Overview

Master of Business Information Systems

Introduction

Information Systems is a fast-expanding industry and the point where business studies and information technology meet. Information systems are a major part of many organisations and impact business operations on a day-to-day basis through mobile phones, EFTPOS, news, and the internet. As a result there has been an increasing demand for 'tech-savvy' people to create and run these systems.

UC's Master of Business Information Systems (MBIS) aims to address high-level skills shortages in the rapidly growing ICT industry, and to meet the growing demand for work-ready graduates in Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad. The MBIS equips graduates, including those from a non-Information Systems or Commerce background, with specialist knowledge and skills applicable to managing the use of technology and technology-driven innovations in business.

The MBIS sits within the Business Taught Masters programme as part of a suite of taught master’s degrees that cater for graduates with a background in an unrelated field.

New cash scholarships are available. See more information about the UC Business Taught Masters Support Scholarship.

Master of Business Information Systems

Why study a Master of Business Information Systems at UC?

The MBIS qualification sits within the Business Taught Masters programme and is part of a suite of Information Systems programmes offered by the Department of Accounting and Information Systems.
Our students benefit from the University's location on the 'Silicon Plains' of Aotearoa New Zealand, where there are dozens of large, hi-tech companies employing UC graduates.

Master of Business Information Systems

Entry requirements

You must have a bachelor's degree with at least a B Grade Point Average in 300-level courses, or equivalent, and been approved to enrol.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Business Information Systems or use the admission requirements checker.

How to apply

The programme has intakes in February and July.

You can apply online at myUC.

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

Master of Business Information Systems

How do I plan my degree?

The MBIS can be studied full-time within 17 months, or part-time over a maximum of 4 years. You can begin studies in either February or July.

The Master’s consists of 180 points, which is made up of nine courses and a choice between an applied project, research project, or internship.

For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Business Information Systems.

Master of Business Information Systems

Subjects and courses

The MBIS programme contains core and elective courses as follows:

four compulsory courses
five elective courses
either a project or internship coursework (depending on availability).

Compulsory courses

Elective courses

Three Business Information Systems courses
Two Business courses

One 15-point course from another relevant subject (at the appropriate level) can be substituted with an elective course in each category, with approval.

Project and internship courses (choose one)

If choosing either MBIS673 or MBIS691, another 15 points is selected from either:

Note: MBIS680 and MBIS691 are subject to availability and approval of the BTM director. There is a separate application process for those each year and places cannot be guaranteed.

Applied Learning

Internship

The Internship will provide an opportunity to apply your knowledge to a real world problem, giving you confidence in dealing in a professional business environment, as well as engaging in a deeper level of learning through application of critical thinking and problem solving. The Internship will consist of 100 hours of work (on a discrete IS-related project) within an organisation, followed by a report on your experience.

Research project

The Research Project will provide the opportunity to apply your knowledge to practice within a professional business environment, engaging in a deeper level of learning through application of your skills in a real-world setting, and applied practice in project management.

Domestic students

2024 tuition fee estimate: $12,791 (180 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $13,559 (180 points)

International students

2024 Special Programme Fee: $52,500 (180 points)
2025 Special Programme Fee: $54,600 (180 points)
2026 Special Programme Fee: $56,850 (180 points)

Master of Business Information Systems

Career opportunities

IS expertise is marketable worldwide and such skills can be applied across a wide range of organisations and industries, opening the door to many exciting careers in business analysis, business intelligence, systems development, and project management.

The Master of Business Information Systems will provide you with the skills, knowledge, and competencies to undertake entry-level Information Systems-related roles. It is also a good foundation for developing further and moving into more advanced roles in IT management that contribute to the strategic development of organisations through technology. These more advanced roles could include IT consultant, IT project manager, and IT manager.

The advanced research and applied components of the MBIS will provide graduates with additional skills in the areas of analysing, synthesising, and communicating information effectively to a wide audience. This is supported by the internship and research project and would allow you to advance your IS career at a greater speed than students with an undergraduate-only background.

Useful information:

Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.