Focus on information sciences
The Master of Information Sciences will give you in-depth knowledge and expertise in a range of topics within the area of information sciences.
In the Master of Information Sciences you will study several topics in depth and explore how best to apply your new knowledge and some new technologies.
Studying towards your master’s is a satisfying and challenging process that will give you a sought-after postgraduate qualification. If you want to gain a more detailed understanding of an area of study, either for interest, or to perhaps move up the hierarchy in your career, you should consider this qualification.
During your study you will learn how to apply problem-solving and analytical thinking skills to the analysis of, and solutions to, complex computing problems in areas such as:
At Massey you’ll be part of small, interactive classes where you can have close contact with your lecturer.
The professional practice project is an important part of this master’s (unless you convert to the research thesis). You will spend one semester working full time on your project. You could have the opportunity to get involved in projects for real companies on real issues that they wish to solve. This can lead to employment with the company concerned and also adds substantial value to your resume when you are seeking employment.
There are options to complete this programme as a three-semester 180-credit taught programme (includes an in-depth professional project) or a 120 credit research programme by thesis if you have the appropriate pre-requisites. A research thesis is recommended if you wish to progress to a PhD. See the Entry requirements and Courses and planning tabs for more information on these options.
IT employers are constantly seeking increasing numbers of staff, often because of increased demand and new projects. You’ll have an edge over those with a bachelor’s qualification.
A Master in Information Sciences gives you the best of theory and practice in information sciences. You will have the ability to step into projects in professional practice and it is a stepping stone into a leadership role. It will open up greater opportunities in your career, more quickly.
A Ministry of Education report found that:
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.
To enter the Master of Information Science (180 credits) you will have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor of Information Sciences degree, or equivalent, with a minimum B average in the majoring 300-level courses.
To enter the 120-credit Master of Information Sciences (by thesis) you will have a minimum B average for either of the following:
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
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.
From the Schedule to the Degree including:
Choose a
A subject is optional and requires 180 credits in that subject.
Advanced entry: Those who have already completed specified qualifications in advance of the minimum entry requirements may be able to complete this degree in 120 credits.
This is a parts-based qualification. This means there are regulations around your completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two, etc.
Attend workshops, block courses, tutorials or laboratories as required.
See ‘Courses for this programme’ below for schedules of courses.
| No more than 60 credits from | ||
|---|---|---|
| 152700 | Organisation and Management | 30 |
| 156700 | Essentials of Marketing | 30 |
| 157747 | Advanced Study in Technology Project Management | 30 |
| 157748 | Advanced Management, Analytics, and Decision Making | 30 |
| 157749 | Technology Innovation Management | 30 |
You may enrol in this qualification with or without a specialisation.
See the Regulations for this programme for the courses available for the ‘without specialisation’ option.
If you study full-time you can complete the Master of Information Sciences in three semesters (one and half years). This is a taught programme, and includes an in-depth professional project.
If you are studying the 180 credit MInfSc you should initially enrol for the no subject option and in the professional pathway. This offers maximum flexibility and you can change both the subject and the pathway as you progress through the first year.
The 180-credit master’s qualification is made up of two parts. The first part gives you good knowledge and skills that will help you with the research or professional practice part of your qualification (Part Two). You must pass Part One before you can progress to Part Two.
For progression to Part Two of the Master of Information Sciences, a B Grade Average is needed for the Part One courses.
You will complete a thesis to the value of 120 credits from Part Two of the Schedule.
The 120-credit master’s requires one year of intensive, individual research working with an academic supervisor. You will need to arrange a suitable supervisor before you enrol in the degree.
A research thesis is strongly recommended if you wish to continue to PhD study.
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the programme if you wish to continue your studies.
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, Distinction or Merit.
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.
Associate Professor Ian Bond is an internationally-recognised computer scientist and astrophysicist. His research projects at Massey have focused on microlensing, the most recent project developing computer software that has led to the internationally-significant discovery of free-floating ‘orphan’ planets that has major implications for understanding the dynamics of solar systems.
Associate Professor Ian Bond
Associate Professor
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.
General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
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.
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
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 | |||||
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 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.