Computer Science at Canterbury? Waikato? VIC? Massey? Otago?

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brudge

15 posts

Geek

#10768 10-Dec-2006 13:40

I want to study computer science next year, but I'm not sure what university is better for this specialty.

I live in Christchurch, but prefer Wellington, and would consider moving to almost any NZ city if the course had significant advantages. Has anyone had experience studying computer science at a major NZ university and can provide some insight or comparison?

I've heard Waikato is the most reputed, and Canterbury seems to have a strong CS dept too. Does it really matter where you study? Do employers care? Is the quality of the courses vary variable?

What about studying CS at distance?

Cheers,
Bevan/

cokemaster

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#55151 10-Dec-2006 14:47

I've studed at Massey Palmerston North on a computer science/infosci degree. Yes, despite popular belief Massey do offer Computer/info science degrees which goes against their farming image. Almost done however doing fulltime work now. Trying distance study but so far hasn't really worked for me (I'm having a 'break' at the moment).

Overall the papers were very good though there were some real shockers of papers (I must stress, only a couple of papers). It is my personal opinion that a very few elements (a few papers/lecturers) were really out of touch with the real world and that quite a few double standards applied (particularly in regard to lecture content and student assignments).
[offtopic]However in saying that - it is a great campus. Students get free bus passes (buses are good too) which provides a refreshing option to car travel. Cycling is a good option too.
Plenty of flats within the city too.
Car travel is not only expensive on gas but you'll find is quite expensive to park too. They do have a 'All day carpark' which is at the back of campus for $2, however if you want to park anywhere else....dig deep.
[/offtopic]
If you do opt for Massey make sure you get a lot of opinions from people who have done papers that you are thinking of doing and also pay a lot of attention in the first couple of weeks when you have the option of removing papers without charge. I know this is something that should be done already, however one can be stung by both of those things.

Heard many a good thing about Waikato though, but never studied there and don't have any friends studying there either.

Yes, employers do like to see that you've got that extra bit of study and knowledge under your belt. Helped me accuire two positions recently with relative ease (though I have a bit of experience in the field which helps).

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bonkiebonks

389 posts

Ultimate Geek

#55152 10-Dec-2006 14:48

Although I'm not doing a CS degree, I'd strongly recommend University of Auckland just because I'm there.

but seriously:

University of Auckland is:
- The top ranking research university in New Zealand
- Ranked 43= Technology University in the world, and 46= overall by THES in 2006
- The only NZ member of Universitas 21 "an exclusive group of major research-intensive universities"
- NZ's only member in Association of Pacific Rim Universities, "an association of some of the world's premier universities"

Reference: http://www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/for/prospective/learning/top_ranked/top_ranking.cfm

Jed

35 posts

Geek

#55161 10-Dec-2006 16:30

Waikato University. End of story, this is the last post you will need to read.

Waikato Univeristy has always been the frontrunner for computer science in New Zealand. We got on board with this "internet" thing from the very beginning, and until recently, Waikato University was New Zealand's internet gateway (with a full Class A address to boot).

Not only do you have the choice of the BE, BCMS or BSci(Tech) for computer degrees, but the paper selection is second to none, allowing YOU more choice and deeper selection into the field you wish to pursue, and there are a good few very interesting ones as well (take a look at COMP134, very cool). Hamilton is a small city thats easy to navigate and cheap to live in, but big enough to keep you entertained and close enough for you to go day tripping to places like Auckland. Also, if you're into communications and networking, major players like Alcatel-Lucent and WAND have set up shop right here in Hamilton.

And just to throw pudding on the pie: If you're coming from Year 13 this year, you get a $3000 scholarship instantly. And not to mention: Waikato University is the ONLY univeristy in New Zealand to offer students free parking.

brudge

15 posts

Geek

#55272 12-Dec-2006 02:38

Hi guys/gals,

Thanks very much for your replies.

akl: not likely i'd move there, akl's akl. cool to see the rankings though! congrats!
palmy: could do -- I'd like to be closer to wtn. I don't think I'd be able to get work there in my industry though (web dev)
hton: I quite like hamilton now. I'm from there, but I'm over the whole 'hamilhole' syndrome. However it's still where I started and I prefer to keep discovering...

I think I'll do Massey by extramural, or maybe Canterbury, or some mix (is that possible?). I was thinking 1st year papers at distance, second year papers on campus at UC. However doing some first year papers at UC and some extramurally all together would be fun and useful. I don't think the universities would like the paperwork though... Or if it's possible?

cokemaster; what were the papers professors that didn't work out for, and/or were lacking in whatever? PM me if you want to avoid publicly criticizing individuals. Does this forum have Private Messaging? Send me an email otherwise to me at bevan rudge dot cjb dot net.

Anyway, thanks!
B/