About the programme
The Master of Information Technology (MIT) is an NZQF Level 9 degree at Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS) that develops IT capability beyond undergraduate level and trains students to investigate complex industry problems on their own. It is worth 180 credits and takes 16 months of full-time study.
The programme responds to demand, both in New Zealand and internationally, for IT graduates with more advanced skills and the ability to carry out independent research. Graduates are expected to handle highly complex tasks in modern IT environments: reviewing the literature critically, analysing their own research findings and solving problems at a sophisticated level. Those on the thesis route learn to design and conduct original research in unfamiliar situations.
Research Methods is compulsory for everyone. Students then choose a specialist topic: Software Development (continuous integration and deployment, cloud application development, software user experience), Networks and Security (cloud computing, computer and communication network security, penetration testing) or Information Systems (data mining, artificial intelligence, enterprise cloud-based systems). Availability of the last two should be confirmed in advance. Research students take all three courses of their topic, while internship and industry project students take two.
The applied component depends on the chosen pathway: a research project, a two-trimester internship or a one-trimester intensive internship, or an industrial project. The degree is completed with either a research thesis (MIT Research) or a combination of a specialised project and an applied research project (MIT Applied).
The MIT is aimed at people with a background in IT or a related field who want to move into positions above entry level in software, web technologies, networking or IT management.
Entry requirements
- English: IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79 with writing 21, PTE Academic 58 with no band below 50, or NZCEL (Academic) Level 5
- A bachelor's degree, graduate diploma or postgraduate diploma (or equivalent) in information technology, computer science or a related field
What you study
- COMP801 Research Methods (compulsory)
- SOFT806 Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment
- SOFT807 Cloud Application Development
- SOFT808 Software User Experience
- CONE810 Computer and Communication Network Security
- CONE811 Penetration Testing
- INFO812 Data Mining
- INFO813 Artificial Intelligence
- COMP803 Internship, COMP806 Intensive Internship or COMP804 Industrial Project
- COMP901 Information Technology Research Thesis (MIT Research)
Careers after graduation
- Software programmer, developer, analyst or designer
- Web developer or web architect
- Enterprise web consultant, web service developer or web analyst
- Network engineer or network administrator
- Network support specialist
- Junior IT manager or IT manager
- Business analyst
Post-study work visa
Up to 3 years
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the AIS website