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.
Information Science as a major subject for a range of degrees
Study Information Science as a major for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), or a Bachelor of Science (BSc).
Programme requirements, papers and applying to study
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.
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.
More about studying Software Engineering at Otago
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.
The minor is made up of two papers at 100-level, two papers at 200-level and one at 300-level.
Details about the papers and programme requirements for the minor in Information Science
Minor in Business Analytics
Learn to apply analytics skills and techniques to organisational data to obtain actionable insights.
The papers in this minor will help you develop sought-after skills that are required in every area of business including accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics and tourism.
The minor is made up of two papers at 100-level, two papers at 200-level and one at 300-level.
Details about the papers and programme requirements for the minor in Business Analytics
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.
