Master of Software Development
The Master of Software Development (MSwDev) is a Wellington ICT Graduate School programme delivered by the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Victoria University of Wellington.
The Master of Software Development (MSwDev) is a one-year 180-point Master’s degree designed for students from a range of technical and non-technical backgrounds to help them explore career pathways in the thriving ICT industry.
Our experienced lecturers will teach students core programming skills and concepts, which students can then apply in internships (commonly paid) where they will work on real-world projects with local businesses.
Students will understand the fundamentals of programming so that they are able to pick up new techniques, languages, libraries and approaches required in the industry. Topics students will learn about include Java, data structures, version control, networking, databases, security, web systems, agile, development methodologies, design patterns, and AI.
MSwDev is an intensive full-time programme made up of four courses, which are a combination of practical taught courses and a research and development project.
Courses:
SWEN 501—Professional Programming Skills: Focussed on teaching you core programming skills as well as complex programming concepts and techniques, this course will cover a range of topics including programming commands, data structures, object orientation, fundamental algorithms and data structures, among others. We focus on the core principles while teaching Java, thereby enabling you to pick up other languages on your own.
SWEN 502—Software Development Studio I: Building on the skills students learn in SWEN501, this course introduces methods for development in teams, including professional practice and communication skills in the context of software development. Advanced topics, such as networking, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction (HCI) will be introduced.
SWEN 504—Software Development Studio II: This course teaches students a range of advanced technical techniques, professional practices, and project planning, and covers topics like web development, testing, mobile apps and AI. The main focus of the course is on agile development methods where students learn from working on real-life industrial problems.
SWEN 589—Industry Research and Development Project: This course involves a substantial software research and development project, undertaken as a paid internship where the student is placed in a local ICT business. Alternatively, in certain cases, this could be an industry-sourced (or industry-related) project done within the school. The project involves supervision by an academic as well as the industry employer, and will involve formal and informal reporting and presentations.
You will be assessed based on your performance in the above courses. Entry into the research and development component requires a B- average or approval by the Head of School.
Campus Information
Wellington
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand
Intakes
- Feb
- July
- Nov
Application Processing Time in Days: 20
Application Process
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Wellington Careers and Employment
Get connected with employers and the community and prepare for your future employment. Develop your skills and experiences through our programmes and launch your career with confidence.
CV checks
Get your CV checked at a drop-in session.
Talk to someone
Make an appointment for one-to-one guidance with a careers consultant.
Network with employers
Explore your career possibilities and network with potential employers at our expos and other upcoming events.
Employers
Engage with us to build your organisation’s profile on campus and connect with our talented students and graduates.
Graduate recruitment
We host a number of graduate recruitment events throughout the year, where you can meet potential employers and find out about jobs and internships.
PSW Opportunity
- During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
- After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
- After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
For entry into a programme at postgraduate level (including a graduate diploma, Honour’s degree, postgraduate diploma, or Master’s degree), as a minimum, you need the equivalent of a Bachelor’s (undergraduate) degree from a recognised institution with at least a B average.
A background in a particular subject area may be required or recommended. Entry is at the programme director’s discretion.
IELTS (Academic)
Overall band of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0
TOEFL (iBT)
A score of 90 on the internet-based test with at least 20 in writing
Pearson Test of English (Academic)
A score of 58 with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 50
C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE))
A score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169
C2 Proficiency (formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE))
A score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169
New Zealand Certificates in English Language (NZCEL)
NZCEL Level 5 (Academic)
Victoria University of Wellington English Proficiency Programme (EPP)
A minimum of two ratings of 5 and two ratings of 4
English New Zealand's Accredited Pathway Assessment
English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2)
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Masters/PG Degree
- Duration: 01 Year 06 Month
-
Total Tuition Fee:
67950 NZD
Average Cost of Living: 20000 NZD /year
Application Fee: N/A
Similar Programs
- Master of Renewable Energy at Victoria University of Wellington
- Master of Engineering Practice – MEP at Victoria University of Wellington
- Master of Engineering by thesis and coursework at Victoria University of Wellington
- Master of Engineering by thesis at Victoria University of Wellington
- Master of Landscape Architecture – MLA at Victoria University of Wellington
- Master of Interior Architecture – MIA at Victoria University of Wellington