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A postgraduate diploma is the stepping stone to a research-based degree such as a master's.
Find out more about entry requirements, fees and courses in the planning section.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences will give you in-depth knowledge and expertise in Computer Science, Information Technology or Software Engineering. Many graduates choose to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences without an endorsement. This allows you to select the mix of courses that best suit you and include not only courses in Computer Science, Information Technology or Software Engineering but also courses in Data Science, Cyber Security, Information Systems and/or Business Management.
Some courses in the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences have a strong focus on specific technical areas (for example, Artificial Intelligence). These courses require an appropriate technical background as the content is at an advanced level. Other courses provide an overview of current general topics (for example, Cyber Security).
Postgraduate study is a satisfying and challenging process that will give you a further 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.
Employers are always seeking increasing numbers of staff. Look at the SEEK website to see the demand for ICT professionals in New Zealand. The majority of the hiring is taking place because of increased demand and new projects.
High demand areas include software development, analysis, network security, project management and data/database. The Massey Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences will help you find a career in these, and other, areas.
During your study you will learn how to apply problem-solving and analytical thinking skills to the analysis of, and solutions to, general software-based problems within the broader ICT community. You will gain skills in evaluating policies and processes used in the design, construction, testing and maintenance of advanced technological solutions in order to make informed strategic decisions.
Topics you can study include:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences consists of eight courses (120 credits) usually taken over one year of study (two semesters). Students can choose to study part-time and take fewer courses in each semester. Note that part-time study does not include after-hours classes. All classes are held during office hours.
Students should initially enrol for the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences with no endorsement. This offers maximum flexibility and you can change the endorsement as you progress through the first year.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences gives you the option to focus and major in computer science (including topics such as artificial intelligence and graphics) or information technology (including topics such as mobile systems and security) or software engineering (a mix of these two areas). Or you have the freedom to select no endorsement and mix and match the topics that interest you the most.
The courses are exactly the same as the first year of the Master of Information Sciences. This means that you can enrol for the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences and then complete a Master of Information Sciences by extending your studies for just one more semester.
We work to help you succeed. Massey University offers smaller classes and more personalised learning, giving you greater access to lecturers and the help you need to succeed and thrive during your master’s study.
Postgraduate study is not just 'more of the same' undergraduate study. Our experts are there to guide but if you have come from undergraduate study, you will find that postgraduate study demands more in-depth and independent study. It takes you to a new level in knowledge and expertise especially in planning and undertaking research.
You can also complete a Master of Information Sciences (by thesis only). This is a 120 credit research qualification for those who have completed the BInfSc (Hons) or PGDipInfSc( with minimum B grade average or better)
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
A Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences gives you the best of theory and practice in information sciences. You will have the ability to run 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 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.
Massey’s information sciences staff are internationally renowned for their research and teaching and learning methods. You will be working with recognised science practitioners, like:
Dr Andre BarczakDr Barczak is a senior lecturer in computer science at Massey. A computer scientist and mechanical engineer, his current research is in the areas of computer vision and machine learning, which has a huge range of applications. Recent projects include: - Omnidirectional Vision Systems, where a camera with a special mirror gets a 360 degrees view of the world. Real-time processing algorithms get projections out of the omnidirectional image for further processing.
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