Master of Business Information Systems
MBIS
Duration
12–15 months full-time
Entry times
January or October
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Duration
12–15 months full-time
Entry times
January or October
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Overview
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 MBA and Business Taught Master's Programmes and is part of a suite of taught master’s degrees that cater for graduates with a background in an unrelated field.
- The MBIS qualification sits within the MBA and Business Taught Master's Programmes and is part of a suite of Information Systems programmes offered by the Department of Accounting and Information Systems.
- UC ranks in the top 200 universities in the world for Computer Science and Information Systems (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2018).
- 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.
Students must have a bachelor's degree with at least a B Grade Point Average in 300-level courses, or equivalent, and been approved by the Dean of Business.
Students with English as an additional language 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
A special application is required. See the MBIS application process for details of entry requirements, application forms, and start dates.
Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The MBIS can be studied full-time over 12–15 months or part-time over a maximum of 4 years. The programme has two entry points each year – in October and January.
The Master’s consists of 180 points, which is made up of nine courses (15 points each) and a Research Project (45 points).
The MBIS programme contains core and elective courses as follows:
- three compulsory courses from Group A
- three elective courses from Group B
- three courses from Group C – MBAZ 604 Business Research Methods plus two elective courses
- the applied research project from Group D
Group A: Information Systems compulsory courses
- MBIS 601 Management of Information Systems
- MBIS 602 Systems Analysis and Process Modelling
- MBIS 603 Digital Business and Technology
Group B: Information Systems elective courses (choose 3)
- MBIS 621 Project Management
- MBIS 622 IS Security and Risk Management
- MBIS 623 Data Management
- MBIS 624 Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Systems in Organisations
- MBIS 691 Information Systems Internship
- 15 points from another relevant subject (at the appropriate level), which is subject to approval by the relevant Head of Department and the Dean of Business.
Group C: Business elective courses
MBAZ 604 Business Research Methods, plus two courses from any of the following:
- MBAZ 601 Managerial Accounting
- MBAZ 602 Business Economics
- MBUS 650 Business Strategy
- 15 points from another relevant subject (at the appropriate level), which is subject to approval by the relevant Head of Department and the Dean of Business.
Group D: Applied research
See the Regulations for the Master of Business Information Systems for up-to-date course schedules.
Applied Learning
Internship
The Internship will provide an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge to a real world problem, allowing them to gain 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 the student’s experience.
Research project
The Research Project will provide the opportunity for students to apply their knowledge to practice within a professional business environment, engaging in a deeper level of learning through application of their skills in a real-world setting, and applied practice in project management.
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 students 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 students to advance their IS careers 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 and graduate profiles.
- Our Careers, Internships & Employment team can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit the Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $14,320 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $37,500 |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Business Information Systems.
For study planning help contact the MBA and Business Taught Master's Programmes team or the College of Business and Law:
College of Business and Law | Te Rāngai Umanga me te Ture
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3300
Email executivedevelopment@canterbury.ac.nz