Duration
Full-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City
Points
120 or 180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught & research options available

Programme overview

In an age of rapid technological development, Operations Research and Analytics is an essential field. Offered by the Faculty of Engineering , this interdisciplinary programme is open to students with undergraduate backgrounds in arts, commerce, engineering or science.

Our graduates are in return, versatile. There are various study tracks for the MORAn, though they will all focus on developing your competencies in core topics: machine learning and artificial intelligence, operations research, optimisation under uncertainty, financial statistics, and time series analytics.

With an essential research component in each study track, you’ll also enhance your ability to solve problems, think critically, and adopt the fundamentals of the field: minimise risk, make organisations more effective, and ultimately, respond to ongoing demand in both public and private sectors.

Programme structure

There are four options to complete a MORAn to suit your learning and career needs. Each option involves a thesis or research project, as well as courses to cover the following topics: Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, Operations Research, and Time Series Analytics.

120 point research or taught
You can either pursue a 120 point Research or 120 point Taught MORAn depending on your preferred educational outcomes. There are additionally two options to completing the Research option.

  • For 120 point Research Option A, which involves the completion of ENGSCI 796, a 120-point thesis carried out under the guidance of a supervisor within the allocated time frame.
  • For 120 point Research Option B, in which you must complete ENGSCI 793 or 794, a 90-point thesis, and a selection the appropriate section in the Courses tab.
  • For the 120 point Taught programme, you’ll have to complete a 45-point ENGSCI 795 research project, and a selection from the appropriate section in the Courses tab.

180 point research or taught
You can either pursue a 180 point Research MORAn or 180 point Taught MORAn. There are also two options to complete the Research option.

  • For 180 point Research Option A, you will need to complete the 90-point ENGSCI 793 or 794 thesis, up to 30 points of approved 600 or 700 level courses offered at the University, and a selection from the 180-point section in the Courses tab.
  • For 180 point Research Option B, you will need to complete the 120 point ENGSCI 796 Thesis, and a selection from the 180-point section in the Courses tab.
  • For the 180 point Taught programme, you will need to complete the 45-point ENGSCI 795 Research Project, up to 30 points of approved 600 or 700 level courses offered at the University, and a selection from the 180-point section in the Courses tab.

Other options
If you're not ready to commit to a full masters programme, we also offer the following, which can also be treated as pathway programmes to a MORAn:

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0
  • Study option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0
  • Study option
    Research 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0
  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed a relevant Bachelor Honours degree in a relevant subject from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 120 points above Stage III.

Note: A relevant Bachelors Honours degree may include the Degree of Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), Bachelors of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or Bachelor of Science (Honours).

A relevant subject may be analytics, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, economics, engineering, information systems, information technology, machine learning, management science, mathematics, operations research, operations and supply chain management, software engineering, structural engineering, electrical engineering, statistics or technology.

You must have completed a relevant Bachelor Honours degree in a relevant subject from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 120 points above Stage III.

Note: A relevant Bachelors Honours degree may include the Degree of Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), Bachelors of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or Bachelor of Science (Honours).

A relevant subject may be analytics, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, economics, engineering, information systems, information technology, machine learning, management science, mathematics, operations research, operations and supply chain management, software engineering, structural engineering, electrical engineering, statistics or technology.

You must have completed a relevant Bachelors degree in a relevant subject from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 75 points above Stage II.

Note: A relevant Bachelors degree may include the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Science.

A relevant subject may be analytics, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, economics, engineering, information systems, information technology, machine learning, management science, mathematics, operations research, operations and supply chain management, software engineering, structural engineering, electrical engineering, statistics or technology.

You must have completed a relevant Bachelors degree in a relevant subject from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 75 points above Stage II.

Note: A relevant Bachelors degree may include the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Science.

A relevant subject may be analytics, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, economics, engineering, information systems, information technology, machine learning, management science, mathematics, operations research, operations and supply chain management, software engineering, structural engineering, electrical engineering, statistics or technology.

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points in one of the following:

In exceptional circumstances, we will consider you for entry if you have completed a bachelor's degree and have three years of relevant professional work experience.

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    One year of postgraduate study.

  • Study option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    One year of postgraduate study.

