About the programme
The Master of Business Informatics (Thesis) is a research-based NZQF Level 9 degree at ICL Graduate Business School in which most of the credit comes from a thesis in business informatics. It totals 180 credits over 16 months.
Business informatics joins computing with management innovation, includes service computing and security, and is closely tied to distributed and cloud technologies. The thesis route focuses on current developments in the field and how they reshape competition across industries, preparing graduates to contribute both to businesses and to research-led organisations. ICL states that it is currently the only New Zealand provider offering the MBI, and the thesis qualification is approved by NZQA.
The programme runs over four 16-week trimesters. The first two are taught on campus: four 15-credit papers (information security, IT service management, research methods, and Western versus Indigenous approaches to research) plus a 30-credit research proposal. The final two trimesters are devoted to a supervised 90-credit thesis.
It suits students aiming at research careers or at analytical and product roles where research training is valued. ICL notes that students in research master's programmes in New Zealand have no limit on their working hours; details are on the Immigration New Zealand website. Students must bring their own laptop or tablet.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree or graduate diploma in informatics or a business-related subject from a recognised institution, with full transcripts
- Or evidence of the relevant knowledge and skills gained through work or professional experience in business or a related area
- International students: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, achieved in one sitting within the past 2 years, or an equivalent NZQA-recognised test
- A personal statement is strongly recommended
What you study
- 8151 Information Security Management
- 8150 IT Service Management and Strategy
- 8542 Research Methods
- 8711 Comparing Western and Indigenous Approaches to Research
- 8712 Research Proposal (30 credits)
- 9540 Thesis (90 credits)
Careers after graduation
- Research analyst in business informatics or research officer
- Product lead
- Business analyst or process and service manager
- Change manager or innovation consultant
- IT security specialist
- Project manager or information systems manager
- IT entrepreneur
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 ICL Graduate Business School website