About the programme
The Master of Applied Computing is an NZQF level 9 programme at Lincoln University in New Zealand that prepares people for technology roles through 180 credits of study, including those without a technical background. Depending on the start point, it takes between 12 and 18 months of full-time study.
Lincoln's starting point is that technology now matters in every industry while trained tech professionals are in short supply in New Zealand and internationally. Adding technical skills to an existing profession widens career options.
Learning is experiential and project-based. Students learn to design, build and deploy software in teams, work with external clients on real problems and complete an industry project. They can develop a specialist area that matches their interests, which may also shape the choice of industry project. Throughout the programme they interact with experienced practitioners, build a portfolio and present their work. Communicating complex technical ideas to colleagues and clients is a strong focus.
The core consists of a 40-credit Software Development course plus a studio project and an industry project. Electives make up 60 credits, of which at least 40 must carry a COMP or ENGN prefix or come from the recommended list — geographic information systems, agricultural engineering, advanced programming, database management, user experience and business analysis. The programme emphasises computing applied to land-based industries. Teaching is on the Lincoln University campus.
Applicants unsure about eligibility can start with a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science and then continue into the master's with two further semesters of coursework.
Entry requirements
- A New Zealand level 7 bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent with at least a B average in 300-level and final-year courses
- Applicants who do not meet the formal criteria but have extensive work experience can contact the course advisor
- An alternative route is to begin with a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science
- Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language requirements
What you study
- Software Development — compulsory, 40 credits
- Studio Project — compulsory
- Industry Project — compulsory, with an external client
- ERST 606 / ERST 607 — Advanced Geographic Information Systems A and B
- ENGN 676 — Agricultural Engineering
- COMP 637 — User Engagement and Business Analysis
- COMP 642 — Advanced Programming
- COMP 643 — Advanced Database Management
- COMP 640 — User Experience
Careers after graduation
- Software creation and maintenance, particularly for land-based industries
- Data and database roles
- Geographic information systems (GIS)
- Team roles designing and deploying software solutions
- Tech occupations that Lincoln notes are on the long-term skills shortage list
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 Lincoln University website