The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) (Level 6) prepares students for careers as professional engineering technicians in the electrical engineering industry. The programme provides a strong foundation in electrical engineering principles while allowing students to develop specialist knowledge in Power Engineering. Students gain practical experience through laboratory work, engineering projects, and industry-focused learning, preparing them for employment in electrical power generation, transmission, distribution, manufacturing, and industrial sectors.

Key reasons to choose this programme

• Nationally recognised engineering qualification.
• Meets New Zealand and international benchmarks for engineering technicians under the Dublin Accord (International Engineering Alliance).
• Develop broad electrical engineering knowledge with a specialist focus on Power Engineering.
• Learn through practical laboratory sessions and real-world engineering projects.
• Study at the award-winning MIT TechPark engineering campus.
• Opportunity to undertake PLC Programming 1 and PLC Programming 2 short courses.
• Strong pathway to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical) (Level 7).
• Excellent employment opportunities in New Zealand and overseas.

Programme Structure / Subjects Offered

Students complete 240 credits, comprising five compulsory engineering courses and eleven Electrical Engineering (Power) courses.

Compulsory Engineering Courses

• Engineering Fundamentals
• Technical Literacy
• Engineering Management
• Professional Engineering Practice
• Engineering Project

Electrical Engineering (Power) Courses

Students study subjects including:

• Electrical Principles
• Electronic Principles
• Circuit Analysis
• Electrical Machines
• Power Systems
• Power Generation
• Power Transmission
• Power Distribution
• Electrical Protection
• Electrical Installation Standards
• Electrical Measurements
• Industrial Control Systems
• PLC Programming
• Electrical Safety
• Engineering Mathematics
• Computer-Aided Engineering
• Sustainable Engineering
• Engineering Project (Electrical)

Students also develop practical skills in:

• Electrical testing
• Fault finding
• Industrial electrical systems
• Technical reporting
• Engineering communication
• Engineering problem solving.

Disciplines / Specialisations Offered

The programme specialises in Electrical Engineering (Power), covering:

• Electrical Power Systems
• Electrical Machines
• Power Generation
• Power Transmission
• Power Distribution
• Electrical Protection
• Industrial Electrical Systems
• PLC Programming
• Electrical Installation
• Engineering Design
• Engineering Management
• Professional Engineering Practice.

Programme Highlights

• Category 1 NZQA provider.
• Qualification recognised under the Dublin Accord, supporting international recognition for engineering technicians.
• Specialist focus on Power Engineering.
• Award-winning MIT TechPark campus.
• Extensive practical laboratory learning.
• Industry-standard equipment and engineering software.
• Optional PLC Programming 1 and PLC Programming 2 short courses.
• Strong pathway to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical).
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) available.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers such as:

• Electrical Engineering Technician
• Power Systems Technician
• Electrical Maintenance Technician
• Electrical Design Technician
• Industrial Electrical Technician
• Electrical Services Technician
• Field Service Technician
• Electrical Testing Technician
• Electrical CAD Technician
• Engineering Technician
• Electrical Project Technician

Graduates may find employment with:

• Electricity generation companies
• Power distribution organisations
• Manufacturing industries
• Industrial processing plants
• Engineering consultancies
• Infrastructure companies
• Utility providers
• Local government organisations

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The programme is aligned with New Zealand and international engineering technician standards under the Dublin Accord.
• Students develop specialist knowledge in Power Engineering, an area with ongoing demand in New Zealand.
• Practical laboratory sessions and engineering projects form an important part of the curriculum.
• Students have the opportunity to complete PLC Programming short courses to enhance employability.
• Programme fees are reviewed annually.
• International students are required to attend on-campus classes at MIT TechPark.

Student Visa Requirements

International students must obtain a valid New Zealand Student Visa before commencing study.

Applicants are generally required to provide:

• Offer of Place from Manukau Institute of Technology.
• Proof of payment or sufficient funds for tuition fees.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses.
• Valid passport.
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or an approved equivalent).
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required).
• Police clearance certificate (where applicable).
• Approved medical and travel insurance.
• Compliance with all current Immigration New Zealand student visa requirements.