Computer Science forms the basis for all information technology.
Study Computer Science at Otago and take control of your future. Doors open to many areas – from machine learning, computer animation, computer games, software design and robotics, through to legal, financial and business careers.
Computer Science forms the basis for all information technology and it is a fast-changing and rapidly growing field. Computing is now central to the way our modern society works, and it will remain that way. Computer scientists analyse, design and implement computer algorithms and computer systems. Their skills are desperately needed in New Zealand and worldwide.
At Otago, we cover all core areas of Computer Science and actively research at the cutting-edge in areas as diverse as artificial intelligence, computer graphics and vision, distributed computing, databases, search, biological data science and theory.
Why study Computer Science?
Computer scientists are in demand across the world and attract excellent salaries. Technologies change rapidly and there is always something new and exciting to learn – whether as a programmer, software engineer, systems architect or chief technical officer.
A career as a Computer Scientist is challenging and rewarding. If you like solving problems, then a major in computer science is for you. It is hard to describe the joy involved in designing and implementing a complex system and then seeing it all work in front of your eyes.
A minor in Computer Science is an invaluable supplement to any degree, whether in science, health sciences, business or the humanities. Technical expertise in computing in addition to expertise in another field opens doors to many exciting careers. It will change the way you think about your chosen field and make you more effective in your work.
Choosing Computer Science papers as electives will open doors in your mind to the possibilities of computers, will make you more effective at using computers, and will look great on your CV.
Career opportunities
There is currently a worldwide shortage of IT professionals and they are in high demand in New Zealand, Australia, the USA and the UK.
You will find Otago Computer Science graduates at work worldwide in every aspect of commerce, government, education, research and media in a variety of interesting roles: programmers, software engineers, systems analysts, network managers, consultants and advisers, web programmers, interface designers and database administrators.
Some of our recent graduates have exciting careers: making CGI movies, developing software for driverless vehicles, writing control software for Formula 1 racing cars, designing computer games, and programming the latest high-performance computers. Others are working in medical informatics, as an entrepreneur, as a weapons engineering officer in the Navy, as a database analyst, and as a patent attorney.
Background required
There are no special requirements or prerequisites, but taking Digital Technology for NCEA is useful. For students wishing to major in Computer Science, NCEA Level 3 Mathematics (preferably Calculus) would be helpful.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
- Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
- Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (PGCertAppSc)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (PGDipAppSc)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
- Master of Applied Science (MAppSc)
- Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Computer Science
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | COMP 101 Foundation of Information Systems COMP 161 Computer Programming COMP 162 Foundations of Computer Science One of MATH 120, MATH 130, MATH 140, COMO 101, STAT 110, STAT 115, BSNS 112, FINC 102, or an approved alternative | 18 18 18 18 |
| 200-level | COSC 201 Algorithms and Data Structures COSC 202 Software Development COSC 203 Web, Databases, and Networks COSC 204 Computer Systems | 18 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | One of: Three further 300-level COSC papers | 18
54 |
| Plus | 144 further points; must include 36 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts. Notes: (i) 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. (ii) Students who have passed at least one of MATH 120, 130, 140, COMO 101, STAT 110, 115, BSNS 112, or FINC 102 as part of another subject’s requirements do not need to pass another one of these papers to fulfil the Computer Science requirements. | 144 |
| Total | 360 |
For students who entered the programme prior to 2021, please contact the Department of Computer Science for advice regarding programme requirements or refer to the 2020 University of Otago Calendar or 2020 Guide to Enrolment.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)) in Computer Science
| Papers |
|---|
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in Computer Science
| Papers |
|---|
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis)) in Computer Science
| Thesis |
|---|
Note: Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA(Hons)) in Computer Science or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in Computer Science must complete the required papers for the BA(Hons) in Computer Science prior to undertaking the thesis. |
Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Computer Science
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | COMP 101 Foundation of Information Systems COMP 161 Computer Programming COMP 162 Foundations of Computer Science One of MATH 120, MATH 130, MATH 140, COMO 101, STAT 110, STAT 115, BSNS 112, FINC 102, or an approved alternative | 18 18 18 18 |
| 200-level | COSC 201 Algorithms and Data Structures COSC 202 Software Development COSC 203 Web, Databases, and Networks COSC 204 Computer Systems | 18 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | One of: Three further 300-level COSC papers | 18
54 |
| Plus | 144 further points; must include 36 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science Notes: | 144 |
| Total | 360 |
For students who entered the programme prior to 2021, please contact the Department of Computer Science for advice regarding programme requirements or refer to the 2020 University of Otago Calendar or 2020 Guide to Enrolment.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) in Computer Science
| Papers |
|---|
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Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Computer Science
| Papers |
|---|
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Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Computer Science
| Papers |
|---|
Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science
| Papers and Thesis |
|---|
Minor subject requirements
Computer Science as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BAppSc, BCom, BEntr, BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | COMP 162 Foundations of Computer Science One of: Note: COMP 161 is usually required as a prerequisite for COMP 162, but is not necessary for students who have gained entry to COMP 162 by passing COMP 151 with a grade of at least B or via an Advanced Placement Test. | 18 18 |
| 200-level | One of: | 18 |
| 300-level | One of COSC 301-385 | 18 |
| Plus | One further paper from COSC 201, COSC 202, COSC 203, COSC 204, COSC 301-385 | 18 |
| Total | 90 |
Papers
COMP papers
| Paper code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMP101 | 2023 | Foundations of Information Systems | 18 points | Semester 2, Summer School |
| COMP111 | 2023 | Information and Communications Technology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| COMP120 | 2023 | Practical Data Science | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| COMP151 | 2023 | Programming for Scientists | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| COMP161 | 2023 | Computer Programming | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, 1st Non standard period |
| COMP162 | 2023 | Foundations of Computer Science | 18 points | Semester 2, Summer School |
| COMP210 | 2023 | Information Assurance | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| COMP270 | 2023 | ICT Fundamentals | 15 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| COMP371 | 2023 | ICT Studio 1 | 15 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| COMP372 | 2023 | ICT Studio 2 | 15 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| COMP373 | 2023 | ICT Studio 3 | 15 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| COMP390 | 2023 | ICT Industry Project | 30 points | 1st Non standard period, 2nd Non standard period, 3rd Non standard period |
COSC papers
Key information for future students
Contact us
Department of Computer Science
Email computer-science@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/computerscience