  • Study option
    Research 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed a relevant four-year bachelors degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) that includes:

  • One year of postgraduate-level study
  • A research project or dissertation comprising at least one-quarter of the final year

Alternatively, you must have completed one year of relevant postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree.

Note: a relevant four-year bachelors or one year of relevant postgraduate study may include the Degree of Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), Bachelors of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or Bachelor of Science (Honours).

A relevant subject may be analytics, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, economics, engineering, information systems, information technology, machine learning, management science, mathematics, operations research, operations and supply chain management, software engineering, structural engineering, electrical engineering, statistics or technology.

You must have completed a relevant four-year bachelors degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) that includes:

  • One year of postgraduate-level study
  • A research project or dissertation comprising at least one-quarter of the final year

Alternatively, you must have completed one year of relevant postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree.

Note: a relevant four-year bachelors or one year of relevant postgraduate study may include the Degree of Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), Bachelors of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or Bachelor of Science (Honours).

A relevant subject may be analytics, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, economics, engineering, information systems, information technology, machine learning, management science, mathematics, operations research, operations and supply chain management, software engineering, structural engineering, electrical engineering, statistics or technology.

You must have completed a relevant undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area at a recognised university (or similar institution).

Note: A relevant Bachelors degree may include the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Science.

A relevant subject may be analytics, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, economics, engineering, information systems, information technology, machine learning, management science, mathematics, operations research, operations and supply chain management, software engineering, structural engineering, electrical engineering, statistics or technology.

You must have completed a relevant undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area at a recognised university (or similar institution).

Note: A relevant Bachelors degree may include the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Science.

A relevant subject may be analytics, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, economics, engineering, information systems, information technology, machine learning, management science, mathematics, operations research, operations and supply chain management, software engineering, structural engineering, electrical engineering, statistics or technology.

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the GPE requirement, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points in one of the following:

Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering in a relevant subject
Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering in a relevant subject, or
Postgraduate Certificate in Operations Research and Analytics
Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Research and Analytics

In exceptional circumstances, we will consider you for entry if you have completed a bachelor's degree and have three years of relevant professional work experience.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Operations Research and Analytics cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$11,334 – $12,127.20*
International students
NZ$52,842*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
8 December 2024
Semester Two 2024
4 July 2024

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

120-point and 180-point Research Option A:

Semester One and Two
○ ENGSCI 796 A&B Thesis (120 points)

120-point and 180-point Research Option B:

Semester One and Two
○ ENGSCI 793 A&B Thesis (90 points) or,
○ ENGSCI 794 A&B Thesis (90 points)

120-point Research Option B, choose 30 points from the following:

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
○ COMPSCI 753 Uncertainty in Data (Semester Two)
○ COMPSCI 760 Machine Learning and Data Mining (Semester One and Two)
○ COMPSCI 761 Artificial Intelligence (Semester Two)
○ COMPSCI 762 Advanced Machine Learning (Semester One)
○ SOFTENG 753 Probabilistic Machine Learning (Not offered in 2022)
○ STATS 763 Advanced Regression Methodology (Semester One)
○ STATS 783 Simulation and Monte Carlo Methods (Not offered in 2022)
Operations Research
○ ENGSCI 755 Decision Making in Engineering (Semester Two)
○ ENGSCI 760 Algorithms for Optimisation (Semester One)
○ ENGSCI 761 Integer and Multi-objective Optimisation (Semester One)
○ ENGSCI 762 Scheduling and Optimisation in Decision Making (Semester One)
○ ENGSCI 763 Advanced Simulation and Stochastic Optimisation (Semester Two)
○ ENGSCI 765 Studies in Operations Research I (Semester One)
○ ENGSCI 768 Advanced Operations Research and Analytics (Semester Two)
○ STATS 724 Operations Research (Not offered in 2022)
Time Series Analytics
○ STATS 720 Stochastic Processes (Semester One)
○ STATS 723 Stochastic Methods in Finance (Semester One)

120-point Taught:

45 points from:

Semester One and Two
○ ENGSCI 795 Research Project (45 points over 2 semesters)
○ ENGSCI 795 A Research Project (Semester Two)
○ ENGSCI 795 B Research Project (Semester One)

At least 45 points from the following:

