Computer Science forms the basis for all information technology.
Changes to science masters’ degrees from 2027
From 2027, our science masters' degrees are changing. The Master of Science (MSc) and Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis) and Master of Science (Applied). A new degree, the Master of Science (Coursework), will also be introduced.
The currently-named MSc and MAppSc will have one final semester 2 intake (starting July 2026). Application closes 15 June 2026 for domestic students (the international student application deadline has now passed for the July 2026 intake).
Domestic and international students intending to begin study in 2027 should apply for the Master of Science (Thesis), Master of Science (Applied), or Master of Science (Coursework).
Study Computer Science at Otago and take control of your future. Doors open to many areas – from machine learning, computer animation, computer games, software design and robotics, through to legal, financial and business careers.
Computer Science forms the basis for all information technology and it is a fast-changing and rapidly growing field. Computing is now central to the way our modern society works, and it will remain that way. Computer scientists analyse, design and implement computer algorithms and computer systems. Their skills are desperately needed in New Zealand and worldwide.
At Otago, we cover all core areas of Computer Science and actively research at the cutting-edge in areas as diverse as artificial intelligence, computer graphics and vision, distributed computing, databases, search, biological data science and theory.
Why study Computer Science?
Computer scientists are in demand across the world and attract excellent salaries. Technologies change rapidly and there is always something new and exciting to learn – whether as a programmer, software engineer, systems architect or chief technical officer.
A career as a Computer Scientist is challenging and rewarding. If you like solving problems, then a major in computer science is for you. It is hard to describe the joy involved in designing and implementing a complex system and then seeing it all work in front of your eyes.
A minor in Computer Science is an invaluable supplement to any degree, whether in science, health sciences, business or the humanities. Technical expertise in computing in addition to expertise in another field opens doors to many exciting careers. It will change the way you think about your chosen field and make you more effective in your work.
Choosing Computer Science papers as electives will open doors in your mind to the possibilities of computers, will make you more effective at using computers, and will look great on your CV.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Computer Science as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (PGCertAppSc)
A coursework programme, typically consisting of three papers, that can be completed with full-time (one-semester) or part-time (full-year) study
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (PGDipAppSc)
A two-semester programme, building on an Applied Science degree, that can be completed in two blocks (certificate, then diploma) or in one continuous run
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
A two-semester programme of structured coursework, and in some cases supervised research, extending the knowledge and skills gained from the bachelor’s degree
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
A one- or two-year degree entailing a major research project, culminating in a thesis
Master of Applied Science (MAppSc)
No new admissions after 2026. The Master of Applied Science will be renamed to the Master of Science (Applied) from 2027.
Master of Science (MSc)
No new admissions after 2026. The Master of Science will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis) from 2027.
Master of Science (Applied) (MSc(Applied))
Available from 2027. A coursework postgraduate degree with a research component. The MSc(Applied) can be completed in 12 months or in stages over a longer period.
Master of Science (Coursework) (MSc(Coursework))
Available from 2027. The Master of Science (Coursework) is a taught master's, designed to provide an intensive, structured learning experience.
Master of Science (Thesis) MSc(Thesis)
Available from 2027. A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options. The MSc(Thesis) may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Graduate qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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Note: Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA(Hons)) in Computer Science or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in Computer Science must complete the required papers for the BA(Hons) in Computer Science prior to undertaking the thesis. |
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2025
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2026 onwards
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2025
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2026 onwards
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
COMP papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMP101 | 2026 | Foundations of Information Systems | 18 points | Summer School |
| COMP121 | 2026 | Computer Programming | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| COMP122 | 2026 | Foundations of Computer Science | 18 points | Summer School, Semester 2 |
| COMP210 | 2026 | Information Assurance | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| COMP421 | 2026 | Machine Learning and Data Mining | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| COMP422 | 2026 | Applied Artificial Intelligence | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| COMP423 | 2026 | Deep Learning | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| COMP424 | 2026 | Information Retrieval and Natural Language Processing | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| COMP425 | 2026 | Advanced Visual Computing | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| COMP427 | 2026 | Agent-based Software Technologies | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| COMP480 | 2026 | Applied Project | 40 points | Full Year |
| COMP490 | 2026 | Dissertation | 40 points | Full Year |
| DATA101 | 2026 | Data Processing and Visualisation | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| DATA403 | 2026 | Data Management | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| DATA404 | 2026 | Management of Large-Scale Data | 20 points | Semester 1 |
COSC papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COSC201 | 2026 | Algorithms and Data Structures | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| COSC202 | 2026 | Software Development | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| COSC203 | 2026 | Web, Databases, and Networks | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| COSC204 | 2026 | Computer Systems | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| COSC301 | 2026 | Network Management and Security | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| COSC312 | 2026 | Cryptography and Security | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| COSC326 | 2026 | Computational Problem Solving | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| COSC341 | 2026 | Theory of Computing | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| COSC342 | 2026 | Visual Computing: Graphics & Vision | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| COSC343 | 2026 | Artificial Intelligence | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| COSC344 | 2026 | Database Theory and Applications | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| COSC345 | 2026 | Software Engineering | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| COSC349 | 2026 | Cloud Computing Architecture | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| COSC360 | 2026 | Computer Game Design | 18 points | Summer School |
| COSC385 | 2026 | Research Project | 18 points | Summer School, Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| COSC402 | 2026 | Advanced Computer Networks | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| COSC412 | 2026 | Advanced Cryptography and Security | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| COSC440 | 2026 | Advanced Operating Systems | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| COSC470 | 2026 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| COSC471 | 2026 | Approved Special Paper | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
Contacts
School of Computing
Email computing@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/school-of-computing
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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