Study the Master of Digital Technologies (MDigiTech)
Why study the Master of Digital Technologies?
Digital technologies underpin transformation across every sector, from business and government to health, infrastructure, and the creative industries. As these technologies become more powerful and complex, there is growing demand for leaders who can apply them responsibly, strategically, and ethically.
The Master of Digital Technologies equips graduates with advanced knowledge in areas such as digital governance, artificial intelligence, data science, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity. Graduates develop the confidence to make informed decisions, lead multidisciplinary teams, and engage critically with the social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of digital innovation.
Who is this programme for?
- This programme is intended for graduates and early- to mid-career professionals with at least three years of relevant professional experience in digital technologies or closely related fields.
- It is particularly suited to those who are already working with technology and want to progress into senior technical, strategic, or leadership roles, or who are responsible for guiding digital transformation.
Ready to apply?
If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.
Programme details
Regulations for the Degree of Master of Digital Technologies (MDigiTech)
Admission to the Programme
- Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) on the recommendation of the Technologies Admissions committee. Selection criteria will include, without limitation:
- Academic performance
- Suitability for the programme
- Every applicant must:
- Have been awarded a bachelor’s degree majoring in Computer Science, Information Science, Data Science, Statistics, or have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).
- Have at least three years of professional experience in the digital technology industry or alternative industry experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences), approved by the Technologies Admissions committee to be equivalent to one year of advanced study at postgraduate level.
- Be able to demonstrate leadership potential through either formal management roles or through leadership initiatives within projects or teams.
- Applications for this programme must be submitted online by 30 September in the year preceding desired entry and must include:
- An academic transcript.
- Evidence of qualifications relevant to admissions.
- A Curriculum Vitae.
- A personal statement providing evidence of the applicant’s professional experience within the digital technology industry, leadership potential, and their suitability for the programme (see notes below).
- Two professional references who can speak to their industry experience, leadership potential, and contributions in the field of digital technology.
- Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) on the recommendation of the Technologies Admissions committee. Selection criteria will include, without limitation:
Structure of the Programme
- Every programme of study shall be as prescribed in the MDigiTech schedule.
- Every programme of study shall satisfy the requirements for prerequisites, corequisites, and restrictions set out in those papers’ prescriptions.
Duration of the Programme
The programme shall normally be taken by full-time candidates over one academic year of full-time study, or over two years by part-time candidates.Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
Notes: (i) Admission to this programme is limited under the limitations of enrolments approved by the Council of the University of Otago. Consideration of late applications is subject to availability of places within the programme. (ii) Evidence of professional experience and leadership potential are required for all applicants. Additional details on acceptable evidence of professional experience and leadership potential are available in the terms of reference for the Master of Digital Technologies Admissions Committee.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Digital Technologies are well prepared for leadership and senior roles across the digital sector. Career paths may include digital transformation and innovation roles, artificial intelligence and data governance leadership, cybersecurity management, digital strategy consultancy, and senior advisory or executive positions within technology-focused organisations.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ethical foundations
The programme is grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and incorporates ethical, sustainable, and culturally informed approaches to digital leadership.
Students engage with Māori and Pacific perspectives, data sovereignty, sustainability, and responsible innovation across the curriculum, supporting graduates to lead digital technologies in ways that are inclusive, equitable, and globally relevant.
Industry engagement
A defining feature of the programme is its close connection with industry. The Master of Digital Technologies is developed and delivered in partnership with technology organisations, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant to current and emerging professional practice.
Students work on authentic industry-informed projects and engage with practitioners who are actively working at the forefront of digital technology.
More information
If you have questions about the Master of Digital Technologies, including entry requirements, programme structure, or study options, we’re happy to help.
For programme-specific questions, you can also contact the programme team.
For international enquiries and advice, contact our International team.