Operations Research
○ ENGSCI 760 Algorithms for Optimisation (Semester One)
○ ENGSCI 761 Integer and Multi-objective Optimisation (Semester One)
○ ENGSCI 762 Scheduling and Optimisation in Decision Making (Semester One)
○ ENGSCI 763 Advanced Simulation and Stochastic Optimisation (Semester Two)
○ ENGSCI 765 Studies in Operations Research I (Semester One)
○ ENGSCI 768 Advanced Operations Research and Analytics (Semester Two)
○ STATS 724 Operations Research (Not offered in 2022)
Time Series Analytics
○ STATS 720 Stochastic Processes (Semester One)
○ STATS 723 Stochastic Methods in Finance (Semester One)
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
○ STATS 783 Simulation and Monte Carlo Methods (Not offered in 2022)

Up to 30-points from the following:

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
○ COMPSCI 753 Uncertainty in Data (Semester Two)
○ COMPSCI 760 Machine Learning and Data Mining (Semester One and Two)
○ COMPSCI 761 Artificial Intelligence (Semester Two)
○ COMSCI 762 Advanced Machine Learning (Semester One)
○ SOFTENG 753 Probabilistic Machine Learning (Not offered in 2022)
○ STATS 731 Bayesian Inference (Semester Two)
○ STATS 763 Advanced Regression Methodology (Semester One)
○ STATS 769 Advanced Data Science Practice (Semester Two)
Operations Research
○ ENGSCI 755 Decision Making in Engineering (Semester Two)
Time Series Analytics
○ ENGSCI 712 Computational Algorithms for Signal Processing (Semester Two)
○ STATS 726 Time Series (Semester Two)

180-point Taught:

45 points from:

Semester One and Two
○ ENGSCI 795 Research Project (45 points over 2 semesters)
○ ENGSCI 795 A Research Project (Semester Two)
○ ENGSCI 795 B Research Project (Semester One)

180-point Research Option A, choose at least 45 points from the following:
180-point Research Option B, choose 45 points from the following:
180-point Taught, choose at least 60 points from the following:

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
○ STATS 783 Simulation and Monte Carlo Methods (Not offered in 2022)
Operations Research
○ ENGSCI 760 Algorithms for Optimisation (Semester One)
○ ENGSCI 761 Integer and Multi-objective Optimisation (Semester One)
○ ENGSCI 762 Scheduling and Optimisation in Decision Making (Semester One)
○ ENGSCI 763 Advanced Simulation and Stochastic Optimisation (Semester Two)
○ ENGSCI 765 Studies in Operations Research I (Semester One)
○ ENGSCI 768 Advanced Operations Research and Analytics (Semester Two)
○ STATS 724 Operations Research (Not offered in 2022)
Time Series Analytics
○ STATS 720 Stochastic Processes (Semester One)
○ STATS 723 Stochastic Methods in Finance (Semester One)

180-point Research Option A, choose at least 15 points from the following:
180-point Research Option B, choose 15 points from the following:
180-point Taught, choose at least 45 points from the following:

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
○ COMPSCI 753 Uncertainty in Data (Semester Two)
○ COMPSCI 760 Machine Learning and Data Mining (Semester One and Two)
○ COMPSCI 761 Artificial Intelligence (Semester Two)
○ COMSCI 762 Advanced Machine Learning (Semester One)
○ SOFTENG 753 Probabilistic Machine Learning (Not offered in 2022)
○ STATS 731 Bayesian Inference (Semester Two)
○ STATS 763 Advanced Regression Methodology (Semester One)
○ STATS 769 Data Science Practice (Semester Two)
Operations Research
○ ENGSCI 755 Decision Making in Engineering (Semester Two)
○ OPSMGT 766 Fundamentals of Supply Chain Coordination (Semester One)
Time Series Analytics
○ ENGSCI 712 Computational Algorithms for Signal Processing (Semester Two)
○ STATS 726 Time Series (Semester Two)

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

Operations Research and Analytics is an extensive, multidisciplinary field, allowing you to work in a variety of industries, particularly where big data is prominent – future career possibilities may even be tailored to your personal interests. Your advanced skills in self-directed research will additionally provide confidence to adapt to any new applications that may arise.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Business analyst
  • Continuous improvement manager
  • Data scientist
  • Energy modelling analyst
  • Project Engineer
  • Senior consultant
  • Software developer

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