Master of Applied Computing
Master of Applied Computing
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Upcoming start dates
Semester 2 - 14 Jul 2025
November Summer School - 10 Nov 2025
Semester 1 - 23 Feb 2026
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Qualification
Taught Master's
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Duration
1.5 years full-time
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Credits
180
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Location
Lincoln University Campus
Technology is growing its relevance and impact in every industry. Consequently, there’s a shortage of trained tech professionals in New Zealand and around the world. Adding strong understanding of technology alongside your existing skills prepares you for the future of work, and opens up more opportunities across the board.
Study for free
If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more.
About this programme
The Master of Applied Computing from Lincoln University seeds the skills for you to ready to move into a technology-based role in 12 months, even if you don’t have a technological background.
The programme focuses on growing your skills and understanding through experiential, project-based learning that includes an industry project. Both problem-solving capabilities and people skills are valued by the tech industry.
You’ll expand your abilities to work well and communicate complex technical information to colleagues and clients.
How you’ll grow
- Gain the technical and interpersonal skills required to work with project teams, designing, developing and deploying software solutions
- Work closely with external clients on real world projects, gaining priceless practical experience
- With the opportunity to develop in an area of specialist technical expertise that’s aligned with your interests (this could guide your choice of industry project)
- Engage with experienced industry professionals throughout the programme, cultivating a network of connections that will help your future career
- Have the chance to present your work and compile a portfolio of your project experience.
Career opportunities
Tech-related roles are on the current long-term skills shortage list. So this degree prepares you for an exciting and fulfilling range of positions.
Potential tech-based careers for graduates of the Master of Applied Computing include software creation and maintenance, particularly relating to land-based industries. Or depending on the electives you choose, you could focus on data, databases and geographic information systems.
Programme information
- A New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent with a B average or better in the 300 level and final year (full-time equivalent) courses*.
- If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about the English language requirements.
* If you don’t meet the entry requirements but have an extensive work experience, please contact the course advisor.
Summary of Regulations
- You will need to complete 180 credits of taught courses from the Schedule of Courses for the Master of Applied Computing over three semesters (12 months of study).
Please note: Some courses are compulsory for more than one qualification. As the same courses cannot be credited to more than one qualification it may not be possible to complete a second qualification.
What's it going to cost?
The Master of Applied Computing is covered by our fee waiver. If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more.
If you are an international student, see our list of International Fees.
You can start studying in:
- Full Summer School (November)
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (early July)
Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field.
Knowledge
- Comprehend advanced software development methods.
- Manage spatial and other data using database management systems.
- Apply advanced computing with a focus on land-based contexts.
Skills
- Create software independently through design, code, verify, document, amend and refactor activities.
- Create software as part of a team through design, code, verify, document, amend and refactor activities.
- Develop competence in an area of technical speciality.
- Analyse, learn and apply appropriate tools, methods and technologies.
- Plan, prepare and operationalise work with others to deliver outcomes.
- Produce effective oral, written and diagrammatic presentations and documents.
Values
- Question and Reflect on their professional practice to identify areas of development.
- Operate as an ethical and professional practitioner.
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Entry requirements
- A New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent with a B average or better in the 300 level and final year (full-time equivalent) courses*.
- If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about the English language requirements.
* If you don’t meet the entry requirements but have an extensive work experience, please contact the course advisor.
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Regulations and fees
Summary of Regulations
- You will need to complete 180 credits of taught courses from the Schedule of Courses for the Master of Applied Computing over three semesters (12 months of study).
Please note: Some courses are compulsory for more than one qualification. As the same courses cannot be credited to more than one qualification it may not be possible to complete a second qualification.
What's it going to cost?
The Master of Applied Computing is covered by our fee waiver. If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more.
If you are an international student, see our list of International Fees.
-
Intake semesters
You can start studying in:
- Full Summer School (November)
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (early July)
-
Graduate Attributes
Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field.
Knowledge
- Comprehend advanced software development methods.
- Manage spatial and other data using database management systems.
- Apply advanced computing with a focus on land-based contexts.
Skills
- Create software independently through design, code, verify, document, amend and refactor activities.
- Create software as part of a team through design, code, verify, document, amend and refactor activities.
- Develop competence in an area of technical speciality.
- Analyse, learn and apply appropriate tools, methods and technologies.
- Plan, prepare and operationalise work with others to deliver outcomes.
- Produce effective oral, written and diagrammatic presentations and documents.
Values
- Question and Reflect on their professional practice to identify areas of development.
- Operate as an ethical and professional practitioner.
Programme Structure
You can choose from three different intakes. Begin in the November intake and you can complete this qualification in as little as twelve months. Alternatively, start in either the February or July intake and take 18 months to complete your study, incorporating a summer break.
Pathway options
If you’re not sure whether you are eligible to enter the Master of Applied Computing, you can always opt to staircase your degree.
This means starting the programme in a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science then continuing with the Master’s degree if you want to.
Depending on when you start, you can gain the Master of Applied Computing with only two further semesters of course work (after a Postgraduate Certificate).
Compulsory Courses
Electives
- ERST 606 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems A 20 credits
- ERST 607 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems B 20 credits
- ERST 625 - Systems Thinking and Dynamics 20 credits
- ENGN 676 - Agricultural Engineering 20 credits
- COMP 637 - User Engagement and Business Analysis 20 credits
- COMP 642 - Advanced Programming 20 credits
- COMP 643 - Advanced Database Management 20 credits
- COMP 640 - User Experience 20 credits
- COMP 627 - Neural Networks Applications 20 credits
- Compulsory courses
- Elective courses
Electives
Your elective choices make up 60 credits from the Master's Degree courses offered across the university, or another university. They must include 40 credits with a COMP prefix or an ENGN prefix or in the above list of electives.
A course advisor can assist you to select your courses and plan your degree.
Programme contacts
Key information for students
Compare qualification and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Need more info?
Email us on grow@lincoln.ac.nz
Or call us on 0800 10 60 10
If you're overseas, please call +64 3 423 0000
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