Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
There will be no new enrolments into the BCMS(Hons) in 2023. Alternative options such as the BSc(Hons) in Computer Science are available to obtain a Bachelor's degree with Honours in Computer Science, Data Analytics, or Mathematics.

The Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (Honours) is New Zealand’s only computing and mathematical science degree taught over four years. That extra year gives you the chance to drill more deeply into your specialist area and add papers that will complement your main focus.
If you enjoy tinkering with technology, designing new things and solving complex problems the Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (Honours) gives you the chance to explore many fields which are in high-demand.
In the BCMS(Hons) you can major in:
First-year papers are common across most Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (BCMS) majors which means you can try all in your first year. Because the first three years of the BCMS(Hons) are very similar to the Bachelor of Science (BSc), you can choose when you graduate. You have the option to graduate after three years with a BSc or stay on for an extra year and complete your BCMS(Hons).
In the BCMS(Hons) you will benefit from practical, project based papers which will equip you with the technical, communication and practical skills for a career in a field of numerous international opportunities.
The BCMS(Hons) is taught by some of New Zealand's leading computing and mathematics researchers, who are kept close to local and international industry developments through regular research and consulting work. We regularly update our papers to reflect this changing environment and match our programmes to Faculty expertise.
Computing facilities at Waikato
The computing facilities at the University of Waikato are among the best in New Zealand, ranging from phones and tablets for mobile application development to cluster computers for massively parallel processing. You will also have 24 hour access to computer labs equipped with all the latest computer software.
Key information
Years: | 4.0 |
---|---|
Points: | 480 |
Study Locations: | Hamilton |
Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
Entry Requirements: | Undergraduate International |
Area of Study: |
Degree Planner
Degree planner — Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (Honours) (BCMS(Hons)) Overview
If no point value is listed, papers are worth 15 points. This structure applies to study starting in 2021.
Year 1
100 level
Major
100 level
Major
One
MATHS or DATAX paper***
Field of the degree
100 level*
Field of the degree
100 level*
Elective
Elective
Year 2
200 level
Major
200 level
Major
200 level
Major
200 level
Major**
Elective
Elective
Elective
Year 3
300 level
Major
300 level
Major
300 level
Major
One from List A:
Work-Integrated Learning
Field of the degree
300 level*
Elective
Elective
Elective
Year 4
Dissertation
(45 points)
500 level
Major
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective
- Major
- Compulsory
- Elective
BCMS(Hons) Papers
Lists A and B
List A: Work-Integrated Learning
Choose at least 15 points from the following:
- COMPX371 Computer Science Work Placement
- COMPX374 Software Engineering Industry Project
- COMPX375 Information Systems Industry Project
- COMPX397 Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study
- COMPX398 Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study (30 points)
- MATHS397 Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study
- DATAX397 Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study
List B: Software Development papers
Choose 15 points from the following:
Choose a major
Recommended minors
Or undertake a minor in any other subject within the University.
Career opportunities
- Computer Animator
- Mathematical Modeller
- Network Engineer
- Programmer
- Software Engineer
- Systems Designer
- Usability Designer
- Web Architect
Entry requirements
You're eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (Honours) if you have University Entrance, or its equivalent.
You're eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (Honours) if you have University Entrance, or its equivalent. All other applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Some first-year papers may have specific prerequisites, so please check the paper catalogue carefully. If you do not meet the prerequisites, please contact [email protected] as there may be other pathways that you can take to study in this field. The catalogue of papers can be found at papers.waikato.ac.nz.
Scholarships and prizes
Selected scholarships for BCMS(Hons) students.
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Computer Science Undergraduate Scholarship Not currently accepting applications
For students who are currently in Year 12 or Year 13 at a New Zealand secondary school. Candidates must be intending to enrol full-time in either the BCompSc, BSc majoring in Computer Science, or BE(Hons) majoring in Software Engineering.
Looking for more scholarships?
Conjoint degree options
This degree can also be taken as a conjoint.
Practical experience
If you are excelling in your studies, there may be opportunities for you to gain practical experience and industry connections through a summer project where you can work during the summer in the research labs.
Contacts
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Student Centre
Phone: 0800 WAIKATO (0800 924 528) or 07 838 4176
Email: [email protected]
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Phone: +64 7 807 9275 Email: [email protected]
Enquire Now