Master of Information Technology

Tahatū, Career Navigator

Discover career possibilities and how to reach your goals. tahatu.govt.nz(external link)
Locations and dates

Nelson:

20 July 2026
Length

51 teaching weeks and up to 8 weeks of study break
Total credits

180
Fees

2026: $12,500 plus $450 Student Services Fee (180 credits)

A Student Service Fee applies (2026; $2.50 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.
National qualification code

2342

Advance your career in the dynamic world of IT with a flexible, future-focused degree, allowing you to build on your current skillset and open doors to leadership and innovation with emerging technologies.

Programme Tile 705x425px Computing and Information Technology

Gain specialist skills in areas such as cloud computing, data mining, quality assurance, business intelligence, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more. The Master of Information Technology will deepen your skillset and equip you to lead in a constantly evolving digital world.

This coursework-based programme is ideal for professionals who want to apply theory to real-world IT challenges. You'll complete 180 credits of advanced study, including core research methods and a wide range of electives across Level 8 and Level 9. You can tailor your study to match your goals - whether you're looking to become a machine learning engineer, IT consultant, cloud solutions architect, or senior developer.

Delivered at our Nelson campus, this programme offers a mix of in-person learning and online resources. You'll have access to modern facilities and support from academic staff with strong industry connections in Te Tauihu and beyond.

Study full-time over 18 months or part-time over up to five years - flexible delivery means you can fit study around your life.

What you will learn

You'll have the choice to develop advanced skills and technical knowledge in areas such as:

Advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning | Design and implement intelligent systems that can analyse data, learn patterns, and make decisions.
Cloud computing and ICT infrastructure | Deploy and manage scalable cloud-based platforms and networks for modern digital organisations.
Cybersecurity and cryptography | Protect sensitive information using encryption techniques and secure system design.
Mobile app development and quality assurance | Build robust mobile applications and apply testing frameworks to ensure software reliability.
Business intelligence and data mining | Use data analytics tools to uncover insights that inform strategic business decisions.
Leadership and digital innovation in IT environments | Apply leadership, agile thinking, and design innovation to manage digital transformation initiatives.
Research skills and systems integration | Investigate complex IT issues and explore how to integrate emerging technologies into existing systems.

You’ll graduate ready to solve complex problems and drive innovation across the tech sector.

Programme delivery

To graduate with the Master of Information Technology, you must complete 180 credits at Level 8 and Level 9, all courses are 15 credits unless otherwise stated.

Level 8	Level 9
IT8501 – Research in Information Technology IT8510 – Business Analysis for Information Technology IT8511 – Business Intelligence and Data Mining IT8512 – Cloud Computing and ICT Infrastructure IT8518 – Quality Assurance and Testing IT8519 – Systems Architecture and Technology Integration IT8527 – Cryptography and Security Mechanisms IT8530 – Advanced Mobile Application Solutions IT8532 – Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning	IT9503 – Advanced Information Management and IT Solutions IT9504 – Leadership in IT and Digital Organisations IT9505 – Advanced Innovation and Design Thinking for IT

Level 8

Level 9

IT8501 – Research in Information Technology
IT8510 – Business Analysis for Information Technology
IT8511 – Business Intelligence and Data Mining
IT8512 – Cloud Computing and ICT Infrastructure
IT8518 – Quality Assurance and Testing
IT8519 – Systems Architecture and Technology Integration
IT8527 – Cryptography and Security Mechanisms
IT8530 – Advanced Mobile Application Solutions
IT8532 – Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

IT9503 – Advanced Information Management and IT Solutions
IT9504 – Leadership in IT and Digital Organisations
IT9505 – Advanced Innovation and Design Thinking for IT

Finding the right job for you

Graduates of the Master of Information Technology are well prepared for high‑impact roles like these. These salary ranges reflect the real-world value of your advanced IT skillset in today’s New Zealand job market.

Whether you're drawn to the strategic coordination of projects, the innovation of AI, the technical craft of software development, or leadership in IT management - you’ll be entering well‑rewarded and in-demand territory.

IT project manager
Oversee digital and technology projects from concept to completion, delivering solutions on time and within budget. Typical earnings range from NZ$100,000 to NZ$150,000, with senior-level roles reaching NZ$120,000 to NZ$170,000.
Machine learning engineer / AI specialist
Design and implement intelligent systems and algorithms to analyze data and drive automation. Salaries generally fall between NZ$80,000 and NZ$110,000, with top-tier and senior roles reaching NZ$188,000 or more, averaging around NZ$151,900. 
Software developer / business intelligence specialist
Build and maintain software applications or use analytics to inform strategy and decision‑making. Software developers typically earn NZ$85,000 to NZ$139,000, with broader ranges up to NZ$172,000.
IT manager / cloud or systems architect
Lead IT functions or design digital infrastructure solutions. IT managers earn between NZ$100,000 and NZ$190,000, with Chief Information Officers (CTOs) earning up to NZ$350,000. Skilled cloud or system architects can also command NZ$100,000 to NZ$170,000

Source: https://tahatu.govt.nz/(external link)

Study in a region of New Zealand with one of the most desirable lifestyles, where excellent study and career opportunities await.

Entry requirements

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Information Technology or related subject with at least a B grade average at Level 7 (or 8) and relevant professional experience.
Equivalence includes at least two (2) years of relevant work or professional experience.
Applicants with a degree in another field may be eligible if they have substantial IT-related work
experience, assessed through a portfolio or interview.
International: IELTS 6.5 (with no band below 6.0), or equivalent 8.2 Entry equipment/material requirements

It is highly recommended that students who enrol in the programme have their own laptop.

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