About the programme
The Master of Artificial Intelligence for Land Use is an NZQF level 9 programme at Lincoln University in New Zealand that teaches students to apply artificial intelligence and machine learning to land-based industries over one year of full-time study and 180 credits.
The programme sets out to use AI in response to growing pressures on the planet and to prepare people who can lead the next phase of land-based industries. Students learn current AI and machine learning methods and apply them in high-demand sectors, gaining hands-on experience with real problems.
Its key aims are building practical AI solutions, learning to pick up new tools and technologies quickly, and using AI with cultural and ethical competence. Graduates should be able to design, code, test, document and refine AI solutions on their own, and present their work clearly in speech, writing and diagrams.
Almost all of the programme is compulsory: 140 credits of coursework plus 40 credits from either an industry project or a research dissertation. Courses cover machine learning, ethics, policy and cultural intelligence in AI design, deep learning, generative AI, optimisation techniques and advanced AI topics; the last of these was listed as pending approval on the programme page. Only students who have shown sufficient academic ability may take the dissertation. Teaching is on the Lincoln University campus.
The degree suits graduates of relevant bachelor's programmes who want to work with data and AI in environmental science, agriculture and land management.
Entry requirements
- A relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent with at least a B average in 300-level and final-year courses
- Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language requirements
- The COMP 660 dissertation is open only to students with demonstrated academic ability
What you study
- COMP 648 — Machine Learning, 40 credits
- COMP 649 — Ethics, Policy and Cultural Intelligence in Artificial Intelligence Design, 20 credits
- COMP 661 — Deep Learning, 20 credits
- COMP 662 — Generative Artificial Intelligence, 20 credits
- COMP 663 — Artificial Intelligence Optimisation Techniques, 20 credits
- COMP 6AA — Advanced Topics in Artificial Intelligence, 20 credits — pending approval
- COMP 693 — Industry Project or COMP 660 — Dissertation (Research), 40 credits
Careers after graduation
- Environmental data scientist
- Iwi/indigenous environmental or tech innovation consultant
- Agricultural data analyst
- Remote sensing or GIS specialist
- Climate change analyst
- Land management consultant
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