Computer Science forms the basis for all information technology.
Study Computer Science at Otago and take control of your future. Doors open to many areas – from machine learning, computer animation, computer games, software design and robotics, through to legal, financial and business careers.
Computer Science forms the basis for all information technology and it is a fast-changing and rapidly growing field. Computing is now central to the way our modern society works, and it will remain that way. Computer scientists analyse, design and implement computer algorithms and computer systems. Their skills are desperately needed in New Zealand and worldwide.
At Otago, we cover all core areas of Computer Science and actively research at the cutting-edge in areas as diverse as artificial intelligence, computer graphics and vision, distributed computing, databases, search, biological data science and theory.
Why study Computer Science?
Computer scientists are in demand across the world and attract excellent salaries. Technologies change rapidly and there is always something new and exciting to learn – whether as a programmer, software engineer, systems architect or chief technical officer.
A career as a Computer Scientist is challenging and rewarding. If you like solving problems, then a major in computer science is for you. It is hard to describe the joy involved in designing and implementing a complex system and then seeing it all work in front of your eyes.
A minor in Computer Science is an invaluable supplement to any degree, whether in science, health sciences, business or the humanities. Technical expertise in computing in addition to expertise in another field opens doors to many exciting careers. It will change the way you think about your chosen field and make you more effective in your work.
Choosing Computer Science papers as electives will open doors in your mind to the possibilities of computers, will make you more effective at using computers, and will look great on your CV.
Career opportunities
There is currently a worldwide shortage of IT professionals and they are in high demand in New Zealand, Australia, the USA and the UK.
You will find Otago Computer Science graduates at work worldwide in every aspect of commerce, government, education, research and media in a variety of interesting roles: programmers, software engineers, systems analysts, network managers, consultants and advisers, web programmers, interface designers and database administrators.
Some of our recent graduates have exciting careers: making CGI movies, developing software for driverless vehicles, writing control software for Formula 1 racing cars, designing computer games, and programming the latest high-performance computers. Others are working in medical informatics, as an entrepreneur, as a weapons engineering officer in the Navy, as a database analyst, and as a patent attorney.
Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study
There are no special requirements or prerequisites, but taking Digital Technology for NCEA is useful. For students wishing to major in Computer Science, NCEA Level 3 Mathematics (preferably Calculus) would be helpful.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
144 further points; must include 36 points at 200-level or above.
144
Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts.
Notes: (i) Students are exempt from COMP 161 if they have gained entry to COMP 162 by passing COMP 151 with a grade of at least B or via an Advanced Placement Test. (ii) Students who have passed at least one of MATH 120, 130, 140, COMO 101, STAT 110, 115, BSNS 112, or FINC 102 as part of another subject's requirements do not need to pass another one of these papers to fulfil the Computer Science requirements.
144 further points; must include 36 points at 200-level or above.
Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science
Notes: (i) Students are exempt from COMP 161 if they have gained entry to COMP 162 by passing COMP 151 with a grade of at least B or via an Advanced Placement Test. (ii) Students who have passed at least one of MATH 120, 130, 140, COMO 101, STAT 110, 115, BSNS 112, or FINC 102 as part of another subject's requirements do not need to pass another one of these papers to fulfil the Computer Science requirements. (iii) The Computer Science curriculum is being refreshed. Students commencing from 2021 will complete their studies following these regulations, but information is not currently available for all of the papers listed. Please contact the Department of Computer Science for further details. Existing Computer Science students will have different regulation requirements and should seek course advice.
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
One of: COMP 101 Foundations of Information Systems COMP 151 Programming for Scientists COMP 161 Computer Programming
Note: COMP 161 is usually required as a prerequisite for COMP 162, but is not necessary for students who have gained entry to COMP 162 by passing COMP 151 with a grade of at least B or via an Advanced Placement Test.
18
18
200-level
One of: COSC 201 Algorithms and Data Structures COSC 202 Software Development COSC 203 Web, Databases, and Networks COSC 204 Computer Systems
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