The qualification aims to develop IT professionals with advanced specialisation in AI-driven IT systems through coursework, applied or integrative projects, or original research. Depending on their background and pathway, learners will develop the capability to lead strategic AI initiatives, design ethical and sustainable solutions, and contribute to professional or academic knowledge. This qualification prepares graduates for technical leadership, research-based innovation, and doctoral study, with skills aligned to complex real-world challenges and future digital needs.

1..Apply AI-integrated IT knowledge to analyse and address domain-specific problems.
2. Develop AI-integrated IT solutions using contemporary tools, frameworks, and methods
that reflect current good practice.
3. Evaluate ethical, cultural, sustainability, and data sovereignty implications of AI-integrated
IT systems.
4. Collaborate and communicate effectively in interdisciplinary teams to develop and deliver
high-quality, industry- linked, AI-integrated IT projects.
5. Demonstrate autonomy, adaptability, and initiative in team processes when evaluating and
responding to complex and changing environments.
6. Conduct advanced applied, integrative, or research-based projects to generate original
insights or innovations in AI-integrated IT systems.
7. Critically evaluate AI-enabled solutions using data-driven insights, stakeholder needs, and
reflective practices.

graduates may progress to doctoral studies subject to institutional doctoral regulations.

Minimum entry requirements are: 120-Credit Master's - A Bachelor's Honours degree in IT or a closely related field, or - A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, Level 8) in IT or a related discipline, or - In exceptional cases, applicants with a Bachelor's degree and extensive professional experience may be considered if they can demonstrate equivalence to a Level 8 postgraduate qualification, assessed under the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. 180-Credit Master's - A Bachelor's degree in IT or a related discipline, or - At least five years of relevant professional experience in IT, business, or a related domain (for applicants without a degree) 240-Credit Master's - A Bachelor's degree in any discipline, or an equivalent qualification at Level 7 or higher, or - At least five years of professional experience in a non-IT domain (e.g., business, health, engineering) with demonstrated interest in digital transformation, AI integration, or IT system use (for applicants without a degree) Additional Requirements (All Master's Pathways): - Applicants without a degree must submit a Statement of Purpose outlining their background, motivations, and professional goals. - An interview may be required to assess academic and professional readiness. - Applicants with prior tertiary qualifications are encouraged to demonstrate academic readiness. A B- grade average (or equivalent GPA) is generally considered a useful indicator, but applicants may also be considered based on relevant professional experience, interview performance, and Statement of Purpose. - Exceptional applicants who do not meet the standard academic criteria but demonstrate relevant and substantial professional experience may also be considered. - Students enrolling in a Master Thesis must demonstrate prior postgraduate-level research training. Where students have not completed an equivalent research methods course at Level 8 or above, enrolment in AI-Supported Research Methods will be required before or alongside commencement of the thesis. Admission to the 90-Credit or 120-Credit Project/Thesis Components: - Requires successful completion of required coursework within the programme - A minimum B- grade average across prior coursework in the programme for the 120-Credit Integrative Project or Thesis pathways. - Academic approval from the Head of Department or Programme Manager - Supervisor availability and alignment with the proposed project or research area - An interview may be conducted to evaluate project readiness, independence, and alignment with Level 9 expectations English Language Requirements (All Qualifications): Applicants for whom English or Te Reo is not their first language must provide evidence of English language competence: - IELTS Academic: Overall band score of 6.5, with no individual band less than 6.0, or - An equivalent score in an NZQA-recognised English Proficiency Test