Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Engineering Practice (MEngPrac) is a taught master's designed for recent engineering graduates and practising engineers who want to update, extend or specialise their engineering knowledge. The programme has been developed with an emphasis on producing work-ready engineers who can address changing engineering challenges in New Zealand and international environments.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced technical study in a chosen engineering area.
• A choice of Civil Engineering, Electronics, Materials and Processing, or Mechanical Engineering.
• A strong practical and industry-oriented focus.
• A management component designed to develop professional skills valued by employers.
• A 60-point Master's Capstone Project involving a theoretical or empirical investigation of an engineering problem.
• Development of advanced engineering science, mathematics, evaluation, communication and practical engineering skills.
• Potential to enhance employability in New Zealand and international engineering industries.
• Flexible 120-point or 180-point study routes depending on academic background and experience.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MEngPrac is structured around one of four engineering subjects:

1. Civil Engineering
2. Electronics
3. Materials and Processing
4. Mechanical Engineering.

All MEngPrac students must include:

• ENGEN508 – Master's Capstone Project, 60 points

The capstone requires students to undertake a theoretical or empirical investigation in a relevant engineering discipline and prepare a report presenting the findings. The 2027 paper is Level 500, worth 60 points and offered in Hamilton.

The remaining papers depend on the chosen engineering subject.

Civil Engineering

The 2027 regulations require 180 points at 500 level, including:

• ENGCV506
• Up to 30 points from approved Engineering Management/Business papers
• Up to 90 points from approved advanced Civil Engineering and related engineering papers
• ENGEN508, 60 points.

Examples of 2027 Civil Engineering topics include:

• Advanced Civil Engineering Design Challenge
• Advanced Construction Technologies
• Sustainable Design and Construction
• Advanced civil engineering subjects
• Engineering research/project work.

Electronics

The 2027 Electronics regulations require:

• ENGEE506
• Up to 30 points from approved Engineering Management/Business papers
• Up to 90 points from approved Electronics, Computer Science and engineering papers
• ENGEN508, 60 points.

The 2027 Electronics subject area includes topics such as:

• Sensors, instrumentation and measurement
• Power electronics
• Advanced electronics
• Computer and engineering systems
• Research/dissertation work
• Engineering capstone research.

Materials and Processing

The 2027 regulations require:

• ENGMP506
• Up to 30 points from approved Engineering Management/Business papers
• Up to 90 points from approved engineering/materials/process subjects
• ENGEN508, 60 points.

Relevant topics include:

• Advanced process control
• Advanced materials manufacture
• Materials characterisation
• Special Topics in Engineering
• Advanced materials and processing.

Mechanical Engineering

The 2027 regulations require:

• ENGME506
• Up to 30 points from approved Engineering Management/Business papers
• Up to 90 points from approved advanced engineering/mechanical engineering papers
• ENGEN508, 60 points.

Examples of available advanced topics include:

• Product innovation and development
• Advanced mechanical engineering
• Engineering special topics
• Advanced manufacturing/engineering subjects
• Engineering research and development.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MEngPrac has four formal subject/specialisation areas:

• Civil Engineering
• Electronics
• Materials and Processing
• Mechanical Engineering.

Programme Highlights

Key MEngPrac features include:

• Level 9 master's qualification.
• 120-point or 180-point pathway, depending on approved prior learning/experience.
• 1-year or 1–1.5-year duration.
• March and July intakes.
• Hamilton location.
• Four engineering specialisations.
• Taught master's rather than a purely research-based master's.
• 60-point Master's Capstone Project.
• Industry-relevant engineering problem solving.
• Management/professional development component.
• Advanced engineering science, mathematics and practical skills.
• Option to receive the degree with Merit or Distinction under the regulations.

Career Outcomes

The University identifies the following career opportunities:

• Civil Engineer
• Electronics Engineer
• Materials Engineer
• Mechatronics Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Process Engineer.

Depending on the chosen specialisation and previous qualification, graduates may also pursue engineering roles in areas such as:

• Engineering design
• Manufacturing
• Construction and infrastructure
• Electronics and technology
• Materials development
• Process industries
• Engineering research and development
• Product innovation.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current 2027 regulations confirm four MEngPrac subject areas: Civil Engineering, Electronics, Materials and Processing, and Mechanical Engineering.

Important requirements and conditions include:

• Students must follow an approved programme of study.
• At least 150 of the normal 180 points must be in the selected engineering subject.
• ENGEN508 is compulsory.
• Students must pass their first 60 points with at least a B average to continue.
• Subject-specific prerequisites apply.
• A 60-point waiver/cross-credit is possible only where approved by the Dean or nominee.
• Students with relevant professional experience may potentially qualify for the waiver/cross-credit route.
• Students who fail more than 30 points are not permitted to continue under the stated regulation.
• The degree may be awarded with Merit or Distinction.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student studying the MEngPrac physically in New Zealand would normally apply for the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires applicants to:

• Have an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Have enough money to pay tuition fees or hold an acceptable scholarship.
• Have sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Declare that they will have acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meet the other health, character and genuine-intention requirements applicable to the visa.