Master of Artificial Intelligence – MAI
Gain advanced AI skills and conceptual understanding through coursework and research. A Master of Artificial Intelligence prepares you for a successful professional or academic future.
The first Master of AI in New Zealand
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tackles some of the deepest questions that our species has pondered for centuries. What is consciousness, what is intelligence, and what is sentient life?
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has led the way in teaching AI. Our Master of AI was the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. We have over 50 researchers and students, whose pioneering work is at the cutting edge of AI knowledge and development.
With a Master of AI, you’ll be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of the concepts and techniques behind AI. You’ll learn the skills to build AI tools and solve real-world problems in areas such as education, health, the environment, and business. You’ll also look at the impacts and implications of AI.
As governments and private sector companies continue to adopt AI into their larger strategies, there are significant growth opportunities for people who can evaluate and select the appropriate AI techniques to address problems across a range of sectors.
Full storyProf Bing Xue
Professor, School of Engineering and Computer Science
Future careers
Postgraduate study in AI can open doors to unique and rewarding careers. It gives you skills beyond techniques and technologies, and helps you develop the type of thinking that you can apply to future technology.
You may work with tech companies, big or small, local or international. The skills you learn will allow you to apply AI in areas such as health, education, or the environment.
Jobs you might do
Your study could lead to a career as a:- machine learning engineer
- IT specialist in AI
- data analyst or data scientist
- AI consultant
- data engineer
- deep learning engineer
- applied AI researcher
- applied data science and AI developer
- AI technical or program manager
- process automation developer.
Get the Postgraduate Engineering Handbook
Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Engineering Postgraduate Handbook.
Download the handbookDuration and workload
The Master of Artificial Intelligence can typically be completed in 12 to 16 months of full-time study.
Most students will need to start their course of study in Trimester 1, which begins in February. If you have prior knowledge of the field, you may be able to start in Trimester 2—talk to the programme director to discuss your options.
Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year.
I enjoy the enthusiasm, curiosity, and dedication of my supervisors. They’re very encouraging and open to my ‘crazy’ ideas, but know how to reign in my curiosity with their expertise when necessary.
Full storyJesse Wood
PhD candidate in Artificial Intelligence
Advance your expertise with PhD study
If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you’ll be able to apply to do a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
A PhD is the highest academic qualification offered by the University. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in the School of Engineering and Computer Science.
As a PhD candidate you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Scholarships
To help fund your studies, you can apply for a postgraduate scholarship offered by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Financial support
You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers.
We can help you learn how to manage your student loan or allowance, pay your fees, and sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support.
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Study details