Type of qualification
Level of study
An undergraduate qualification is usually the first one you study.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Bachelor of Information Sciences – BInfSc
Flexible and unique study options
Massey is the only university in New Zealand to offer 5 ICT-related majors in the same degree. This allows you to mix and match courses to suit your strengths and interests. Enjoy smaller classes with individual attention from lecturers. Experience the first-year courses and still be able to change your major at the start of the second year. Include a double major or a minor (in any subject) or New Zealand’s only minor in Games Programming.
Generous cross credit system
Massey transfers credits from a wide range of previous study. If you have a previous diploma in any area of ICT, it is highly likely that you will be awarded credits towards your BInfSc.
Applied and technical knowledge
Massey teaches students the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the software industry. Topics include:
- mobile applications
- graphics and games programming
- networks and security
- web development and internet programming
- artificial intelligence.
- machine learning and data wrangling.
Massey is the only university in New Zealand specialising in the C and C++ programming languages that are highly sought after by employers. You’ll also learn Java, Python, SQL and other languages.
Join the real world of software development
Massey has close ties with the innovative and rapidly expanding software companies based in North Auckland. These companies offer opportunities for internships, industry projects, holiday work and possible employment offers. Students are also involved in creating websites and applications for charities and voluntary organisations.
Further study
Once you graduate you can move on to advanced study in the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences (1 year of 120 credits in taught courses) or the Master of Information Sciences (180 credits including 120 credits of taught courses and a major professional project).
A BInfSc is a good fit if you:
- think logically and analytically
- are interested in learning technical and applied skills
- look forward to a challenging and rewarding career in the software industry.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.
If you have excellent achievements in NCEA and prior programming experience (through the successful completion of courses and participation in competitions like STAR, NCSS or the ACM SPPC) you will be considered for direct entry into second-year computer science courses. You may also be eligible to participate in software development projects.
English language requirements
To study this qualification 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 Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
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 qualification 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 qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Bachelor of Information Sciences
First year for a full-time student usually consists of 8 courses. Take electives** to get the total number of courses to 8. 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:
- 158100 Information Technology Principles
- 158120 Web-based IT Fundamentals
- 247112 Science and Sustainability for ICT (or 247113)
- A Statistics course (161111 Applied Statistics or 297101 Statistical Data Science). Note: 297101 is more relevant to computing majors
- 159100 Programming for Engineering and Technology or 159101 Applied Programming
- A second programming course (159102 is required for Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering).* Or you could take an elective.**
- A Mathematics course – (160105 or 160102 or 160101 is required for Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering).* Or you could take an elective.**
- 157151 or an elective course from any subject.**
* Ensure that you have selected the correct courses for your major: Computer Science, Data Science and Software Engineering require [159100 or 159101], [159102] and a maths course. Information Technology and Information Systems may require 157151 Living and Working with Technology, and do not require the second programming course or the maths course.
** Elective courses: Any course from any subject (including the courses listed above). Some elective courses may be available in Summer School. If you are interested in taking a minor subject there may be required 100-level courses for that minor.
In the second year, you must take at least four 200-level courses for each major. In the third year, you must take at least four 300-level courses for the major. Double majors or minors will require additional courses.
Typical pattern for the Bachelor of Information Sciences
Core courses These courses are a compulsory part of your qualification.
Major courses Choose from a selection of courses appropriate for your specialisation.
Elective courses Follow your interests. Your qualification may have selection guidelines for elective courses.
| Year One |
|---|
| 247112 Science and Sustainability for ICT |
| 159100 Programming for Engineering and Technology or 159101 Applied Programming |
| 161111 Applied Statistics or 297101 Statistical Data Science |
| 159102 Computer Science and Programming |
| 160101 Calculus or 160102 Algebra or 160105 Methods of Mathematics or Elective |
| 158100 Information Technology Principles or Elective |
| 158120 Web-based IT Fundamentals or Elective |
| 157151 Living and Working with Technology or Elective |
| Year Two |
|---|
| 200-level major course |
| 200-level major course |
| 200-level major course |
| 200-level major course |
| Elective or 200-level major course |
| Elective or 200-level major course |
| Elective |
| Elective |
| Year Three |
|---|
| 300-level course from specified prefixes |
| 300-level major course |
| 300-level major course |
| 300-level major capstone course or Elective (depending on major) |
| Elective or 300-level major course |
| Elective or 300-level major course |
| Elective |
| Elective |
Courses are each worth 15 credits.
