Master of Artificial Intelligence
Course details
| NZQF Level | 9 |
|---|
About the course
Gain advanced AI skills and conceptual understanding through coursework and research. A Master of Artificial Intelligence prepares you for a successful professional or academic future.
The first Master of AI in New Zealand
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tackles some of the deepest questions that our species has pondered for centuries. What is consciousness, what is intelligence, and what is sentient life?
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has led the way in teaching AI. Our Master of AI was the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. We have over 50 researchers and students, whose pioneering work is at the cutting edge of AI knowledge and development.
With a Master of AI, you’ll be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of the concepts and techniques behind AI. You’ll learn the skills to build AI tools and solve real-world problems in areas such as education, health, the environment, and business. You’ll also look at the impacts and implications of AI.
Globally ranked
This programme is ranked in the top 50 worldwide in ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS).GRAS provides subject rankings from about 2,000 universities worldwide.
Future careers
Postgraduate study in AI can open doors to unique and rewarding careers. It gives you skills beyond techniques and technologies, and helps you develop the type of thinking that you can apply to future technology.
You may work with tech companies, big or small, local or international. The skills you learn will allow you to apply AI in areas such as health, education, or the environment.
Jobs you might do
Your study could lead to a career as a:
- machine learning engineer
- IT specialist in AI
- data analyst or data scientist
- AI consultant
- data engineer
- deep learning engineer
- applied AI researcher
- applied data science and AI developer
- AI technical or program manager
- process automation developer.
Get the Postgraduate Handbook
Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook.
Download the handbook
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Duration and workload
The Master of Artificial Intelligence can typically be completed in 12 to 16 months of full-time study, or in up to two years part time.
Most students will need to start their course of study in Trimester 1, which begins in February. If you have prior knowledge of the field, you may be able to start in Trimester 2—talk to the programme director to discuss your options.
If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20 to 25 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.
Duration and workload
The Master of Artificial Intelligence can typically be completed in 12 to 16 months of full-time study.
Most students will need to start their course of study in Trimester 1, which begins in February. If you have prior knowledge of the field, you may be able to start in Trimester 2—talk to the programme director to discuss your options.
Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year.
Advance your expertise with PhD study
If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you’ll be able to apply to do a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
A PhD is the highest academic qualification offered by the University. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in the School of Engineering and Computer Science.
As a PhD candidate you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Scholarships
To help fund your studies, you can apply for a postgraduate scholarship offered by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Find out what and how you’ll study in the Master of Artificial Intelligence.
How you’ll study
The Master of Artificial Intelligence is a two-part qualification that contains both coursework and research. This is different from the 12-month thesis you might do in other Master’s programmes.
Most students start their course of study in Trimester 1, which begins in February. You may be able to start your MAI in Trimester 2. Talk to the programme director to discuss your options.
Part 1: Coursework
In Part 1 you’ll take courses looking at topics that range from generative AI to big data. Your study also includes a core course that introduces you to the ethical considerations behind AI.
You can also choose to include courses in:
- Data Science and Statistics
- Software Engineering
- Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering.
Part 2: Research project
In Part 2 you’ll do a supervised research project in an advanced area of AI.
Part-time study options
You can complete your Master of Artificial Intelligence part time. For example, you could choose to study half time, doing two courses per trimester.
The part-time option will take around 20 hours a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working or balancing other commitments.
A suite of qualifications
The Master of Artificial Intelligence is part of a suite of AI qualifications offered by Victoria University of Wellington, from the Bachelor of Science (Honours) through to PhD study. Choose the postgraduate qualification that best suits your level of experience, interests, and time commitment. Explore our other postgraduate AI study options
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related subject with at least a B average in the relevant final year courses.
International entry requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related subject with at least a B average in the relevant final year courses.
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.