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.
Why choose Computer Science at Otago
Discover why students are choosing Computer Science at Otago. Hear about exciting research projects, career prospects, and the innovative curriculum that sets you up for success.
Read transcript
Magdeline Huang:
I chose to come to Otago to study because of the vibrant student culture and also because of the rich history that Dunedin has.
Actually, quite a few of the students that study at the University aren't from Dunedin, and I think that’s further validation for how amazing it is to be a student here.
I actually didn’t start off at University studying Computer Science. I was studying something else in my first year, but then after that, I made the switch to Computer Science, and I haven’t looked back ever since. The transition was really smooth, and I wrote my first line of code at University.
So, why did I choose to study Computer Science? There are quite a few reasons. The main reason is that we are currently living in a digital age, and there is no doubt that technology will shape the future.
I believe that by studying it, we can learn more about what’s happening and also contribute to shaping the future. That being said, it’s no surprise that there is high demand for tech skills at the moment, which means great career prospects.
You don’t have to be a software engineer and just work in tech, for example. You can also create your own startup, or if you want a corporate role, you can become a consultant.
On a more personal note, what I like about Computer Science is that it involves a lot more problem-solving and thinking, as opposed to just reading chunks of text in a textbook and memorising them.
Professor Michael Albert:
I’m Michael Albert, and I’m the Head of the Department of Computer Science here at the University of Otago. I just want to tell you a little bit about our department, the things we do, and what you might be able to expect from us if you come to study here.
One of the things I really love about working in Computer Science is that anything you can imagine doing, you can try to do in a computer. You don’t have to worry about a machine breaking or a lab blowing up or anything like that. You can just do it, try it out, and if it doesn’t work, try something else.
That’s not to say we don’t work on lots of important problems as well. One of our lecturers, Dr. Alex Gavryushkin, is working in the Biological Data Science Institute. One of the things he works on is trying to model the mutations in cancer cells and in viruses.
The problem here is not that we don’t have enough data, but that we have too much data and we constantly get more. All the old models need to be restarted every time you add data, and that’s really, really expensive. He’s looking at ways we can modify existing models with new data without having to restart the process as a whole.
Another area we’re looking at is facial recognition in sheep, which may seem like a weird question, but when you’re trying to breed better sheep, you really want to know who their parents are. The only way to do that now is to do genetic testing, which is relatively expensive.
But if you could, just by looking at photos of the sheep, identify the ram and the ewe that were their parents, then you’d be able to analyse your stock much more easily. That would allow you to make good progress on developing better livestock, which is obviously an important thing in the New Zealand economy.
These are just a couple of areas that we work in, and there’s lots of other interesting projects going on in the department as well.
So, what will you see if you come to study Computer Science at Otago? We’ve got a brand new curriculum that’s rolling out starting in 2021. We’ve completely revamped our curriculum to bring it more up to date.
In the first year in the Computer Science department, you’ll take two papers, which are fundamentally programming papers. Now, Computer Science isn’t all about programming, but there’s no denying that programming is an important part of it, so we really want you to get started with that solid foundation.
These are assessed using something we call a mastery model, which is somewhat self-paced. You get to try a succession of tests to make sure you’re keeping up to date, and that stops you from getting overwhelmed.
Computer Science has links with all the other disciplines in the Sciences and many of the disciplines in the Humanities. There are lots of interesting things to work on, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s always easy to get a good job once you graduate.
Thanks.
Recommended background
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.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Arts along with other subjects
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Commerce, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Ready to apply?
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.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Computer Science
Explore postgraduate study in Computer Science at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in ...
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Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
Level | Papers | Points |
---|---|---|
100-level | COMP 101 Foundations of Information Systems | 18 |
COMP 161 Computer Programming | 18 | |
COMP 162 Foundations of Computer Science | 18 | |
One of MATH 120, MATH 130, MATH 140, COMO 101, STAT 110, STAT 115, BSNS 112 , FINC 102, or an approved alternative | 18 | |
200-level | COSC 201 Algorithms and Data Structures | 18 |
COSC 202 Software Development | 18 | |
COSC 203 Web, Databases, and Networks | 18 | |
COSC 204 Computer Systems | 18 | |
300-level |
One of: COSC 326 Computational Problem Solving COSC 345 Software Engineering COSC 360 Computer Game Design | 18 |
Three further 300-level COSC papers | 54 | |
Plus | 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. | ||
Total | 360 |
For students who entered the programme prior to 2021, please contact the School of Computing for advice regarding programme requirements or refer to the 2020 University of Otago Calendar or 2020 Guide to Enrolment.