Computer Science, Information Systems and Information Technology majors are 120 credits.
Data Science major is 135 credits.
Software Engineering major is 165 credits.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
360 credits
- Core courses – 90 credits
- Major courses (depending on chosen major) – 120‑165 credits
- Electives (depending on chosen major) – 105‑150 credits
Ensure that overall, you have:
- Not more than 165 credits at 100 level
- At least 75 credits at 300 level
You could replace some electives with a minor.
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Schedule A: Core courses
Course code: 247112 Science and Sustainability for ICT 15 credits
The pursuit of environmental sustainability is a complex societal issue. This is a problem-based course, where students will develop their critical thinking, communication and information literacy and management skills as they evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to the contemporary sustainability challenge of climate action. Students will explore the intersection of science and community through exemplars of partnership between research and Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) in the context of land, water and wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand.
View full course detailsCourse code: 159100 Programming for Engineering and Technology 15 credits
This course provides an introduction to computer programming for Technology and Engineering disciplines. The language is C++ which is a "real world" language heavily used in games, real-time applications and the control of devices. The course guides students through all the steps needed to write, compile and debug simple C++ programs with lots of practical examples. No previous programming experience is required.
View full course detailsCourse code: 159101 Applied Programming 15 credits
The focus of this course is on problem solving and the design of logical and efficient programming solutions. It is an applied course with an emphasis on software construction using basic algorithmic methods and simple data structures. The course introduces the C++ programming language and is an essential preparation for advanced programming courses.
View full course detailsCourse code: 161111 Applied Statistics 15 credits
Statistical literacy, the ability to understand and reason with statistics and data, is becoming increasingly important as our world becomes more and more data-rich. This course focuses on developing statistical literacy in real-world contexts. We teach students to use software (Excel and RStudio) to summarise, display and analyse data. We explore data collection techniques including sampling methods and experimental design. We introduce statistical inference methods (confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and regression) with an emphasis on communicating results in context.
View full course detailsCourse code: 297101 Statistical Data Science 15 credits
An introduction to computer programming and statistics for transforming, visualising and modelling data to discover information and support decision making. A practical approach to analysing New Zealand data includes data cleaning, statistical summaries, data wrangling, visualisation and predictive modelling. Includes an exploration of the statistical ideas of sampling, probability and inference as well as modern programming tools emphasising reproducibility.
View full course details15 credits from
157.3xx, 158.3xx, 159.3xx, 160.3xx, 161.3xx, 297.3xx
For the major in Computer Science or for the joint major in Software Engineering (Choose 15 credits from)
Course code: 159102 Computer Science and Programming 15 credits
This course advances the programming knowledge to include abstract data types, recursion, pointers, and the foundations of object-oriented programming. Foundational Computer Science topics are also covered including bits, bytes, twos complement arithmetic, gates, logic circuits and an introduction to assembler programming.
View full course detailsFor the majors in Computer Science or Data Science, or for the joint major in Software Engineering (Choose 15 credits from)
Course code: 160101 Calculus 15 credits
A course focusing on the fundamental techniques and applications of calculus including differentiation and integration of functions of one real variable, differential equations, numerical methods, and an introduction to power series with applications to mathematical models. 160.101, alongside 160.102, forms a foundation for further study in mathematics. It is essential for students intending to study Mathematics, Physics, Food Technology or Engineering, or for anyone who wants a strong mathematical component to their degree.
