Ongoing progress in computer technology means that there is a steady need for more qualified computer professionals. The University of Waikato is recognised among the world’s best in computer science, and offers the largest range of advanced computer science courses in New Zealand.
You can major in Computer Science in the three-year Bachelor of Science.
A major in Computer Science is flexible, allowing you to focus on a particular area, or to complete a more generalist major. The papers available are carefully designed to ensure you have a good mastery of a particular area of Computer Science and will equip you with the skills you need to succeed in your chosen career.
Waikato is well-recognised internationally for our computer science research, and have especially enjoyed success with open source software development.
Students have the opportunity to work alongside internationally-respected academics on a wide range of exciting and innovative research projects in areas such as:
- Broadband communication
- Data compression
- Digital libraries
- Formal methods
- Human-computer interaction
- Machine learning
- Software engineering
- Cyber security.
Computing facilities at Waikato
The computing facilities at the University of Waikato are among the best in New Zealand, ranging from phones and tablets for mobile application development to cluster computers for massively parallel processing.
You will also have 24 hour access to computer labs equipped with all the latest computer software, and several labs fully equipped with Mac computers, commonly used in professional design environments.
Career opportunities
- Web Architect
- Business Analyst
- Software Developer
- Network Architect
- Computer Animator
- Mobile App Master
- Data Miner
- Usability Architect
Qualifications
Study Computer Science in any of these qualifications
Major subject:
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Technology)
Minor subject:
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Technology)
- Or any other Bachelor degree within the University.
Postgraduate subject:
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Certificate in Information Technology
- Postgraduate Diploma
- Master of Science
- Master of Science (Technology)
- Master of Science (Research)
- Master of Cyber Security
- Master of Information Technology
- Master of Security and Crime Science
- Master of Philosophy
- Doctor of Philosophy
Papers
100 level
| Introduction to Computer Science | COMPX101 | 15.0 Points |
| Object-Oriented Programming | COMPX102 | 15.0 Points |
| The Computing Experience | COMPX151 | 15.0 Points |
| Computing Media | COMPX161 | 15.0 Points |
| Foundations in Computing and Mathematical Sciences | CSMAX170 | 15.0 Points |
| Introduction to Communication Design Production | DSIGN125 | 15.0 Points |
| A History of Visual Communication | DSIGN151 | 15.0 Points |
| Engineering Computing | ENGEN103 | 15.0 Points |
| Discrete Structures | MATHS135 | 15.0 Points |
200 level
| Introduction to 3D Modelling and Animation | COMP221 | 10.0 Points |
| Data Structures and Algorithms | COMPX201 | 15.0 Points |
| Mobile Computing and Software Architecture | COMPX202 | 15.0 Points |
| Computer Systems | COMPX203 | 15.0 Points |
| Practical Networking and Cyber Security | COMPX204 | 15.0 Points |
| Programming for Creative Industries | COMPX221 | 15.0 Points |
| Internet Applications | COMPX222 | 15.0 Points |
| Database Practice and Experience | COMPX223 | 15.0 Points |
| Software Engineering Development | COMPX241 | 15.0 Points |
| Software Engineering Process | COMPX242 | 15.0 Points |
| Information Discovery | COMPX251 | 15.0 Points |
| Interactive Computing | COMPX252 | 15.0 Points |
| Directed Study | COMPX290 | 15.0 Points |
| Cultural Perspectives for Computing and Mathematical Sciences | CSMAX270 | 15.0 Points |
| Cultural Perspectives for Design | DSIGN252 | 15.0 Points |
| Digital Systems | ENGEE233 | 15.0 Points |
300 level
400 level
Prescriptions for the GradCert(CompSc) and GradDip(CompSc)
A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Computer Science at an advanced level in their first degree.
For further details, contact the Faculty of Computing and Mathematical Sciences Office.
Prescriptions for the BCMS(Hons), PGCert(CompSc), PGDip(CompSc), BSc(Hons), MCS, MSc, MSc (Research) and MSc(Tech)
Most 500 level papers correspond to papers taught at 400 level. Students attend the same lectures, but additional assessment may be prescribed for 500 level students. Students in masters degrees are normally required to take a thesis and a selection of papers. Enrolment in papers towards the BSc(Hons) is only by invitation of the Chairperson. Candidates for these graduate qualifications should select their papers in consultation with the Graduate Adviser of the Department of Computer Science.
