Victoria University of Wellington
Master of Computer Science – MCompSc
Wellington, New Zealand
Master degree
DURATION
18 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Dec 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
Feb 2026
TUITION FEES
NZD 42,900 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Full programme fee NZ$64300
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
Be at the leading edge of computer science and advance your professional or academic knowledge and skills with a Master's degree.
Enhance your career with a Master of Computer Science (MCompSc). This flexible coursework and project-based programme will put you at the forefront of innovation in a rapidly developing industry.
Gain specialist knowledge of computer science theories, methods and strategy, and build on your skills in computing architecture, construction, engineering and design.
Examine networks, software, tools and packages, and learn more about a range of programming languages and computer-based systems. Study emerging technology and explore concepts that will form the foundations of future innovations.
You can choose to focus on computer science courses, network engineering, or software engineering. Or choose a broad combination of all three to suit your interests and career goals.
Research Project
Two-thirds of the MCompSc (120 points) is coursework. The other third (60 points) is an individual project that involves working on a complex research problem. The project is an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills and demonstrate your critical thinking.
Taught by the School of Engineering and Computer Science and the Wellington Faculty of Science you'll work with and learn from staff with international reputations as experts in their field.
Duration and Workload
The MCompSc 180 points can be completed in one year of full-time study (three trimesters), or in two years part-time.
If you are studying full-time, you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.
The 180-point MCompSc is divided into two parts.
In Part 1 you'll take an approved combination of courses totalling 120 points. Choose courses from 400-level Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Network Engineering, and Software Engineering.
Part 2 is the research project, which is formed of two courses: COMP501, a 15-point research essay that demonstrates that you have understood the background to the research problem that you have chosen to tackle, and COMP589, a 45-point course in which you design, implement and evaluate a solution to the problem.
Duration and Workload
The MCompSc 180 points can be completed in one year of full-time study (three trimesters), or in two years part-time.
If you are studying full-time, you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.
Research Project
Two-thirds of the MCompSc (120 points) is coursework. The other third (60 points) is an individual project that involves working on a complex research problem. The project is an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills and demonstrate your critical thinking.
Taught by the School of Engineering and Computer Science and the Faculty of Science you'll work with and learn from staff with international reputations as experts in their field.