Which master's specialisation suits a BTech graduate in Computer Science applying to New Zealand with 1.5 years of work experience?

Eighteen months into a computer science career, New Zealand's dedicated Master of Artificial Intelligence programmes let you specialise without needing years of prior AI specific work to qualify.

Why a Master of Artificial Intelligence Fits New Zealand

• Multiple pathways: the University of Auckland's Master of Artificial Intelligence accepts both a 120 point and a 180 point route depending on your undergraduate background and grade average.
• Academic bar: most programmes, including the University of Canterbury's, expect a Computer Science related bachelor's degree with a B grade average in relevant 300 level courses.
• English requirement: the standard minimum is IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, though research heavy AI programmes may ask for 7.0.

When Cybersecurity Fits Better

If your eighteen months leaned toward networks, systems administration, or DevOps rather than data and modelling work, Cybersecurity builds more directly on that experience than an AI specific degree would.

My Advice

Check which specific undergraduate courses each university counts toward its entry requirement before you apply, since Auckland, Waikato, and Canterbury each define acceptable prior coursework slightly differently.