Master of Business Informatics by Thesis at ICL Graduate Business School

Turn complex business and technology questions into rigorous, original research. The Master of Business Informatics by Thesis at ICL Graduate Business School is an NZQF Level 9 pathway for students seeking advanced research capability at the intersection of management, information systems, security and digital transformation.

Develop specialist knowledge and complete a substantial 90-credit thesis. The programme combines four advanced taught papers with a 30-credit research proposal and supervised thesis work, creating a strong platform for research-led professional roles or possible doctoral study.

Why choose Master of Business Informatics by Thesis?

• Complete a 180-credit NZQF Level 9 research master’s qualification.
• Develop specialist knowledge in information security and IT service management.
• Compare Western and Indigenous approaches to research.
• Design a detailed 30-credit research proposal before progressing to the thesis.
• Complete a substantial 90-credit thesis focused on business informatics.
• Build a rigorous foundation for research-led practice or further academic study.

Program at a glance

• Qualification: Master of Business Informatics by Thesis
• NZQF level: Level 9
• Credits: 180
• Duration: 16 months
• Study structure: Four 16-week trimesters combining on-campus tuition and supervised research
• Academic structure: Four 15-credit papers, a 30-credit research proposal and a 90-credit thesis
• Location: ICL Education Centre, Auckland CBD
• Delivery: Face-to-face study and/or supervised research according to the approved study plan; students are required to bring a suitable device
• English requirement: Academic IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or an NZQA-recognised equivalent

Advanced research at the intersection of business and IT

This research-focused programme is designed for students who want to investigate emerging challenges in business informatics. Potential areas may connect with digital transformation, information security, IT service strategy, organisational systems, analytics or technology-enabled innovation.

Students first build advanced subject and research knowledge, then develop a formal proposal and complete a supervised thesis. The pathway strengthens research design, critical analysis, academic communication and the ability to generate recommendations for organisational practice.

What you will study

• 8151 Information Security Management - 15 credits
• 8150 IT Service Management and Strategy - 15 credits
• 8542 Research Methods - 15 credits
• 8711 Comparing Western and Indigenous Approaches to Research - 15 credits
• 8712 Research Proposal - 30 credits
• 9540 Thesis - 90 credits

Skills you can develop

• Advanced business-informatics research
• Research design and proposal development
• Critical analysis of business and technology problems
• Information security and IT service strategy
• Academic writing and research communication
• Development of evidence-based organisational recommendations

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally meet one of the following pathways:

• An original bachelor’s degree or Graduate Diploma in informatics or a business-related subject from a recognised institution, supported by full academic transcripts.
• Evidence of relevant skills and knowledge gained through appropriate professional or work experience in business studies or a related area may also be considered.

A personal statement explaining your reasons for studying the programme is strongly recommended. ICL assesses applications individually and may request further academic or professional evidence.

English-language requirements

International applicants normally require Academic IELTS 6.5 overall, with no individual band below 6.0, achieved in one examination within the accepted validity period. An equivalent English-language result recognised by NZQA may also be accepted.

Asia Pathway can help you review your English evidence and determine whether an alternative recognised test or pathway may be appropriate before application.

Tuition and additional fees

• Tuition planning figure: approximately USD 24,300 for the complete programme.
• Per-study-period tuition display: approximately USD 6,075, based on 4 study periods.
• Official fees are invoiced in New Zealand dollars and should be reconfirmed before enrolment.
• Additional enrolment and course-material charges apply.

The USD amount is presented as a practical planning estimate. Exchange rates, ancillary charges and payment schedules can change, so Asia Pathway will confirm the current official fee statement before you commit to enrolment.

Career directions

The programme develops advanced capabilities relevant to roles such as:

• Research Analyst
• Applied Informatics Researcher
• IT Strategy Consultant
• Digital Transformation Manager
• Business Systems Research Specialist
• Enterprise IT Solutions Designer
• Data Analytics and Decision Support Consultant
• Technology Innovation Advisor
• Research Officer

Career progression depends on prior qualifications, professional experience and employer requirements. Completion does not guarantee employment, professional registration, doctoral admission or immigration outcomes.

Study in central Auckland

ICL Education Centre is located on Lorne Street in Auckland CBD, close to public transport, libraries, cultural institutions and the city’s commercial districts. This setting supports internationally connected business, technology and research study.

Plan your application with Asia Pathway

Asia Pathway can help you compare pathways, review academic and English-language eligibility, organise application documents and understand the study and fee structure before you apply.

Contact Asia Pathway for a personalised course recommendation, eligibility review and current fee confirmation.