The Master of Science (Coursework) is a new programme offered from 2027.
Study the Master of Science (Coursework) (MSc(Coursework)) in Artificial Intelligence
Study alongside Otago's AI researchers
About half of the School of Computing's academic staff are researching AI-related areas, including AI theory, deep learning, robotics, applied AI in health and software engineering, genetic algorithms and multi-agent systems. Postgraduate classes are small, so you will have direct contact with the people working in the areas you are studying, and you'll get to know your fellow students well. Being on campus and in lectures is strongly encouraged, which creates a different learning experience to distance study: you're part of a cohort, working alongside others tackling similar problems.
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Programme details
Regulations for the Degree of Master of Science (Coursework) (MSc(Coursework))
Admission to the Programme
- Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Sciences).
- Every applicant must have been awarded a Bachelor’s degree with an average of at least B in the relevant 300-level papers, or have been awarded a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Science, or have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).
- An applicant seeking admission to the 120 point option of the programme (see regulation 3.d. below) must have been awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours with an average grade of a least B.
- In considering an applicant’s qualifications, regard will be had to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant’s performance in the programme.
Subjects of Study
The degree may be awarded in any of the subjects for the degree of Master of Science (Coursework) listed in Science Schedule D. With the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences), the degree may be awarded in a subject not listed in Science Schedule D.Structure of the Programme
- The programme of study shall consist of approved papers at 400-level or higher worth at least 180 points, selected from the papers specified in the Master of Science (Coursework) schedule for the subject concerned, with at least 40 of these points at 500-level.
- May, with the approval of the Head of Department or Programme Coordinator concerned, include papers worth up to 60 points other than those specified in the subject requirements.
- A candidate who has completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma shall be credited with those papers in the programme for the degree which have previously been passed for the certificate or diploma.
- For a candidate who is admitted with an Honours qualification, the programme of study shall consist of approved papers at 400-level or higher worth at least 120 points, selected from the papers specified in the Master of Science (Coursework) schedule for the subject concerned, including at least 40 points at 500-level.
Duration of the Programme
A candidate shall normally follow a programme of either twelve or eighteen months of fulltime study and not more than thirty-six months of part-time study.
Exceptions to the normal duration of a programme shall be permitted only with the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) and no programme of study shall exceed five calendar years from the date of first admission.Withdrawal from the Programme
- Where a candidate withdraws from the programme after completing 120 points, the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) or nominee may recommend the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Science.
- Where a candidate withdraws from the programme after completing 60 points, the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) or nominee may recommend the award of the Postgraduate Certificate in Science.
Level of Award of the Degree
The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
Explore more in Artificial Intelligence
Learn where this subject can take you and discover the full range of study options, from undergraduate programmes to postgraduate pathways.
Study Artificial Intelligence at Otago
Career opportunities
Postgraduate study in AI leads to careers well beyond traditional tech roles. Graduates go on to develop AI systems and advise organisations on which tools and methods best fit their needs, working across sectors including healthcare, finance, agriculture, environmental science, and education, wherever there's a genuine problem to solve with the right AI approach.
Graduates may move into roles such as:
- Machine learning engineer
- Data scientist
- Artificial intelligence researcher
- Software developer specialising in intelligent systems
- Technology consultant or analyst
Technical AI skills, plus the professional skills to apply them
The core of this qualification is technical. When you graduate you will be able to build AI systems and confidently apply the most efficient AI solution to a task. You will also have access to specialist facilities, including GPU-equipped machines and the University's high-performance computing resources. Two 500-level papers sit alongside that work: Advanced Project Management and Solving Wicked Problems, where you work with masters' students from across the Sciences on real-world issues that don't have simple solutions. These build experience in working collaboratively in cross-disciplinary teams, and in leading projects through implementation and development.
