Artificial Intelligence – Bachelor of Information Sciences

If you want to pursue a career in the ICT industry or have an interest in computers and how they help us live our lives, you already know that it moves fast.

Where you can study
Auckland campus
Distance and online
International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students on campus in New Zealand, or studying online outside New Zealand

Specialise in Artificial Intelligence for your Bachelor of Information Sciences at Massey

AI affects many aspects of our day-to-day activities. It has made internet searching more precise and is changing the way we study and research. It is an area of significant growth both in New Zealand and globally. This demand is not limited to ICT – many industries that rely on computers to aid their businesses.

Technology-related jobs is a fast-growing area and AI is the number one technology trend driving business transformation. The possibilities for the combination of AI and big data, or networks and cybersecurity seem endless, but they all need skilled professional workers to support their application to the real world.

Massey’s Bachelor of Information Science (Artificial Intelligence) will take you through the basics of computer science over your first year. Our Bachelor of Information Science has a common first year for all its majors, and provides a great foundation for you to choose your pathway.

From Year 2, we introduce you to the world of AI and machine learning. This includes topics around computer languages, algorithms and programming, as well as mobile, app and web development. This is the only AI qualification that you can study by distance at undergraduate level. 

Further study

Once you graduate you can move on to advanced study in the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences (one 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 Bachelor of Information Sciences in Artificial Intelligence is a good fit if you:

  • you are interested in building the technology that powers the future, and learning technical and applied skills
  • want to be at the forefront of the AI and Machine Learning technological revolution 
  • you think logically and analytically.

Planning information

Planning information

This is a guide. We advise you to check the Courses and specialisations section and the regulations for this qualification on this page for the latest information on courses.

Your first year

First year for a full-time student usually consists of 8 courses. Take electives (or courses from other majors) 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. 

Computer requirements

You will need:

  • Computer (laptop or desktop) (Mac or Windows)
  • Recent version of operating systems 
  • Chromebooks are not suitable

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.

Courses you can enrol in

Courses you can enrol in

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.

Core courses for the Bachelor of Information Sciences

As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.

Bachelor of Information Sciences core courses

Artificial Intelligence courses

Compulsory courses

Choose 75 credits from
Course code: 159223 Artificial Intelligence Methods 15 credits

An introduction to the core concepts and methods of Artificial Intelligence. The course includes the implementation and application of a range of problem-solving, knowledge representation, and reasoning algorithms. Students will gain hands-on programming experience and a foundation in AI methodologies.

Prerequisites: 159102

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Course code: 159224 Methods in Machine Learning 15 credits

An introduction to machine learning including key concepts, methods and algorithms. The course has a focus on neural networks and training methods and includes the practical application and implementation of machine learning algorithms as well as modern tools and libraries. The ethical and responsible use of data and the impact of artificial intelligence tools on society is discussed.

Prerequisites: 159102 and 160105 and (161111 or 297101)

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Course code: 159302 Artificial Intelligence 15 credits

An advanced study of the principles and techniques used in developing Artificial Intelligence applications. The course includes the implementation and application of a range of AI methods including state-space representation and search, knowledge representation, constraint satisfaction, game playing, logic systems and machine learning.

Prerequisites: 159201 or 159234 Restrictions: 159372

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Course code: 159323 Natural Language Processing and Multi-Agent Reasoning 15 credits

Advanced study of machine-learning methods for natural language processing and large language models. The course includes neural networks and deep learning methods for extracting information from practical datasets. The course has a practical focus on using modern machine learning tools for real-world applications. Ethical, legal and cultural responsibilities regarding data and implications of AI tools for society are discussed.

Prerequisites: 159224

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Course code: 159324 Artificial Intelligence in Computer Vision 15 credits

An advanced study of computer vision and image processing with a focus on the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. The course covers key concepts such as image representation, feature detection, and image classification.

Prerequisites: 159201 and 159223

View full course details

Subject courses

Choose 30 credits from
Course code: 159201 Algorithms and Data Structures 15 credits

An introduction to the analysis and implementation of algorithms and data structures including linear data structures, trees, graphs, hash tables, searching algorithms, sorting algorithms, optimization problems and complexity analysis. The course includes a significant practical component covering the implementation and application of important data structures and algorithms.

Prerequisites: 159102 Restrictions: 159271

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Course code: 159234 Object-Oriented Programming 15 credits

An introduction to the principles of object-oriented programming. This course covers both object-oriented programming techniques and their application to program design including classes, objects and their lifecycle, abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism and generic programming, as well as some advanced programming features. The course includes a significant practical component involving designing and implementing object-oriented programs in Java and C++.”

Prerequisites: 159102

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Course code: 297201 Data Wrangling and Machine Learning 15 credits

An introduction to the data science workflow involving the acquisition, processing, transformation and integration of data from disparate sources having inherently different data structures, from which actionable insights can be extracted. Entry-level machine learning and statistical techniques for analysing and extracting knowledge from data will be covered. Particular emphasis will be placed on attaining competency in using a high-level programming language for conducting data-driven problem solving and appreciating the necessary agility such tools afford.

Prerequisites: 297101 or 161122 or (one of 159101, 159100 and one of 1611xx, 160101, 160102) Restrictions: 158222

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Subject courses

Choose 15 credits from
Course code: 159336 Mobile Application Development 15 credits

The course covers many practical aspects of designing, creating, testing and publishing mobile applications. Students will develop mobile applications using a real software development toolkit and have the option of publishing their applications to an app marketplace.

Prerequisites: 159234 or 159235

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Course code: 159352 Advanced Web Development 15 credits

A study of the programming and scripting languages, frameworks and tools used to develop web and distributed applications with a consideration of the security issues involved in these technologies.

Prerequisites: 159201 or 159234 Restrictions: 159339

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Course code: 297301 Applied Machine Learning and Big Data Processing 15 credits

An in-depth exploration of methods for developing intuition and insights about data that enables effective problem formulation and its solution through data-driven methods. A broad range of advanced machine learning and data mining algorithms will be used to build predictive models from real-world contexts. A particular emphasis will be on developing data-products, rapid prototyping and effectively communicating their value through visual storytelling and interpretable summaries. Practical skills for processing large datasets will be taught.

Prerequisites: 158222 or 297201 Restrictions: 158333

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Entry requirements

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. 

Previous programming experience is not required.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

2026 tuition fees

  • Domestic students: $11,615
  • International students: $46,100

Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.

There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

Course fees

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 Inland Revenue website.

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

Careers and job opportunities

We have designed the Bachelor of Information Science (Artificial Intelligence) with the future workforce in mind. There continues to be a huge demand for people with information sciences and computer science skills.

Today there are more employment opportunities in information communication technology (ICT) than any other sector in New Zealand. The same often applies internationally.

The 2025 World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report highlights that technology-related jobs are the fastest growing area (by percentage) and – specifically – that “AI and Machine Learning specialist” is a growth area.

Employers rank “AI and information processing technologies” as the number one trend driving business transformation. The top 3 skills ranked by employers as the most increasing over the next 5 years includes AI & big data, networks and cybersecurity and technological literacy. 

A career with variety

Some examples of careers that could lead on from this qualification include:

  • •    machine learning engineer
  • generative AI workflow architect
  • data and AI specialist
  • AI engineer
  • AI technology analyst
  • computer programmer, 
  • software developer
  • ICT security specialist
  • software architect
  • 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.

International students

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.

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