New AI major to begin at Massey next year
A new major focusing on Artificial Intelligence is being added to the Bachelor of Information Sciences next year, and students are feeling open to the new course.
While other New Zealand universities already offer, or are planning to offer, AI-based courses, Massey’s will be the only AI undergraduate major which can be completed entirely via distance from anywhere in the world.
Students studying a Bachelor of Information Sciences will be introduced to the fundamentals of AI and other majors in their first year. From year two, students majoring in AI will look at core topics in AI and machine learning.
Speaking to students on the Wellington campus, they were open to the new course.
Nursing student Alyssa said it showed Massey was looking at training students to embrace the future.
“The world is becoming increasingly influenced by AI, and I think it’s important that we understand how to use it and how it can be used,” she said.
Commercial Music student Daniel agreed that while AI shouldn’t replace human thinking and creativity, it should be important to learn how to use AI to support the creative process.
“Obviously AI shouldn’t be replacing human thought,” Daniel said. “I think it would be valuable for students to learn how it can complement their skills.”
In a Massey News article, head of school of Mathematical and Computational Sciences Chris Scogings said AI is growing rapidly, and they’ve designed this course to get students ready for an ever-changing industry.
“We’ve designed this qualification with the future workforce in mind. Our graduates won’t just be users of AI, they’ll be the people creating it, managing it and making ethical decisions about how it’s applied.”
Starting in 2026, this major will be taught on the Auckland campus, distance and online.
Almost every university in the country is — or will be — offering some form of AI education. From Masters in AI, to postgraduate certificates in AI, universities are recognising its value.