Victoria University of Wellington
Master of Software Development – MSwDevWellington, New Zealand
DURATION
18 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 May 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Jul 2026
TUITION FEES
NZD 46,650 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Full programme fee NZ$70000
Key Summary
Introduction
Change direction and learn what you need to know for a new career in software development with this industry-focused conversion degree.
Kick-Start a New Career
Want to start a new career developing web, mobile, or software applications? The Master of Software Development shows you how. This conversion degree is designed to help people from non-tech backgrounds pivot into the thriving tech industry.
The MSwDev is an intensive 12-month programme that starts in July (Trimester 2). It’s delivered by the School of Engineering and Computer Science as part of the Industry Alliance Programme. It teaches you core programming concepts and skills that you can apply to an industry-related project.
Develop Critical Software Skills
On this program, you’ll learn how to program in Java, an object-oriented programming language used for large, enterprise-class applications. You’ll learn about data structures, version control, networking, databases, security, web systems, agile development methodologies, design patterns, and more. You’ll gain the core skills and confidence to hit the ground running as a software developer.
Duration and Workload
3 Trimesters, 1 year
The Master of Software Development takes 12 months of full-time study to complete, starting in July (Trimester 2).
Studying full-time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year. Make sure you take this into account if you’re balancing other commitments.
Gallery
Ideal Students
Who Should Apply
The Master of Software Development is designed for people who want to work in the software development industry but who don’t already have a tech background. If you have a degree in a different subject and want to change careers, we’ll teach you what you need to know to make the move.
Before you start this programme, it could be helpful to have a little experience with coding. You might have done some basic programming in high school or followed some introductory online coding tutorials.
If you have a Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average in a field other than computer science and want to become a software developer, this could be the perfect programme for you.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
To help fund your studies, you can apply for a postgraduate scholarship offered by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Curriculum
What You’ll Study
The MSwDev is a full-time 180-point Master’s programme that starts in July (Trimester 2). You’ll complete this qualification in three consecutive trimesters over 12 months.
Trimester 2 (July to October)
Professional Programming Skills—SWEN 501 (15 points)
Master core programming skills, concepts, and techniques, including fundamental control structures, programming commands, data structures, object orientation, and fundamental algorithms. By learning the core principles of Java, you’ll be able to pick up other languages in the future.
Software Development Studio 1—SWEN 502 (45 points)
Build on the skills you learned in SWEN 501 and increase your understanding of software engineering concepts and techniques. You’ll work on a variety of industry-relevant group projects that address a range of topics in software development and computer science. The course will teach teamwork skills, professional practice skills, and communication skills in the context of software development. You’ll also get into advanced topics like networking, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction.
Trimester 3 (November to February)
Software Development Studio 2—SWEN 504 (60 points)
Complete a sequence of group projects, mixed with teaching sessions, industry seminars, industry case studies, and tutorials. At the tutorials, you’ll explore the background of the projects and have your work reviewed. You’ll explore topics like web development, testing, mobile apps, cloud computing, and agile development. The group work and the teaching will be done in the same physical space, allowing for flexible timing of the more formal components of the course. The course will include weekly seminars from industry professionals on a range of topics.
Trimester 1 (March to June)
Industry Research and Development Project—SWEN 589 (60 points)
This is a substantial project that involves working on a software research and development task. Generally, it will be done as a placement in a local ICT business, but it can also be an industry-related project done within the school. The project involves supervision by one of our teachers and by the industry employer, and you’ll have the chance to report on your work and give presentations.
Program Outcome
Develop Critical Software Skills
On this program, you’ll learn how to program in Java, an object-oriented programming language used for large, enterprise-class applications. You’ll learn about data structures, version control, networking, databases, security, web systems, agile development methodologies, design patterns, and more. You’ll gain the core skills and confidence to hit the ground running as a software developer.