Qualification

Three Academic Years

Degree, NZQF Level 7 (360 Credits, 1.0 EFTS per year)

Start Dates
Course Fees (Year 1. See fees information.)
Domestic $9,900.00 NZD
International $33,500.00 NZD
Admission Requirements

Minimum qualification of NCEA University Entrance or equivalent, such as CIE or IB University Entrance, or, level 4 or higher Qualification from a related discipline.

Plus, you will need to have fulfilled the following credit requirements:
28 NCEA Credits* at Level 3, in a range of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Computing and Technology

Portfolio Requirements

A portfolio is not required if you are applying for Game Programming (Bachelor of Software Engineering).

Study Options

Study on campus Study online

Industry Partners

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IBM
IBM

What is Artificial Intelligence?

A career of the future

Embark on a rewarding career in the future-facing field of creative tech thanks to our Bachelor of Software Engineering in Artificial Intelligence. You’ll become a highly sought-after developer with a deep understanding of algorithms and techniques, plus the ability to master the fundamentals of machine learning. Developed in partnership with IBM, this qualification is the first of its kind in New Zealand. There’s never been a better time to start your studies, so apply today.

This programme is available both on campus and online.

Why Study AI in 2023?

You should study AI (Artificial Intelligence) in 2023 as it is a fast-growing industry with many employment opportunities across a range of industries. You will gain the necessary skills and knowledge required to use machines for automation. As a result, you will be able to develop cutting-edge tools and systems to improve everyday life.

Artificial Intelligence course
HALO - Kade Lee

AI has the potential to do some serious good in the world.

1st
Bachelor’s degree in New Zealand to specialise in Artificial Intelligence
#2
most in-demand hard skill in the world

*LinkedIn ‘Future of Skills’ report

Course Outline

What you'll cover in this course

Your first year will cover the foundational skills of software engineering and AI, including an introduction to computer graphics and practical mathematical skills. You’ll develop an understanding of basic knowledge representation, problem solving techniques and architectures used to build intelligent systems.

Component Name Credits Toggle
Maths 1
15
Introduction to Software Engineering
15
Algorithms & Data Structures
15
Introduction to Computer Graphics
15
Micro-services Architecture
15
Probabilities and Statistics
15
Concepts in AI
15
Introduction to Cloud Computing
15
Introduction to DevOps
15

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

To apply for this degree, you'll need a minimum qualification of NCEA University Entrance or equivalent, such as:

An appropriate qualification from an overseas secondary school or tertiary institution, deemed by Media Design School to be sufficient for admission into a bachelors programme.

CIE (University of Cambridge International Examination)

IB (International Baccalaureate)

Plus, you will need to have fulfilled the following credit requirements:

28 NCEA Credits* at Level 3, in a range of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Computing and Technology.

*Note: Students completing NCEA Level 3 in 2020 will only require 24 credits in the above subjects. Learn more about NCEA and UE in 2020 here.

If you are enrolled at a New Zealand secondary school and have not yet completed your NCEA (CIE or equivalent) qualification, you can still apply now for admission. When your NCEA results are available in January, we will check them and contact you.


Special Entry, Discretionary Entry and Cross Credits

If you don't have university entry, you may still be able to apply for this course. More information about Special Entry, Discretionary Entry and Cross Credits here.

International Students: 

To apply for this degree, you'll need a minimum qualification of NCEA University Entrance or CIE (University of Cambridge International Examination) or IB (International Baccalaureate) or equivalent overseas secondary school qualification or have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution.

Please Note: Entry requirement may vary based on your country of citizenship. Please refer to our International Page for entry requirements at mediadesignschool.com/international-students. If you country is not on the list, please email international@mediadesignschool.com for further information.

All international students must be 18 years of age when the programme commences (on- campus or online). International applicants can start their application before they turn 18 years of age.

Please note, quotas may apply to some programmes. Where demand exceeds the number of available places, applicants who meet entry requirements will be admitted on a first-come-first-served basis.

Language Requirements

Language Requirements

As an international student, you'll need to prove you have sufficient English language skills in order to complete this course. We'll be looking for Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 (minimum) with no band less than 5.5, or equivalent test result.

We accept a range of internationally recognised English Language proficiency test. Find out more on the NZQA website or download the NZQA list HERE.

BYOD Requirements

BYOD Requirements

Before you begin your study with us, you will need to have a suitable device that has the functionality to run the programmes required for your course.

Follow this link to find course-specific requirements and recommendations, along with links to more information about hardware specifications. We have prepared these recommendations to help our students equip for flexible, blended learning.

Careers & Industry

Careers & Industry

A degree in Software Engineering - Artificial Intelligence could take you down the following career paths: 

  • Software Engineer
  • Software Developer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • AI Developer
  • Business Intelligence Developer
  • R&D Engineer
  • Data Scientist

Software Engineers remain on New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list and the ever-growing demand for graduates means salaries remain highly competitive. We've worked closely with our industry panel to design a course that responds to industry needs, arming you with the most in-demand technical skills and the core soft skills needed to maximise your employability.

Throughout your studies you'll master a range of technical subject areas, such as computer vision, natural language processing, speech recognition, and machine learning & robotics, as well as the in-demand soft skills of ideation, design thinking, project and time management and interpersonal communication. Your first year will cover the foundational skills of software engineering and AI, including an introduction to computer graphics and practical mathematical skills.

Meet the Faculty

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