To complete a BSc(Hons) in Computer Science, students must complete 120 points at 500 level, including at least 60 points from the papers listed for Computer Science, of which at least 30 points must be in research (normally COMP591).
The compulsory papers for the Master of Cyber Security degree are COMP518, COMP527, either COMP592 or COMP593, LAWS526, and one of COMP501, COMP513 or COMP514.
Prescriptions for the PGCertInfoTech and MInfoTech
Candidates enrolled in the PGCertInfoTech must complete 60 points from COMP568 and COMP569.
Candidates enrolled in the 120 point MInfoTech must complete 60 points from FCMS596, 15 points from either COMP587 or ENMP585, or other approved paper, and at least 45 points from the 500 level Computer Science or Geography papers listed below (excluding COMP568 and COMP569), or courses listed in the University of Auckland Master of Information Technology Schedule.
Candidates enrolled in the 180 point MInfoTech must complete 60 points from FCMS596, 30 points chosen from COMP587, ENMP585, or other approved papers, and at least 90 points from the 500 level Computer Science or Geography papers listed below (excluding COMP568 and COMP569), or courses listed in the University of Auckland Master of Information Technology Schedule.
Candidates enrolled in the 240 point MInfoTech must complete 60 points from COMP568 and COMP569, 60 points from FCMS596, 30 points chosen from COMP587, ENMP585, or other approved papers, and at least 90 points from the 500 level Computer Science or Geography papers listed below, or courses listed in the University of Auckland Master of Information Technology Schedule.
Prescriptions for the MPhil
The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
| Computer Science MPhil Thesis | COMP800 | 120.0 Points |
Prescriptions for the PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
| Computer Science PhD Thesis | COMP900 | 120.0 Points |
| Computer Science Creative Practice PhD Thesis | COMP901 | 120.0 Points |
Scholarships and prizes
CMS International Exchange Scholarship
For students who have completed at least one year of study in the Faculty of Computing & Mathematical Sciences (FCMS), applied for a University of Waikato exchange programme, and who are currently enrolled full-time in FCMS.
Closing Date: 2018-03-31 23:59:00Design Fees Scholarship
For school leaver students intending to enrol full-time in the first year of an undergraduate degree, with a major in either Communication Design, Interface Design or Media Design, within the Faculty of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Waikato. The Scholarship will have a value of up to $5,000.
Closing Date: 2017-10-13 17:00:00Computer Science Undergraduate Scholarship
For students who are currently in Year 12 or Year 13 and who are studying at a New Zealand High School. Students should be intending to enrol in a BCMS(Hons), BSc, BSc(Tech), BE(Hons) or BDes degree, in one of the computing streams, at the University of Waikato. Students will sit a Scholarship exam. The exam will be held on 20 and 21 October 2017.
Closing Date: 2017-09-22 17:00:00FCMS Summer Project Scholarships
This is by nomination only. Nominees must be high achieving undergraduate students currently enrolled part- or full-time in the Faculty of Computing & Mathematical Sciences. It supports a ten-week period of full-time project work during the summer break. The Scholarships will have a value of $5,000. Interested students should contact FCMS for further information.
Closing Date: 2015-10-16 23:59:00Sir William Gallagher Cyber Security Scholarship
For domestic students who have been accepted into, and will be enrolling full-time in, a Master of Cyber Security (MCS). The recipient of this Scholarship must enrol in either COMP592, COMP593 or COMP594 and undertake an industry-based research project with Gallagher. The Scholarship has a value of $25,000 for a 180-point MCS or $20,000 for a 120-point MCS.
Closing Date: 2017-07-17 23:59:00Smartrak Software Development Scholarship
For students enrolled full time in the second to last year of study towards a BE(Hons) majoring in software engineering or a BCMS with a focus on software development or a BSc(Tech) majoring in computer science with an emphasis on software development. The scholarship will have a value of $4,000.
Closing Date: 2017-09-01 23:59:00Subject links
Contacts
Faculty of Computing & Mathematical Sciences
Phone: 0800 924 528 ext: 4322 or +64 7 838 4322
Email: cms@waikato.ac.nz
Website: cms.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoFCMS