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Study Computational Modelling at Otago

Crunching the big problems.

Computational Modelling formulates and models real-world problems, then uses computing to develop solutions.

You could help create a new product – a pacemaker, a refrigerator, or perhaps part of a satellite – to see whether it works at a theoretical level before a company commits time and money to building the real thing. You might model the survival of an endangered species, plan how to map the wave patterns of the ocean from space, or optimise the layout of components in a new type of dishwasher.

Why study Computational Modelling?

Being able to formulate a real-world problem, develop the model and then use computers to find a theoretical solution is a powerful and rewarding skill set. Computational Modelling has relevance to a huge variety of fields, and people with these skills are highly sought after.

Computational Modelling is being increasingly recognised and valued as applicable in a growing number of sectors.

Career opportunities

Career prospects in Computational Modelling are excellent. Opportunities abound in all areas of product development,  financial modelling and business, physical and health science, animal and plant science, process engineering, food technology, design, telecommunications, software development, and information technology.

Chances are you'll begin your career by joining an existing  firm. You could work for a large company, helping them with the development of their own products.

Consultancy is one of the fastest growing career options for many scientific disciplines. Consultancy work is project based, with plenty of variety and opportunities for travel.

Your skills will also make you a valuable asset to any engineering  firm, and with your advanced programming abilities, there will also be plenty of scope to work in the computer industry. With the business knowledge you gained during your degree, and some industry experience under your belt, you'll be well qualified to become your own boss, if you want to start your own innovative business venture.


Minor-only subject

Please note: this subject can only be taken as a minor.

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.


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.

Programme details

Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).

Papers

View a list of all related papers below.


More information

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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

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