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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

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

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: minimising risk, making organisations more effective, and ultimately, responding 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.

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:

  • PGCertORAn - Postgraduate Certificate in Operations Research and Analytics
  • PGDipORAn - Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Research and Analytics

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

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. Additionally, your advanced skills in self-directed research will allow you 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

Further Study Options

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland 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.

Taught (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average 

Taught (180 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Research (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Research (180 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Entry Requirements

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.

Postgraduate Requirements

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

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

Research / Taught 120 points:

You must have completed either:

  • a relevant Bachelor Honours degree in a relevant subject from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III.
  • a Bachelors Honours degree and passed 60 points towards a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher. 
  • a Bachelors degree from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and at least three years of relevant professional experience. 
  • a Bachelors degree and a relevant postgraduate diploma from this University with at least 60 points of courses with a GPA of 5.0 or higher. 

Research / Taught 180 points:

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 60 points above Stage II.

Or, alternatively, completed a Bachelors degree and passed 60 points towards a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher

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

  • PGCertEng - Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering in a relevant subject  
  • PGDipEng - Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering in a relevant subject 
  • PGCertORAn - Postgraduate Certificate in Operations Research and Analytics  
  • PGDipORAn - Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Research and Analytics  

In exceptional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Postgraduate Research, or nominee, if it is determined that you have a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional, or scholarly experience equivalent to one year of postgraduate study. 

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

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. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

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

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

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

Cost of living

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

Key Dates

Application Advice

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.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

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

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors Honours degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors Honours degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors Honours degree from this University, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points towards a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher

or

d (i) (a) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or the equivalent prior study

or

(b) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

and

(ii) at least three years of relevant professional experience

or

e (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) (a) completed the requirements for a relevant postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

(b) completed the requirements for a relevant postgraduate diploma from this University with at least 60 points of courses with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points towards a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher.

3 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 Applicants must have completed any prerequisite courses prior to admission to this degree.

5 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the Associate Dean Postgraduate Research or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the Associate Dean Postgraduate Research or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Notes:

(i) A relevant Bachelors degree may include the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Science.

(ii) 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).

(iii) A relevant postgraduate diploma may include the Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering or a Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Research and Analytics.

(iv) 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.

Duration and Total Points Value

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 5a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

7 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 5b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

8 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Operations Research and Analytics Schedule.

9 A student who has previously passed any course the same as, or similar to, the courses required for this degree must substitute an alternative course as approved by the Programme Director or nominee.

10 Courses selected for this qualification are subject to the confirmation of the Programme Director or nominee.

11 With the prior approval of the Programme Director or nominee, up to 45 points may be replaced by other appropriate 600 and 700 level courses offered at this or another university.

12 A student who has to complete 180 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses taken for this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Operations Research and Analytics cannot continue.

13 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

14 a The research project or thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b The topic of the research project or thesis must be approved by the Programme Director or nominee prior to enrolment.

c The research project or thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

15 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for this degree to the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering or Postgraduate Certificate in Operations Research and Analytics or Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Research and Analytics.

Transfer from Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma

16 A student who has passed courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering that are available in this degree may apply to reassign those courses to this degree provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

17 A student who has passed courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Operations Research and Analytics or Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Research and Analytics that are available in this degree may apply to reassign those courses to this degree provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

Distinction

18 This degree may be awarded with Honours in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

19 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

20 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

Courses selected for this qualification are subject to the confirmation of the Programme Director or nominee.

With the prior approval of the Programme Director or nominee, up to 45 points may be replaced by other appropriate 600 and 700 level courses offered at this or another university.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 180 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism