Lincoln University Logo

Industry Project host information

Host a Master's student for an Industry Project.

Industry Project is the capstone course delivered by the Centre for Geospatial and Computing Technologies. Students undertake an applied computing project with an external industry host, demonstrating professional practice, communication skills, and industry‑standard approaches.

The course is completed by students enrolled in:

Projects are aligned to the student’s programme of study while maintaining a common industry engagement framework. The Industry Project enables students to apply the skills developed throughout their degree and supports their transition into professional roles following graduation.

Jump to a section:

{{ 'Programme focus and student skills' | except-last-word }} {{ 'Programme focus and student skills' | last-word }} Right arrow icon
{{ 'What makes a suitable project?' | except-last-word }} {{ 'What makes a suitable project?' | last-word }} Right arrow icon
{{ 'What costs are involved?' | except-last-word }} {{ 'What costs are involved?' | last-word }} Right arrow icon
{{ 'What is required from a host?' | except-last-word }} {{ 'What is required from a host?' | last-word }} Right arrow icon
{{ 'Timeframes' | except-last-word }} {{ 'Timeframes' | last-word }} Right arrow icon
{{ 'What\'s next' | except-last-word }} {{ 'What\'s next' | last-word }} Right arrow icon

Programme focus and student skills

Students bring postgraduate‑level capability, professional maturity, and prior academic and/or industry experience. Each project’s technical focus aligns with the student’s programme of study.

Master of Applied Computing

Students typically bring strong applied skills in software development and computing practice.

Core capability areas include:

  • Programming (e.g., Python)
  • Databases and data modelling
  • Business analysis
  • UX design
  • GIS

Students often come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, contributing valuable transferable skills alongside their technical expertise.

Find out more about the Master of Applied Computing

Master of Artificial Intelligence for Land Use

Students are required to complete projects that apply advanced AI to land-based contexts.

Skills and project focus may include: 

  • Machine learning and predictive analytics
  • Deep learning and computer vision
  • Generative AI and large language models
  • Agent-based modelling and simulation
  • Explainable and trustworthy AI

These projects typically involve designing and developing AI-driven solutions, and are well suited to research-informed or innovation-focused industry challenges across land use, environmental management, agriculture, and related domains.

Find out more about the Master of Artificial Intelligence for Land Use

Master of Precision Agriculture

Projects apply digital and computational technologies in agricultural and land‑based contexts.

Areas of focus could include:

  • Data‑driven decision support
  • Precision agriculture technologies
  • Geospatial analysis
  • Systems integration and applied analytics
  • Engineering and hardware technologies

Projects commonly align with ag‑tech, land management, environmental monitoring, and production systems.

Find out more about the Master of Precision Agriculture

What makes a suitable project?

The Industry Project involves 300 work hours from the student. These are spread over the semester, 25 hours per week over 12 teaching weeks. Students also complete additional 100 hours of Project assessment tasks.

We are seeking a project – a clearly defined piece of work with a clear start and end objective – rather than ‘work experience’ of everyday business-as-usual work. We recommend project activities are not on a ‘critical path’ for a business.

What costs are involved?

Student time during the Industry Project does not have to be remunerated and no payment to the university of any kind is required. Indirect costs incurred involve staff time for mentoring and the provision of space and other resources.

What is required from a host?

Industry hosts are asked to provide:

  • Enthusiasm to support student learning and professional development
  • A designated mentor with appropriate technical and professional experience
  • Access to resources required to complete the project
  • A physical or virtual workspace
  • Feedback on student progress at two points during the semester

The Industry Project offers hosts an opportunity to engage with emerging talent, explore new ideas, and contribute to the development of future professionals in computing, AI, and precision agriculture.

Timeframes

Students may undertake their Industry Project in:

  • Summer School (commencing mid‑November),
  • Semester One (commencing late February),
  • or Semester Two (commencing July).

Calls for placement projects typically occur in:

  • April for Semester Two
  • September for Summer School and Semester One of the following year.

What's next

If you:

  • Already have a student you would like to host
  • Would like to be matched with a suitable student
  • Or if you would like more information

Please get in touch with the Industry Project Team at: mac.industryproject@lincoln.ac.nz