Master of Software Development

The Master of Software Development (MSwDev) is a one-year 180-point Master’s degree designed for students from a range of technical and non-technical backgrounds to help them explore career pathways in the thriving ICT industry.

Our experienced lecturers will teach students core programming skills and concepts, which students can then apply in internships (commonly paid) where they will work on real-world projects with local businesses.

Students will understand the fundamentals of programming so that they are able to pick up new techniques, languages, libraries and approaches required in the industry. Topics students will learn about include Java, data structures, version control, networking, databases, security, web systems, agile, development methodologies, design patterns, and AI.

This conversion programme has been designed for people who don’t have much (if any) prior software development knowledge. You could have studied something completely different or may want to change careers. We will teach you what you need to know.

It is, however, preferred that you have an aptitude for or basic level of experience with programming (e.g., learned some in high school or while at university, followed an online course, or done some hobby coding), so that you know you want to work in software development .

If you have a Bachelor’s degree with a B average in a stream other than computer science, and a desire to have software development skills, then this is the path to your new career. Recent graduates as well as experienced candidates who want to broaden their career opportunities, upskill or reskill, are welcome.

Your application will be assessed and approved by the Head of the School.

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.