Sought-after by employers
The Bachelor of Information Sciences information technology major will combine your love of problem-solving, teamwork and technology with the core skills needed to analyse, design, build and manage a huge range of IT systems, projects and resources.
Our personal lives are becoming ever more entwined in social networks, virtual worlds and gaming environments. While commerce and industry are increasingly dependent on new and improved information technology.
The Bachelor of Information Sciences Information Technology major will combine your love of problem-solving, teamwork and technology with the core skills needed to analyse, design, build and manage a range of IT systems, projects and resources.
When you study the Bachelor of Information Sciences (Information Technology), you will examine the huge range of technology that we use. You’ll gain skills in designing and building systems that will meet the needs of consumers today and in the future.
IT employers are constantly seeking skilled staff. High demand areas include software development, software testing, business analysis, network security, project management and data/database.
You will gain skills in:
Information technology can also be taken together with the major in computer science (double major), or another minor of your choice.
Knowing the potential of information technology and having the ability to put this knowledge to work can result in a successful personal career, organisations that reach their goals, and a higher quality of life.
Information technology graduates command some of the highest salaries of any career.
There is a strong demand for qualified ICT professionals, both in New Zealand and overseas.
The skills you learn at Massey University and the qualification you will receive are recognised throughout the world. Careers of previous graduates include:
There are a huge number of job opportunities in this area worldwide.
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that, in New Zealand, earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed.
Upon successful completion of this qualification you could go on to a Master of Information Sciences (by thesis only). This is a 120-credit research qualification for those who have completed the Bachelor of Information Sciences (Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences (with minimum B grade average or better).
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
There are no specific entry requirements for this programme, outside of university admission regulations.
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
It is strongly recommended that you have studied mathematics at NCEA level 2.
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
If you need to do a course before you start your programme, there may be options for you in Summer School.
From the Schedule to the Degree including:
Core courses
Elective courses
Ensure that overall, you also have:
Attend field trips, workshops, tutorials and laboratories as required.
See ‘Courses for this programme’ below for schedules of courses.
| Between 45 and 60 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 158212 | Application Software Development | 15 |
| 158225 | Systems Analysis and Modelling | 15 |
| 158235 | Networks, Security and Privacy | 15 |
| 158244 | System Management and Testing | 15 |
| 158247 | Database Design | 15 |
| 158256 | Web Application Design | 15 |
| 158258 | Web Development | 15 |
| No more than 15 credits from | ||
|---|---|---|
| 157216 | Management, Analytics and Decision Making | 15 |
| 157240 | Social Media Networks for Business | 15 |
| 157241 | Technology Trends for Organisations | 15 |
| Between 30 and 45 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 158326 | Software Architecture | 15 |
| 158335 | The Internet of Things and Cloud Computing | 15 |
| 158337 | Database Development | 15 |
| 158359 | User Experience Design | 15 |
| 159352 | Advanced Web Development | 15 |
| No more than 15 credits from | ||
|---|---|---|
| 157340 | Organisational Knowledge Management | 15 |
| 157350 | Technology Governance and Risk Management | 15 |
| 157394 | Managing Technology Projects and Programmes | 15 |
| Between 15 and 30 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 158383 | Information Technology Project | 15 |
| 247310 | ICT Industry Engagement Project | 30 |
This is a guide. You are advised to check the regulations for the latest course information.
If you are a full-time student, your first year usually consists of eight courses. Take electives (or courses from other majors) to get the total number of courses to eight. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study. You can change your major up until the start of your second year and it is a good idea to keep your options open by taking courses such that you are ready to move on to several different majors. In the first year of study, you should take the following courses:
Take elective courses to make up eight courses. Recommended elective: 157.151
It is a good idea to keep your options open for a double major or possibly changing your major.
See the regulations for the required courses at 200-level and 300-level.
Completing a minor is optional. Minors increase the breadth of your degree. They give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities.
A minor must be in a different subject from your major.
You may choose a minor from any University undergraduate degree that has recognised minors. If the minor is from another undergraduate degree, the regulations of that programme will apply.
If you are not studying towards a Bachelor of Information Sciences (Information Technology) and wish to complete a minor in information technology see the regulations for the requirements of this minor.
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
If you already know which courses you are going to take, you can use our fees calculator to get an estimate of your fees.
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students will find their National Student Number on their student homepage.
“
The thing I enjoyed most once I had started my studies were the people. The lecturers were friendly, approachable, and represent people I aspire to be.
” Kyle Taylor
“
I really enjoyed the software papers I took and principles that I learnt I apply in my current job. The top IT graduate jobs are highly competitive and I am glad that I studied with Massey University, I felt it prepared me well for the workplace.
” Reece Hewitt
“
My study taught me how to develop systems and processes to better assist with planning and scheduling.
” Rose Schwass
The Bachelor of Information Sciences is one of the few computing degrees in New Zealand to be accredited by the IT industry through IITP. Majors in computer science, information technology and software engineering are all endorsed by the Institute. Accreditation ensures that courses are relevant to the industry.
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
Electives are courses that are not compulsory. Certain guidelines are usually provided on courses you may take. Elective courses contribute to the programme, but not to your major or specialisation.
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the programme or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.