Computer Science is about the building blocks of software development. These are the individual programming elements that make a complicated software system work, for example, letting applications like Google process large amounts of data in seconds or allowing Siri or Alexa to recognise your voice and decode your request.

When you study Computer Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, you’ll get a broad background in the key aspects of the science. You’ll look at algorithms, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, cybersecurity, databases, networking, programming languages, and software development.

Software Engineering looks at building large, reliable software systems, like computer programmes, operating systems and smartphone applications. It's behind many of today's most successful companies—from local heroes like Xero and Trade Me, to international giants like Google and Facebook.

Gain the skills to write code, and design and use complex algorithms. Learn to design user interfaces, and develop practical industry skills, including an understanding of project management methods and tools.

You’ll learn through lectures, labs, and assignments.

In your first and second year, you’ll build the mathematical and engineering conceptual basis of your degree. Gain core engineering skills, and insight in to the fundamentals of programming, a foundation for designing, building and analysing computer programs.

In your third and fourth years you’ll put your skills into practice, with open-ended assignments that help you use the theoretical and physical tools that you developed in your first two years.