Master of Information Technology

This programme provides you with the opportunity to explore your passion for Information Technology and build on your current knowledge to enhance your expertise and career opportunities. You will have the choice to specialise in three areas including Cybersecurity; Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics; and Computer Science, or you can choose a qualification without a specialisation.

This is an advanced programme requiring 180 credits at level 8 and 9, and includes a significant research component within the two pathways that can be undertaken. 

You will dig deeper in your expertise in a number of cutting-edge topics, including cloud computing, cybersecurity, business intelligence and machine learning and more.

In addition to the research components you will have the opportunity to undertake an industry project or internship in your chosen area of study. 

18 months full-time.

Part-time options available.

The Master of Information Technology is a level 9 programme that requires successful completion of a minimum of 180 credits from level 8 and 9. There are two pathways for completing a Master of Information Technology (MIT). Both pathways require the completion of a significant research project.

This programme offers students the ability to specialise in one of three different areas of Technology by selecting one of the Majors on offer or to study across a wide range of subjects.

The Majors that can be selected are Cybersecurity; Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics; and Computer Science.

The courses you will study for each Major are:

Cybersecurity

Cloud Computing and ICT Infrastructure

Cybersecurity Ethics, Governance and Regulations

Advanced Cybersecurity Management

Network Security and Forensics

Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics

Business Intelligence and Data Mining

Advanced AI and Machine Learning

Agentic AI Systems and Applications

Big Data Analytics

Computer Science

Advanced Mobile Application Solutions

Data Modelling & Solutions

Advanced Software Engineering

Network Design and Management

Whether choosing a Major or not all students have the option of two Pathways of study.

Pathway One (Thesis)

This pathway provides in-depth knowledge of a topic in Information Technology and is suitable grounding work for higher studies at PhD level in New Zealand or overseas. The research produced can lead to scientific publication. This pathway enables the student to undertake significant independent research. The Thesis can be undertaken with one of the specialisations or without a specialisation.

You will undertake the following compulsory courses at Level 8:

Research in Information Technology

Research Proposal

And the following compulsory course at Level 9:

Thesis (90 credits)

Plus 60 credits of courses from your chosen Major or from a range of elective courses (if not choosing a Major).

Pathway Two (Research Project)

This pathway requires a shorter research report than the Thesis pathway and provides more taught course work. This is ideal for students who wish to extend their technical capability with the view of advancing their career as an IT professional.

You will undertake the following compulsory courses at Level 8:

Research in Information Technology

And the following compulsory course at Level 9:

Applied Industry Research Project (45 credits)

Plus if choosing a Major you will undertake the following:

Advanced Project Management

Four specialisation courses

Three courses from the range of available electives.

If not undertaking a Major you will choose eight courses from the range of available electives.

UCOL has dedicated software and hardware laboratories exclusively for ICT learners, which enable practical learning and problem-solving experience with leading technologies and systems. The Workhub facility offers a professional workspace for interaction with industry. Post-graduate students will have a dedicated spaces for lectures and research within the ICT Hub.

Blended/online learning is also available for this programme.

• Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or a related subject with at least a B-grade average at Level 7;

• Successful completion of a Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Certificate, or Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology or a related subject;

• Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and demonstrated skills and knowledge gained through appropriate work or professional experience in an Information Technology role; or

• Equivalent skills and knowledge gained through at least four years in appropriate work or professional experience in an Information Technology role.

All applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Completion of all primary education and at least three years of secondary education at schools using English as the language of instruction, either in New Zealand or any country in the NZQA list noted below; or

• Completion of at least five years of secondary education at schools using English as the language of instruction, either in New Zealand or any country in the NZQA list noted below; or

• Completion of a qualification at a level equivalent to NZQCF Level 7 or higher using English as the language of instruction, from a tertiary education provider either in New Zealand or any country in the NZQA list noted below; or

• Achievement of an IELTS Academic score of 6.5, with no band lower than 6.0 taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form taken within two years prior to the date of application, or equivalent.

The countries approved by NZQA for English Language proficiency are: Australia, Canada, Fiji, the Republic of Ireland, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vanuatu.

This programme is currently subject to UCOL receiving approval and accreditation of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

There are many opportunities in the fast-growing industry of Information Technology with a high demand for industry-ready graduates. Graduates from this programme will be able to work in areas such as:

• Business Analysis

• IT Management

• Project Management

• Cybersecurity

• Data Scientist

• Data Analyst

• AI Engineer

• Network Manager

• Software Developer

• Software Tester

Being involved in industry is an important part of our learner's journeys at UCOL. Work placements, internships, industry-based assignments, and case studies are all part of the process of getting our learners industry-ready. Master of IT students are able to undertake an industry-based project or internship during their study. Recent projects and internships on the Bachelor of ICT have been undertaken with:

• Yorb

• New Zealand Defence Force

• Nodero

• WebTech

• Firecrest Consulting

• Levno

• Glassbox

• Advantage

• Palmerston North City Council

Recognition of prior learning

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

Application checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)

• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme

• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).