Master of Artificial Intelligence

Summary

Gain advanced AI skills and conceptual understanding through coursework and research. A Master of Artificial Intelligence prepares you for a successful professional or academic future.

The first Master of AI in New Zealand

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tackles some of the deepest questions that our species has pondered for centuries. What is consciousness, what is intelligence, and what is sentient life?

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has led the way in teaching AI. Our Master of AI was the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. We have over 50 researchers and students, whose pioneering work is at the cutting edge of AI knowledge and development.

With a Master of AI, you’ll be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of the concepts and techniques behind AI. You’ll learn the skills to build AI tools and solve real-world problems in areas such as education, health, the environment, and business. You’ll also look at the impacts and implications of AI.

Globally ranked

This programme is ranked in the top 50 worldwide in ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS).GRAS provides subject rankings from about 2,000 universities worldwide.

Future careers

Postgraduate study in AI can open doors to unique and rewarding careers. It gives you skills beyond techniques and technologies, and helps you develop the type of thinking that you can apply to future technology.

You may work with tech companies, big or small, local or international. The skills you learn will allow you to apply AI in areas such as health, education, or the environment.

Jobs you might do

Your study could lead to a career as a:

• machine learning engineer
• IT specialist in AI
• data analyst or data scientist
• AI consultant
• data engineer
• deep learning engineer
• applied AI researcher
• applied data science and AI developer
• AI technical or program manager
• process automation developer.

Get the Postgraduate Handbook

Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook.

Download the handbook

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Duration and workload

The Master of Artificial Intelligence can typically be completed in 12 to 16 months of full-time study, or in up to two years part time.

Most students will need to start their course of study in Trimester 1, which begins in February. If you have prior knowledge of the field, you may be able to start in Trimester 2—talk to the programme director to discuss your options.

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20 to 25 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.

Duration and workload

The Master of Artificial Intelligence can typically be completed in 12 to 16 months of full-time study.

Most students will need to start their course of study in Trimester 1, which begins in February. If you have prior knowledge of the field, you may be able to start in Trimester 2—talk to the programme director to discuss your options.

Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year.

Advance your expertise with PhD study

If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you’ll be able to apply to do a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

A PhD is the highest academic qualification offered by the University. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in the School of Engineering and Computer Science.

As a PhD candidate you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.

Scholarships

To help fund your studies, you can apply for a postgraduate scholarship offered by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Find out what and how you’ll study in the Master of Artificial Intelligence.

How you’ll study

The Master of Artificial Intelligence is a two-part qualification that contains both coursework and research. This is different from the 12-month thesis you might do in other Master’s programmes.

Most students start their course of study in Trimester 1, which begins in February. You may be able to start your MAI in Trimester 2. Talk to the programme director to discuss your options.

Part 1: Coursework

In Part 1 you’ll take courses looking at topics that range from generative AI to big data...