Learn to build and understand artificial intelligence, develop the technical depth to design, evaluate, and optimise AI tools.
Why study Artificial Intelligence?
This subject is for those looking for technical expertise in artificial intelligence. You'll understand the fundamental programming that underpins AI and learn how to build and develop it yourself.
At Masters level, the expertise you’ll develop opens up two directions: bring it into a field you already work in through the MSc Coursework, which is open to graduates from any field with some programming experience. Alternatively, deepen your existing knowledge through the MSc Applied, our qualification for computing graduates moving into the AI industry.
In addition to the technical side, our qualifications consider who benefits from AI, who's put at risk, and how questions of data ownership and control play out differently across groups and industries.
If you want to research topics such as machine learning, deep learning, genetic algorithms, or agent-based systems, doctoral study offers the chance to work alongside our research-active staff and contribute new work in the field. Make contact with the School of Computing to find a supervisor before you apply for doctoral study.
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
What it’s like to study at this level
At Masters level, study is technical and hands-on. You'll attend lectures and labs, and most assignments are programming-based, working directly with the methods and models you're learning not just reading theory. The emphasis throughout is on understanding how AI methods actually work, so you can judge their strengths, limits, and appropriate use, not simply apply them.
Classes are small so you'll get to know staff and fellow students well, and being on campus and in lectures is required. This creates a different learning experience to distance study: you're part of a cohort, working alongside others tackling similar problems.
MSc Coursework students also work in small groups with Masters students from across the Sciences, tackling real-world issues that don't have simple solutions and building experience in interdisciplinary collaboration.
At doctoral level study focuses on independent research under supervision, working closely with staff and fellow researchers to contribute new knowledge to the field.
This is for you if ...
You want to build a career in AI and computing, or to bring AI capability into a field you already work in. You'll have some programming experience already, not necessarily from a computing degree.
AI research, HCI lab, and serious computing power
About half of our academic staff are actively researching in AI-related areas, developing and studying intelligent systems that mimic human intelligence. This includes AI theory, deep learning, robotics, applied AI in health and software engineering, genetic algorithms and multi-agent systems. You'll also have access to specialist facilities, including GPU-equipped machines in the Trimble Technology Lab, and the University's high-performance computing resources.
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.
Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSci)
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 Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Science (Applied) (MSc(Applied))
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))
The Master of Science (Coursework) is a taught master's, designed to provide an intensive, structured learning experience.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Papers |
|---|
Students must have an undergraduate Computing degree and will complete:
Note: AIML 402 is run in Summer School only. Students should start in Summer School. |
| 120 Point Pathway Requirements |
|---|
Not offered. |
| 180 Point Pathway Requirements |
|---|
Students must have some programming experience and will complete:
Note: Students must complete AIML 401 (pre-Christmas Summer School) and AIML 402 (Summer School) before attempting any other papers. |
Contacts
Professor Brendan McCane
Department of Computer Science
Tel +64 3 479 8588
Email brendan.mccane@otago.ac.nz
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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