Want to develop web, mobile or software applications?
Our Master of Software Development (MSwDev), delivered by Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Engineering and Computer Science, is an intensive programme designed for people from non-tech backgrounds to springboard them into the industry. Learn core programming skills and concepts from our respected lecturers before applying them typically in paid internships where you work on real-world projects with local businesses. Some of the topics you will learn about are Java, data structures, version control, networking, databases, security, web systems, Agile, development methodologies, design patterns, and AI.
NEC House,
40 Taranaki Street
12 Months,
3 Trimesters
Domestic: $13,275*
International: $52,516*
Who Can Apply
This conversion programme has been designed for people who don’t have much (if any) prior software development knowledge, you could have studied something completely different or want to change careers. We will teach you what you need to know.
It is, however, preferred that you have an aptitude for or basic level of experience (e.g. learned some in high school or while at university, followed an online course, or done some hobby coding) with programming. So that you know software development is for you.
If you have a Bachelor’s degree with a B+ average and a desire to have software development skills then this is the path to your new career. Recent graduates as well as experienced candidates who want to broaden their career opportunities, upskill or reskill, are welcome.
*2020 Estimate
Programme Outline
This is a full-time (all day class) 180-point Master’s programme, delivered by Victoria University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science, with the below courses*
Professional Programming Skills
Course Code: SWEN501 | Dates: 6th July – 9th August 10am-4pm Mon-Thu | Lecturers: Michael Homer and Ali Ahmed
This course will teach you core programming skills as well as more complex programming concepts and techniques. Topics include programming commands, data structures, object orientation, fundamental algorithms and data structures, and more. We teach programming in Java focusing on the core principles, so that other languages will become easy to learn on your own. Learn more?
Software Development Studio 1
Course Code: SWEN502 | Dates: 17th August – 8th November 10am-4pm Mon-Thu | Lecturers: Michael Homer, Ali Ahmed, Kris Bubendorfer, and Craig Anslow.
This course builds on the skills you learned in SWEN501. We will introduce methods for development in teams, including professional practice and communication skills in the context of software development. More advanced topics will also be introduced such as networking, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction (HCI). Learn more?
Software Development Studio 2
Course Code: SWEN504 | Dates: 16th November – 07th March 10am-4pm Mon-Thu | Lecturers: Ali Ahmed
The course will teach you a range of advanced technical techniques, professional practices, and project planning. Topics such as web development, testing, mobile apps, and AI, will be covered. The main focus of the course is on agile development methods where the students learn from working on real-life industrial problems. Learn more?
Industry Research and Development Project
Course Code: SWEN589 | Dates: 15th March – 11th July | Lecturers: Karsten Lundqvist
This course will consist of a substantial software research and development project typically 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. Learn more?
*2020 estimates
Programme Director
Dr Karsten Lundqvist has over 13 years of computer science research and teaching experience, he’s passionate about exploring new tech (like artificial intelligence) to improve teaching and learning. Karsten is an avid gamer and uses game development in his research. One of his inspirations has been Lego (originating from his country of Denmark) which from an early age showed him the power of playful learning.
Contact him on karsten.lundqvist@vuw.ac.nz or 04 463 5233 x 8018
What do our students have to say?
“It gave me the ability to think differently, helped me become more client-focused and able to approach problems in a more creative fashion.”
MadeleineMSwDev Student
“Everyone wants you to succeed, our professors collaborate with industry professionals to create courses that make us job ready.”
SarahMSwDev Student
“Highlights of the programme are the workspace/equipment to develop our ideas and working with like-minded people that are motivated to work with tech.”
WillMSwDev Student
“The programme was exceptional! I loved the group work setup and working closely with clients like Callaghan Innovation and Gamefroot.”
JohnMSwDev Student
“It's exceeded my expectations, it's reconnected me with the industry and encouraged me to attend meetups.”
CherylMSwDev Student