Level | Papers | Points |
---|---|---|
100-level | COMP 101 Foundation of Information Systems | 18 |
COMP 161 Computer Programming | 18 | |
COMP 162 Foundations of Computer Science | 18 | |
One of MATH 120, MATH 130, MATH 140, COMO 101, STAT 110, STAT 115, BSNS 112, FINC 102, or an approved alternative | 18 | |
200-level | COSC 201 Algorithms and Data Structures | 18 |
COSC 202 Software Development | 18 | |
COSC 203 Web, Databases, and Networks | 18 | |
COSC 204 Computer Systems | 18 | |
300-level | One of: COSC 326 Computational Problem Solving COSC 345 Software Engineering COSC 360 Computer Game Design | 18 |
Three further 300-level COSC papers | 54 | |
Plus | 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. | 144 |
Total | 360 |
For students who entered the programme prior to 2021, please contact the School of Computing for advice regarding programme requirements or refer to the 2020 University of Otago Calendar or 2020 Guide to Enrolment.
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
Level | Papers | Points |
---|---|---|
100-level | COMP 162 Foundations of Computer Science One of: | 18 18 |
200-level | One of: | 18 |
300-level | One of COSC 301-385 | 18 |
Plus | One further paper from COSC 201, COSC 202, COSC 203, COSC 204, COSC 301-385 | 18 |
Total | 90 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
COMP papers
Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
---|---|---|---|---|
COMP101 | 2025 | Foundations of Information Systems | 18 points | Summer School, Semester 2 |
COMP111 | 2025 | Information and Communications Technology | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
COMP120 | 2025 | Practical Data Science | 18 points | Semester 1 |
COMP151 | 2025 | Programming for Scientists | 18 points | Semester 1 |
COMP161 | 2025 | Computer Programming | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
COMP162 | 2025 | Foundations of Computer Science | 18 points | Summer School, Semester 2 |
COMP210 | 2025 | Information Assurance | 18 points | Semester 2 |
COMP270 | 2025 | ICT Fundamentals | 15 points | Not offered in 2025 |
COMP371 | 2025 | ICT Studio 1 | 15 points | Not offered in 2025 |
COMP372 | 2025 | ICT Studio 2 | 15 points | Not offered in 2025 |
COMP373 | 2025 | ICT Studio 3 | 15 points | Not offered in 2025 |
COMP390 | 2025 | ICT Industry Project | 30 points | Not offered in 2025 |
COSC papers
Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
---|---|---|---|---|
COSC201 | 2025 | Algorithms and Data Structures | 18 points | Semester 1 |
COSC202 | 2025 | Software Development | 18 points | Semester 1 |
COSC203 | 2025 | Web, Databases, and Networks | 18 points | Semester 2 |
COSC204 | 2025 | Computer Systems | 18 points | Semester 2 |
COSC301 | 2025 | Network Management and Security | 18 points | Semester 1 |
COSC312 | 2025 | Cryptography and Security | 18 points | Semester 2 |
COSC326 | 2025 | Computational Problem Solving | 18 points | Semester 1 |
COSC341 | 2025 | Theory of Computing | 18 points | Semester 1 |
COSC342 | 2025 | Visual Computing: Graphics & Vision | 18 points | Semester 1 |
COSC343 | 2025 | Artificial Intelligence | 18 points | Semester 2 |
COSC344 | 2025 | Database Theory and Applications | 18 points | Semester 1 |
COSC345 | 2025 | Software Engineering | 18 points | Semester 2 |
COSC349 | 2025 | Cloud Computing Architecture | 18 points | Semester 2 |
COSC360 | 2025 | Computer Game Design | 18 points | Summer School |
COSC385 | 2025 | Research Project | 18 points | Summer School, Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year |
COSC402 | 2025 | Advanced Computer Networks | 20 points | Semester 2 |
COSC412 | 2025 | Advanced Cryptography and Security | 20 points | Semester 2 |
COSC420 | 2025 | Deep Learning | 20 points | Semester 1 |
COSC431 | 2025 | Information Retrieval | 20 points | Semester 1 |
COSC440 | 2025 | Advanced Operating Systems | 20 points | Semester 2 |
COSC444 | 2025 | Advanced Database Technologies | 20 points | Semester 1 |
COSC450 | 2025 | Computer Vision and Graphics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
COSC470 | 2025 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
COSC471 | 2025 | Approved Special Paper | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
COSC480 | 2025 | Applied Project | 40 points | Full Year |
COSC490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 40 points | Full Year |
More information
Contact our Schools' Liaison and International teams
Want to connect with a real person and get some advice? Find your Schools' Liaison officer, chat with our International team in New Zealand or your own country, or submit a question through our online form.
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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