Postgraduate study in Computer Systems Engineering

What can you study in Computer Systems Engineering?

A strong research focus is vital to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and postgraduate study in Computer Systems Engineering is no exception. You’ll gain opportunities to tackle projects alongside world-class researchers, sometimes within well-known research groups in purpose-built laboratories, with real-world applications. Major topics may include:

  • Control systems, applied to bioprocess modelling, control of water treatment plants and nonlinear filtering design, active fault-tolerant control of nonlinear stochastic dynamical systems, and more
  • Embedded systems, working with well-recognised researchers to investigate hardware/software co-design, real-time systems, low-power design, application-specific processors, system-level languages, wearable computing, smart sensors, intelligent transportation, medical devices, and the Internet of Things
  • Industrial informatics and automation, focusing on distributed intelligent control architectures in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, food processing
  • Robotics, generally undertaken in the Centre for Automation and Robotic Engineering Science with an aim to create innovative technologies to improve social well-being; focusing on human-robot interaction, software systems and tools, and applications in the healthcare and primary sectors

Entry requirements

Important requirements for international students

  • All international applicants should ensure that they meet all the programme’s entry requirements. You should only proceed with your application if your GPA matches or exceeds the requirements listed for your country. Please do not apply if your GPA is below the minimum entry requirements, but consider the alternative study options that may be offered as a pathway into your preferred programme.
  • You are strongly advised to consider visa application times. Please be aware of the student visa processing times in your home country and submit the documentation needed well ahead of the Faculty of Engineering's programme application deadlines. For processing times, contact the New Zealand High Commission/Embassy or your education agent.
  • If you’re applying for your second masters degree, you need to be aware that additional assessment requirements will take extra time. The Faculty of Engineering is required to assess your previous masters degree courses to ensure that they do not overlap with the courses in the University of Auckland programme that you have expressed interest in. You must therefore allow more time for your application to be processed, and be aware that further documentation may be required. Submit your application well in advance of the deadline if this is your situation, as you may also need to take visa application times into account.

Structuring your postgraduate programme in Computer Systems Engineering

“My Programme Requirements” is a feature in Student Services Online that tells you what the academic requirements are for your programme.

It shows you what courses you are enrolled in, what courses you have passed and what courses you can take to complete your degree. For more information, see How to view your programme requirements.

For detailed course information and advice please refer to your programme regulations in the University of Auckland Calendar or visit one of our Student Hubs.

Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering

This is a flexible programme that can be structured around your engineering interests. Find out more

Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering

This is a 120-point Taught programme. You will need to complete a minimum of 90-points of courses in Computer Systems from the list provided under the Master of Engineering Studies (excludes research projects). The remaining 30-points can also be selected from this list, or you may choose up to 30-points of other appropriate courses, as approved by the Programme Director. Find out more

Master of Engineering

This degree aims to provide a research-focused learning environment in which you can develop your independent problem-solving skills through supervised research. The programme is offered in two options to suit the existing qualifications and experience of candidates. This degree may be awarded with Honours.

For the 120-point option you will complete a 120-point Research Thesis. For the 180-point option you will need to complete four 15-point electives in advanced Computer Systems courses which will provide you with key technical knowledge to enhance and support your research activities; followed by a 120-point Research Thesis. Find out more

  • 120-point option
    COMPSYS 796 A/B Research Thesis

  • 180-point option
    Select 60 points of electives from the Master of Engineering Studies course schedule below (excludes research projects).

    COMPSYS 796 A/B Research Thesis

*Students will be required to submit a thesis topic and supervisor before starting their programme.

Master of Engineering Studies

The Master of Engineering Studies enables you to study a range of topics in your area of expertise. Students that elect to complete a Research Project of 30 points or more may be eligible for their degree to be awarded with Honours. This programme is available as a 120-point and 180-point taught option. Find out more

You must complete a minimum of 45 points from the following electives:

*No more than 45 points can be taken from research projects

Other electives:
For the 120-point programme you can select up to five 15-point electives and for the 180-point programme you can select up to nine 15-point electives from the following:

*Students may also be eligible to select other relevant courses offered at this university, subject to approval of the Programme Director. The maximum limit for the 120-point programme is 30 points; and 45-points for the 180-point programme.

Not offered in 2024

  • COMPSYS 721 Special Topic
  • COMPSYS 724 Real-time Systems
  • COMPSYS 725 Distributed Cyber-Physical Systems Design
  • COMPSYS 727 Model-based Embedded Systems Design
  • ELECTENG 706 Topics in Digital Signal Processing
  • ELECTENG 732 Communication Systems

Help and advice

For general student enquiries, please contact the Student Hubs.

If you would like further academic information, you can contact a Postgraduate Adviser.

Faculty of Science

Postgraduate programmes

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