View full course detailsCourse code: 160102 Algebra 15 credits
A course focusing on the fundamental techniques and applications of linear algebra including vector and matrix algebra, vector representation of lines and planes, projections, Gaussian elimination, eigenvectors and complex numbers. 160.102, alongside 160.101, forms a foundation for further study in mathematics. It is essential for students intending to study Mathematics, Physics, Food Technology or Engineering, or for anyone who wants a strong mathematical component to their degree.
View full course detailsCourse code: 160105 Methods of Mathematics 15 credits
An introductory course designed to increase the confidence of students in handling mathematical concepts and skills. Content includes algebraic skills, functions and graphs, and an introduction to calculus.
View full course detailsFor the majors in Information Systems or Information Technology (Choose at least 30 credits from)
Course code: 157151 Living and Working with Technology 15 credits
An introductory study of the roles and applications of information systems in organisations and society.
View full course detailsCourse code: 158100 Information Technology Principles 15 credits
This course introduces students to concepts and theories in preparation of advanced Information Technology (IT) courses. Students gain foundations in programming, non-relational databases, user interface design, system analysis and testing, along with the impact of IT on society. Hands-on explorations form an important component of this course.
View full course detailsCourse code: 158120 Web-based IT Fundamentals 15 credits
In this course, students study how key information technology components combine to form complex information technology solutions. This includes analysis and experimentation with relational databases, web technologies, programming and networking.
View full course detailsSchedule B: Specialisations
Majors
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
You must select a major. Don’t worry about possibly selecting the wrong major because you can still change your major at the start of the second year. Select 2 majors if you would like a double major.
Note that Software Engineering may not be part of a double major.
Computer Science
Massey provides you with the technical skills and knowledge to take your place in the fastest-growing industry in the world. Connect with the industry while you study to get a head start in software development.
Data Science
This degree will enable you to become a hi-tech data specialist with the relevant skills to take you to the forefront of this fast-paced industry.
Information Systems
Combine your interest in business and entrepreneurship with an understanding of how information systems are a vital part of organisations.
Information Technology
The Bachelor of Information Sciences (Information Technology) will combine your love of problem-solving and technology with the skills to analyse, design, build and manage a huge range of IT systems, projects and resources.
Software Engineering
Software engineering brings together the disciplines of computer science and information technology. This degree is a highly-practical and sought-after qualification that is practice-focused and industry-relevant.
Minors
Completing a minor is optional. A minor must be in a different subject from your major and must not share any courses with your major.
If you study towards a Bachelor of Information Sciences, you may choose a minor from any University undergraduate degree that has recognised minors. If the minor is from another degree the regulations of that qualification will apply.
Bachelor of Information Sciences minors
Most BInfSc majors are available as minors (the exception is Software Engineering). The following are also available as minor-only topics. See the BInfSc regulations for requirements.
Business
Gain a broad introduction to a range of core business skills.
Games programming
Massey is the only university where you can take courses that focus on the programming of computer games. You will gain the technical skills sought after by the industry including working with game engines.
- Business
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Games Programming
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
Fees and scholarships
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.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
- David Levene Foundation Bursaries
- Ken and Elizabeth Powell Scholarship
- Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers
- McEwan Pacific Student Scholarship
- Pacific Science and Technology Scholarships
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
There is a huge demand for people with information sciences skills.
Massey Bachelor of Information Sciences graduates continue to find employment even during global recessions when graduates in other fields struggled.
Today there are more employment opportunities in information communication technology (ICT) than any other sector in New Zealand. The same often applies internationally.
Don’t take it from us - take a look at the SEEK website – large numbers of ICT jobs in New Zealand are advertised at any time on this website.
Employers often require graduates to sit practical tests in addition to interviews. The Massey emphasis on applied knowledge and skills enables Massey graduates to perform well in these tests.
Careers for Information Sciences graduates:
- software developer
- software architect
- software engineer
- analyst-programmer
- systems programmer
- systems analyst
- business analyst
- software tester
- user requirements engineer
- database developer or administrator
- networks and systems administrator
- project manager
- data scientist
- web developer.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz