Master of Applied Technologies-Computing

This exciting and challenging Master's programme can be completed over three semesters. You'll develop high-level analytical, research, strategic planning and project management skills and improve your ability to design, plan and organise technology-based projects in various computing fields.

Programme Details

Level: 9
Credits: 180 (1.5 EFTS)
Campus: Mt Albert
Start dates: February or July
Duration: Full-time for 18 months. Part-time options available.

Programme Overview

For ICT professionals interested in exploring their research ideas further and adding high-level specialist skills to their qualifications, this Master's programme ticks all the boxes.

The Master of Applied Technologies (Computing) gives you the skills to undertake systematic research and solve complex applied computing problems in a specialisation of your choice: data analytics and intelligence, cybersecurity and networking or software development. You could also take an interdisciplinary approach.

You may undertake a 90-credit applied research thesis based on a topic relevant to your experience and interest, or design and carry out an applied project by combining two courses – Applied Project (30 credits) and Applied Research Project (60 credits).

It's a highly flexible programme tailored to your career and research goals, providing an accelerated path to a Master's level qualification and enabling you to contribute high-quality, meaningful work to the computing industry.

What You'll Learn

Analyse complex real-world problems using advanced technical and theoretical knowledge, then develop effective digital solutions that deliver the best results. This includes reflecting on your performance and what you and your team can do to improve.
Evaluate ever-changing and disruptive ICT environments with critical thinking and interdisciplinary strategies.
Critically analyse and develop your professional practice to promote open communication, inclusivity and ethical conduct.

Highlights

Earn and learn. This programme is highly flexible with blended learning (online, self-directed research, weekend on-campus classes), making it a great option for students and ICT professionals who want to work and study.
Move your career up a level. With a postgraduate qualification, you'll acquire higher-level knowledge and the necessary skills for your specialisation, strengthening your CV and the likelihood of a higher salary.
Made to fit your career goals. Most courses are elective – you can focus on one specialisation or a mix of all three and select the classes that suit your life schedule.
Research-led. Design and carry out your applied research and collaborate with other professionals.
Flexible, applied learning. Undertake a thesis (90 credits) or design and carry out an applied project (two courses: 60 credits and 30 credits).
State-of-the-art facilities. You can apply what you've learned in our on-campus computer labs, which you can access seven days a week.
Learn from the best. You'll be guided and supported by highly qualified and experienced IT practitioners who are experts in their respective fields.

Choose a Specialisation

Cybersecurity and Networking: Cybersecurity and computer networks are constantly evolving and growing areas of IT, particularly as more organisations move their operations online and rely on virtual computer networks and cloud services. With cyber-attacks and remote-work security risks on the rise, the technology industry needs cybersecurity professionals and network engineers with the skills and strategic thinking to detect vulnerabilities, mitigate risks and develop policies and procedures for maintaining security in various computer network settings and cloud services – and that's exactly what the courses in this specialisation focus on. You'll analyse complex attacks, apply security protection mechanisms and assess potential internal and external threats and protective strategies.
Software Development: Software engineering regularly rates as one of the top jobs in the world. Why? In this field, you can apply your skills in a wide variety of industries and projects. Over time, experienced software developers usually acquire one or more areas of specialisation – something employers often look for to fill higher-level positions. The courses in this specialisation focus on software development strategies and advanced technical skills such as machine learning, the Internet of Things and web development.
Data Analytics and Intelligence: Hailed by many as one of the most in-demand tech talents, data analytics is a burgeoning industry. Businesses rely on data intelligence to optimise performance, maximise profit, improve customer experience and make fast, data-driven decisions. Therefore, they need people with a deep understanding of best practice techniques and data analytics processes. The courses in this specialisation concentrate on applying data analytics tools to identify and solve issues in data-driven projects.

Thesis Research Topics

Choose from a wide range of thesis topics supported by highly-qualified supervisors to focus on your area of interest.

We can facilitate research for your Master's degree thesis in the following areas:

Computational intelligence
Cloud computing
Cybersecurity
Computer networks
Mobile and wireless communications
Business intelligence
Computer vision
Speech recognition
Natural language processing
Internet of Things
Data mining
Data science
Robotics applications

Career Options

Artificial intelligence engineer
Business analyst
Cybersecurity engineer
Data analyst
Data scientist
IT adviser
Machine learning engineer
Network engineer
Project manager
Security analyst
Software engineer/programmer
Web developer

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students: $7,800 (Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depend on a number of factors including the courses you select to study.)
International students: $30,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits)

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun
Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

Admission Requirements

Domestic Students

Academic Requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

A recognised bachelor degree in the same or similar discipline, with merit achievement, deemed to be an average grade of B- or higher in all Level 7 courses
A professional qualification in a relevant discipline recognised as being equivalent to merit achievement in a bachelor degree, or equivalent

And meet one of the English entry requirements:

University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing)
Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page

Non-Academic Requirements

When you apply for this programme, you'll need to provide proof of your identity (ID) and other documents such as academic certificates.

International Students

Academic Requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

A recognised bachelor degree in the same or similar discipline, with merit achievement, deemed to be an average grade of B- or higher in all Level 7 courses
A professional qualification in a relevant discipline recognised as being equivalent to merit achievement in a bachelor degree, or equivalent

And English entry requirements:

Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6.5 with no band score lower than 6
University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing)
Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page

Non-Academic Requirements

When you apply for this programme, you'll need to provide proof of your identity (ID) and other documents such as academic certificates.

Courses and Timetables

For more details on the courses including timetables, please refer to the specific course webpage.

Compulsory Courses

Research Methods in Applied Technologies (COMP8801): 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) - To provide students with research skills in their chosen field of applied technologies.
Applied Project (COMP8802): 30.0 credits (0.250 EFTS) - This course will provide students with the opportunity to analyse applied technologies through the lens of their chosen pathway.

Elective Courses

Data Analytics and Intelligence (COMP8811): 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) - To understand how data analytics create organisational values and to demonstrate visual representation of big data sets for exploring business intelligence and opportunities.
Data Warehousing and Big Data (COMP8812): 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) - To understand the concept and challenges of big data, design and implementation of a data warehouse, and to create sophisticated decision models and scenarios.
Mobile Security (COMP8825): 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) - To enable students to examine and evaluate key security principles and issues of mobile networks and platforms and critically analyse the impact of contemporary security developments on mobile platforms.
Mobile and Wireless Communications (COMP8827): 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) - To enable students to analyse and evaluate the key aspects of current and latest mobile and wireless communications using organisational context.
Cloud Computing (COMP8828): 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) - To enable students to gain in-depth knowledge of essential cloud computing services and their usage in the real-world context.
Advanced Applications of Cyber Security in Cloud Computing (COMP8829): 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) - The aim of this course is to equip the participants with an in-depth understanding of concepts, procedures and computing techniques for cybersecurity in the context of cloud-based systems and small size business infrastructure planning.
Machine Learning (COMP8831): 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) - To enable students to critically evaluate machine learning algorithms and their applications in a wide range of artificial intelligent systems.
Internet of Things (COMP8832): 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) - To develop an advanced technical knowledge and enhanced understanding of The Internet of Things technologies and their applications to a wide range of real-world problems.
Advanced Web Development (COMP8833): 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) - To enable students to critically evaluate web-based systems to meet web development requirements and engage with organisation customers and apply processes and design strategies to solve customer relationship management (CRM) problem.

Master of Applied Technologies-Computing

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