About the programme
The Master of Information Technology is an NZQF Level 9 degree of 180 credits at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), taking 18 months full-time, that deepens IT professionals' expertise and prepares them for leadership and specialist roles with emerging technologies.
The degree is coursework-based rather than thesis-based. Students complete advanced 15-credit courses at Levels 8 and 9, including a core course in IT research methods. Topics span artificial intelligence and machine learning, cloud computing and ICT infrastructure, cybersecurity and cryptography, mobile app development and testing, business intelligence and data mining, and systems architecture and integration.
A separate strand focuses on leadership: leading IT and digital organisations, innovation and design thinking, and agile approaches to digital transformation. The aim is for graduates to tackle complex technical problems and also drive change, fitting new technologies into existing systems.
Teaching is based at the Nelson campus and combines face-to-face classes with online resources. Students have modern facilities and academic staff with strong links to the tech sector in Te Tauihu and further afield. The programme can be completed in 18 months full-time or part-time over up to five years.
It is designed for professionals who want to apply theory to real IT challenges and shape their study around a specific goal — machine learning engineer, IT consultant, cloud solutions architect or senior developer.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent in IT or a related subject with at least a B average at Level 7 (or 8), plus relevant professional experience
- Equivalence includes at least two years of relevant work or professional experience
- Applicants with a degree in another field may qualify with substantial IT work experience, assessed by portfolio or interview
- International applicants: IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or equivalent
What you study
- Research in Information Technology
- Business Analysis for Information Technology
- Business Intelligence and Data Mining
- Cloud Computing and ICT Infrastructure
- Quality Assurance and Testing
- Systems Architecture and Technology Integration
- Cryptography and Security Mechanisms
- Advanced Mobile Application Solutions
- Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Leadership in IT and Digital Organisations; Advanced Innovation and Design Thinking for IT
Careers after graduation
- IT project manager
- Machine learning engineer / AI specialist
- Software developer
- Business intelligence specialist
- IT manager
- Cloud or systems architect
- IT 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 19/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the NMIT website