experienced academic supervisor. Your project or thesis may involve the creation of a software artefact.

Suggested and current thesis topics

Papers

CORE PAPER
COMP811 Research Methods I (15 points)

AND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS:
OPTION ONE
Elective Papers (45 points)
COMP989 Thesis (120 points)

OPTION TWO
Elective Papers (75 points)
COMP988 Thesis (90 points)

OPTION THREE
Elective Papers (105 points)
COMP971 Research Project (60 points)

THESIS
Enrolment in a thesis is subject to achieving at least a  B- average in course work papers including a pass in Research Methods I and approval of research proposal.

ELECTIVE PAPERS
Enrolment in papers is subject to meeting all requirements and availability of papers.

COMP800 Neuroinformatics (15 points)
COMP801 3D Technologies: Displays to Printing (15 points)
COMP805 Health Informatics and the Health Sector (15 points)
COMP806 Software Architecture (15 points)
COMP809 Data Mining and Machine Learning (15 points)
COMP810 Data Warehousing and Big Data (15 points)
COMP812 Next Generation Networking (15 points)
COMP813 Artificial Intelligence (15 points)
COMP814 Natural Language Processing (15 points)
COMP815 Nature Inspired Computing (15 points)*
COMP816 Autoidentification (15 points)
COMP817 Geocomputation (15 points)*
COMP818 Intelligent Surveillance (15 points)
COMP819 Ubiquitous Computing (15 points)
COMP820 Video and Image Processing (15 points)
COMP821 Information Security (15 points)
COMP822 Human Computer Interaction (15 points)
COMP823 Readings (30 points)*
COMP824 Special Topic A (15 points)*
COMP825 Special Topic B (15 points)*
COMP826 Mobile System Development (15 points)
COMP835 Server System Development (15 points)
COMP837 ICT Issues in the SME Sector (15 points)
INFS800 Service Relationship Management (15 points)*
INFS803 Cloud Computing (15 points)
INFS804 eSystems Design and Development (15 points)
INFS809 Software Development Methods (15 points)
INFS810 Software Requirements Engineering (15 points)
INFS811 Usage Centred Design (15 points)
INFS812 Bioinformatics (15 points)
INFS813 Information Technology Strategy and Policy (15 points)
PHIL800 Philosophy of Computing Technology (15 points)

*Enrolment subject to approval by the Programme Leader

Entry requirements

In order to be admitted to the Master of Computer and Information Sciences an applicant must have completed the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences or  equivalent with a B grade average or higher in the papers at level 7 or above. Guidelines to entry 

The Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences at Auckland University of Technology offers various financing options for domestic and international students to support their studies. Domestic students may be eligible for government funding and student loan schemes such as the New Zealand Student Loan Scheme, which covers tuition fees and provides living cost support under certain conditions. These loans are not need-based but require the student to meet residency and study criteria established by the New Zealand government. International students are responsible for full tuition fees, which must be paid upfront or via payment plans arranged through the university’s finance office. Auckland University of Technology provides flexible payment options, including installment plans to help manage expenses over the duration of the program. Scholarships and bursaries are also available to both domestic and international students. These financial aids are awarded based on academic achievement, merit, or specific criteria such as ethnicity or background, and can significantly reduce the overall cost of study. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, including government and private scholarships available through national agencies, industry partners, and educational foundations. The university's financial services team offers guidance and assistance in applying for financial aid, managing tuition payments, and understanding the full scope of funding options available. Students are advised to consider their long-term financial planning and explore all available resources to finance their studies effectively. The university also provides work-study opportunities, allowing students to earn income while gaining practical experience in their field, which can help offset educational costs. Overall, Auckland University of Technology aims to make higher education accessible by offering a range of financial support and resource options tailored to diverse student needs.

Study abroad fees at AUT University: what you'll pay

2016 fees per semester in NZ dollars

• Tuition fee for Study Abroad: NZ$12,500 per semester
• Enrolment fee: NZ$150
• Learner services levy: NZ$320.08 per 60 points
• Placement fee (internship option only): NZ$800
• AUT Insurance Premium: NZ$294.50 per semester

Other compulsory fees (in addition to tuition fees)

• 2016 Compulsory Student Services Fee - $573.30 for 120 points or $4.77 per academic point (GST incl)
• 2016 Building Levy- $66.85 for 120 points or $0.56 per academic point (GST incl)