Information Scientists analyse, develop, integrate, test and evaluate information systems
Information Science is central to most jobs in today’s workplace – transforming traditional roles and growing new possibilities.
It is a broad discipline that combines solid technical foundations with an understanding of the ways in which organisations use information.
Information systems are omnipresent – every organisation vitally depends on usable and reliable information systems. Information Scientists also gather, prepare, model and interpret data to support informed decision making in organisations.
Enjoy one of Otago’s most versatile subjects
You can study Information Science as a major subject for 4 Bachelor degrees; a Software Engineering major in the BAppSc degree; or combine Information Science with other subjects.
Scholarships
Fund your study with a scholarship, so that you can focus on what matters.
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Major Subject Requirements
100-level
- COMP101 Foundations of Information Systems AND
- COMP161 Computer Programming OR COMP162 Foundations of Computer Science
Note:
COMP101 is a prerequisite for three second year papers (INFO201, INFO203 and INFO204) and one third year paper (INFO302).
COMP 101 or BSNS 106 and one of COMP160, COMP161 or COMP162 are prerequisites for INFO201.
Students are exempt from COMP 161 if they have gained entry to COMP 162 by passing COMP 151 with a grade of at least B or via an Advanced Placement Test.
200-level
- INFO201 Developing Information Systems 1
- INFO202 Developing Information Systems 2
- INFO203 Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience
- INFO204 Introduction to Data Science
300-level
Plus two further from:
- INFO303 Enterprise Information Systems Infrastructure
- INFO304 Advanced Data Science
- INFO305 Pervasive Computer and Interactive Technologies
- INFO310 Software Management Project (Prerequisite for INFO 301)
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Graduate with real expertise in both the sciences and the humanities.
The BASc enables you to complete both a humanities major and a science major within a single degree, which is not possible with a BA or BSc. It also requires fewer papers than a double degree – and takes less time to complete.
Major subject requirements
These are identical to the requirements for a BA or BSc (please see previous section).
The only difference is that students will need to take two additional papers in either Arts or Sciences, as appropriate.
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc)
Earn a highly specialised, professional degree.
The Bachelor of Applied Science degree is a three-year programme that combines both the principles and applications of scientific technology. It also includes study concerning the business applications and processes of applied science.
The Department of Information Science collaborates with other university departments, to offer the Bachelor in Applied Science majoring in Software Engineering.
Software Engineering
The need for skilled software engineers is increasing at a rate that far outstrips the supply.
The discipline of Software Engineering is dedicated to the principles and techniques required for the sound construction of the computer systems that will underpin our new knowledge-based society. Countries like Japan and the United States are currently relaxing their immigration laws in order to address their critical shortages in this area.
Career opportunities
There is a vast range of career opportunities for software engineers in areas such as government, telecommunications, the chemical and bio-medical industries, financial institutions, agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, the healthcare sector, engineering and manufacturing.
Find out more about studying Software Engineering at Otago
Find out more about the Applied Science Programme
Honours
The Department offers a one-year Honours degree, which can be taken by graduates who have completed a major in Information Science (or related discipline). The honours year exposes students to a greater number of topics in Information Science and extends their depth of knowledge in their chosen area. The degree can also act as preparation for postgraduate research.
Minor in Information Science
Chosen to major in another field? Add real, practical value to your degree with a minor in Information Science.
Minor subject requirements
100-level
- COMP 101 Foundations of Information Systems AND
- Any COMP 100-level paper
200-level
- Any two 200-level papers from INFO, COMP, or COSC 212
300-level
- Any 300-level INFO paper or SENG 301 Software Project Management
From 2018 the 300-level requirements will be: Any 300-level INFO paper
Combine Information Science with other subjects
Information Science is compatible with a diverse range of subjects.
There are several ways in which you can combine your Information Science qualification with study of another subject. You may decide to complete a Double Major, a Double Degree or a Minor in another subject.
Students are able to complete a minor in Information Science as part of a:
Video profile: Emily McConnachie
Emily McConnachie is a student in Information Science at the University of Otago. In this video, she shares her views on her area of study, motivation, study experience, her time in Dunedin, and her next steps.
