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Overview
Pathway to a master’s
A postgraduate diploma is the stepping stone to a research-based degree such as a master’s.
Level
- Postgraduate, NZQF Level 8
Credits
- 120
Duration
- 1 year(s) full-time. Available part-time.
Other
- Not all listed subject course options are on offer every year. Some courses are offered in block mode.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences will give you in-depth knowledge and expertise in Computer Science, Information Technology or Software Engineering. Many students 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.
You can include courses in computer science, information technology or software engineering. You can also add data science, cyber security, information systems and/or business management.
What will you learn?
You’ll 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’ll gain skills in evaluating policies and processes used in the design, construction, testing and maintenance of advanced technological solutions. You’ll be able to make informed strategic decisions.
Flexibility of focus
The Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences gives you the option to focus on and major in computer science, information technology or software engineering. 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 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.
Careers and further study
Careers
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.
Earn more
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.
International students
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.
Entry requirements
University admission
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Programme admission
Required
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences you will have:
- been awarded or qualified for the Bachelor of Information Sciences or an equivalent qualification, having achieved a B- grade average or higher over the qualifying 300-level majoring courses; or
- been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification, having achieved a B- grade average or higher over the 300-level majoring courses, and have at least two years’ relevant professional experience demonstrated via a portfolio, and an interview if required.
You will need to provide verified copies of:
- all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University
- a CV and portfolio if applying on the basis of a Bachelor’s degree and at least two years’ relevant professional experience.
English language requirements
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
If you do not have the entry requirements
English language and foundation courses
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
Courses and planning
Credit summary
120 credits
- Courses selected from the Schedule – 120 credits
Courses for this programme
Subject Courses (120 credits)
Computer Science courses
| 159709 | Computer Graphics | 15 |
| 159731 | Studies in Computer Vision | 15 |
| 159735 | Studies in Parallel and Distributed Systems | 15 |
| 159736 | Studies in Operating Systems and Architecture | 15 |
| 159740 | Studies in Intelligent Systems | 15 |
Data Science courses
| 158739 | Introduction to Analytics | 15 |
| 158755 | Data Science - Making Sense of Data | 15 |
| 161762 | Multivariate Analysis for Big Data | 15 |
| 161777 | Practical Data Mining | 15 |
Information Systems courses
| 157701 | Health Information Management | 30 |
| 157748 | Advanced Management, Analytics, and Decision Making | 30 |
| 157749 | Technology Innovation Management | 30 |
Information Technology courses
| 158736 | Advanced Machine Learning | 15 |
| 158738 | Implementation and Management of Systems Security | 15 |
| 158740 | Location Systems: Spatial Databases, Tools and Applications | 15 |
| 158741 | Location Data: Mapping, Analysis and Visualisation | 15 |
| 158750 | Information Sciences Research Methods | 15 |
| 158751 | Object-Oriented Software Development - Theory and Practice | 15 |
| 158757 | User Interface Design and Evaluation | 15 |
| 158780 | Information Technology Project Part 1 | 15 |
| 158781 | Information Technology Project Part 2 | 15 |
Business courses
| 152700 | Organisation and Management | 30 |
| 156700 | Essentials of Marketing | 30 |
Planning your programme
Maximum time limits for completion
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.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
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.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and finance
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
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.
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
If you already know which courses you are going to take, you can use our fees calculator to get an estimate of your fees.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
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.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student homepage login
A good fit if you:
- have a bachelor’s degree in information sciences
- are interested in postgraduate study, but do not have a research background
- are thinking of perhaps continuing on to a master's degree.
Meet our lecturers
Dr Andre 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.
Dr Andre Barczak
Senior Lecturer
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Regulations
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.
Postgraduate regulations
General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
Applying and enrolling
Applying for the programme
Check you are ready
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.
Choose your programme and click on Apply now
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.
Receive and accept an Admission Offer of Place
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.
Enrolling in courses
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:
- prerequisites (courses you have to do before the one you are enrolling in)
- corequisites (courses you have to do at the same time as the one you are enrolling in)
- restrictions (courses that you cannot enrol in if you are completing or have completed another identified similar course)
- location – for instance some distance-based courses still have an on-campus element, so double check that the way the course is taught is suitable for your situation.
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.
What are courses and credits?
What are courses and credits?
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.
- See the ‘Courses for this programme’ section for the list of courses.
- Courses search
Understanding course numbers
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:
- sub-degree courses are '0' (i.e. xxx.0xx)
- undergraduate study begins at 100-level, (i.e. xxx.1xx)
- as you progress through 200- and 300-level courses this number changes to 2 and 3 respectively. The higher the number that starts the second three digits, the higher the level of study.
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
Workload and time management
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
Returning students
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.
Scholarships and awards
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.