Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence

The AUT Online Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) is designed for experienced professionals who want to lead the responsible and effective use of AI in their fields. As AI reshapes industries and communities, this programme prepares you to guide adoption in ways that are ethical, sustainable and culturally responsive.

You’ll gain the skills to apply accessible AI tools, identify opportunities to transform workflows or create new value and make confident, informed decisions about when and how AI should be used. Every aspect of the programme is grounded in real-world application, giving you frameworks and practical skills you can put to work immediately, while studying flexibly online around your career and commitments.

The Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence is suitable for professionals from any background. You don’t need coding or computer science experience to succeed. This master’s degree develops AI capability with a focus on solution design, integration and governance. It prepares leaders, managers and professionals to embed AI into strategy, service and systems, and to engage with and direct technical teams with confidence.

100% online: Study from anywhere, anytime, with no need to attend campus
Tailored for busy professionals: Balance work, life and study with a flexible, part-time structure
Your experience counts: Your professional expertise is valued – if you have sufficient work experience but no degree, you can still qualify
Personalised support: Access expert guidance and resources when you need them, seven days a week

Why choose the AUT Online Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence

Lead with confidence: Gain the strategic insight to make informed decisions about AI opportunities, adoption and governance.
Practical and applied: Tackle real-world challenges and projects that connect directly to your industry or organisation.
Accessible and rigorous: Build advanced AI capability without needing a coding background.
Future-ready career impact: Position yourself to influence innovation, policy, and practice in a world where AI is reshaping every sector

APPLY ENQUIRE

Entry requirements
What you study
Career opportunities
Related programmes

This programme is currently only available for domestic students.

If you already have a university degree

A bachelor’s degree, graduate diploma or professional qualification

If you don’t yet have a university degree

7 years of work experience

Your experience counts

At AUT Online, we value your professional expertise. If you have relevant work experience but no undergraduate degree, you can still take the next step toward achieving your goals with our Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence.

Not sure if you qualify? Enquire now to discuss your eligibility.

The AUT Online Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence is delivered across trimesters and consists of six 30-point courses which you will take one at a time. The programme is designed specifically for online learners, providing flexibility alongside a clear structure that supports student success and completion.

Across the degree you will:

Analyse how AI is applied in practice across industries and sectors
Gain a working understanding of the data lifecycle and its role in building reliable, responsible AI systems
Study governance, ethics and the cultural impacts of AI adoption
Examine the rise of autonomous AI and its influence on decision-making and productivity
Strengthen and develop collaborative leadership and project management skills in applied AI contexts
Complete a supervised capstone research project on a real-world AI challenge relevant to your work or interests.

Courses

The AUT Online Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence prepares you to lead and influence how AI is adopted across organisations and sectors. This programme equips you with the critical insight, practical skills and cultural understanding to navigate the complex opportunities and challenges of AI in Aotearoa and beyond.

Potential career paths include:

AI strategist or consultant
Digital transformation lead
Enterprise or solution architect, business analyst or related roles enabling AI adoption
Policy advisor in technology or data governance
Ethical AI advisor or analyst
Innovation or change manager
AI project or product manager in public or private sector
Leadership roles in iwi, Pacific or community-based organisations adopting digital tools

Not ready to commit to a full master’s programme? Start your journey with one of our shorter qualifications:

Both programmes provide a strong foundation in AI systems, data governance and ethical practice, offering the flexibility to balance study with your professional and personal commitments.

Courses completed in these programmes can be credited toward the full Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence, enabling a seamless transition when you’re ready to advance your AI capability.

Quick facts

Programme code:

ON1087

Level:

Points:

180

Duration:

2 years part-time

Delivery:

100% online

Starts:

23 Feb 2026
13 Jul 2026

Key trimester dates

Fees

Domestic:

Full fees: $14,000 (for 180 points)
Student services levy (additional, for 180 points): $1,787.40

Fees are calculated for the full indicative programme cost (180 points), based on 2025 fees, which are reviewed annually.

This online programme is currently not available for international students.

Enquire about the AUT Online Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence here today.