
Bachelor of Computer Science

Study a Bachelor of Computer Science at Waikato and develop the skills and thinking to creatively and effectively use technology. Solve challenges faced by businesses and communities and become a leader in the computing and tech industry.
360 points, 3 years
Hamilton
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Why study the Bachelor of Computer Science?
The Bachelor of Computer Science degree is a specialised, industry aligned, three-year degree where you will gain experience in a wide range of fields. Learn how to identify and solve problems, as well as apply and evaluate solutions and techniques.
You can also choose to take a minor in any subject offered at the University.
Industry Relevant
Graduates of the Bachelor of Computer Science degree are ‘industry ready’ and have the capability to design and implement creative solutions in diverse technological contexts. Students complete a work-integrated learning paper in their third year, and can also elect to complete a larger work placement to further develop their real-world experience. If students choose this option then help in securing a placement will be provided by our Work-Integrated Learning Team.
We are the first University in New Zealand to have our programmes accredited by the Australian Computer Society on behalf of the international accreditation body, the Seoul Accord. This ensures that your qualification meets industry-recognised ICT standards, enhancing your employability and global recognition. For graduates, it provides a pathway to ACS membership and boosts international career prospects. The Bachelor of Computer Science is conditionally accredited from 2024.
Career Opportunities
- Programmer
- Software Architect
- Software Engineer
- Systems Designer
- Web Developer
- Software Developer
- Systems Engineer
- User experience (UX) designer
- Mobile/app developer
- Network Engineer
360 points, 3 years
Hamilton
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Degree information
There are five ways you can gain admission to the University of Waikato.
- NCEA University Entrance
- Admission at entrance level
- Discretionary entrance
- University Entrance prior to 2015
- Special admission.
For full details visit Entry Requirements.
You're eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Computer Science if you have University Entrance, or its equivalent. All other applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
MATHS135, a compulsory paper of the BCompSc, requires a minimum of 14 credits in NCEA at Level 3 in Mathematics. Students who do not meet this requirement need to take MATHS165 or MATHS166 as an additional paper.
Estimated fees
$8,290 per year
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs
Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Computer Science will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of computing fundamentals, knowledge of a computing specialisation, and mathematics, science, and domain knowledge appropriate for the computing specialisation to the abstraction and conceptualisation of computing models from defined problems and requirements.
- Identify and solve complex computing problems reaching substantiated conclusions using fundamental principles of mathematics, computing sciences, and relevant domain disciplines
- Create, select, or adapt and then apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern computing tools to complex computing activities, with an understanding of the limitations
- Design and evaluate solutions for complex computing problems, and design and evaluate systems, components, or processes that meet specified needs
- Create, select, or adapt and then apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern computing tools to complex computing activities, with an understanding of the limitations
- Function effectively as an individual and as a member or leader of a team in multi-disciplinary settings
- Communicate effectively with the computing community about complex computing activities by being able to comprehend and write effective reports, design documentation, make effective presentations, and give and understand clear instructions
- Understand and assess societal, health, safety, legal, and cultural issues within local and global contexts, and the consequential responsibilities relevant to professional computing practice
- Understand and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities, and norms of professional computing practice
- Recognise the need, and have the ability, to engage in independent learning for continual development as a computing professional
Study in Tauranga
Tauranga campusAt our Tauranga campus there are a number of Computer Science and Software Engineering options available for our students:
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science (full degree)
• First year of Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) in Software Engineering
• First 2 years of Bachelor of Computer Science (BCompSc)
• Bachelor of Applied Computing (BAppComp) (only available in Tauranga)