The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) – Civil Engineering is a nationally recognised engineering diploma designed for students who want to develop the technical knowledge and practical skills required to work in the civil engineering sector.

The qualification focuses on the planning, design, construction and management of infrastructure.

NMIT describes civil engineering as playing an important role in creating and protecting the built environment. The programme can prepare students to work on infrastructure such as:

• Roads
• Bridges
• Rail infrastructure
• Dams
• Utilities
• Residential buildings
• Commercial buildings
• Industrial developments
• Water infrastructure
• Wastewater infrastructure.

Students also learn technical skills involving:

• Engineering drawings
• Surveying
• Engineering reports
• Site investigations
• Materials
• Structures
• Geotechnical engineering
• Highways
• Hydraulics
• Water and wastewater systems.

Why Study Civil Engineering at NMIT?

Practical, hands-on learning

NMIT specifically highlights the programme's hands-on approach and relatively small classes, allowing students to engage directly with tutors.

For international students, this can be useful because civil engineering involves technical concepts that are often easier to understand when students can work through practical examples, drawings, surveying exercises and engineering projects.

Industry-connected teaching

NMIT says its tutors work with local industry to provide real-world experiences as part of the programme.

Nationally recognised qualification

The qualification is a New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) at Level 6 and carries 240 credits.

Strong employment demand

NMIT states that there is high industry demand for graduates from the programme and that its graduates have a very high employment rate in the industry.

Broad civil engineering knowledge

Students don't study only one narrow area. They build foundations in:

• Engineering mathematics
• Materials
• Surveying
• Structures
• Geotechnical engineering
• Civil drawing
• Highway engineering
• Hydraulics
• Engineering management
• Project work.

Multiple elective areas

The civil engineering specialisation provides electives covering:

• Roads/highways
• Traffic
• Structures
• Water
• Waste
• Surveying. 

Programme Structure

The programme combines engineering fundamentals with specialised civil engineering courses.

Engineering Foundation

Students develop foundational engineering capabilities through subjects such as:

• Engineering Fundamentals
• Engineering Mathematics 1
• Technical Literacy.

Materials

Materials (Civil)

Students learn about the properties and applications of civil engineering materials and related geological/geomorphological processes.

Civil Materials

This develops understanding of materials used in civil engineering applications.

Land Surveying

Surveying is an important component of civil engineering.

Students study:

• Land Surveying
• Engineering Surveying
• Land Surveying 2 as an elective option.

These skills can be useful for:

• Construction sites
• Road projects
• Infrastructure projects
• Land development
• Setting out engineering works.

Structural Engineering

Students study:

• Structures 1
• Structures 2
• Structures 3 as an elective.

Civil & Structural Drawing

Civil and Structural Drawing – DEC522A

This course develops the skills required to produce civil engineering and structural drawings.

This is an important technical skill because civil engineering technicians frequently work with:

• Engineering drawings
• Plans
• Construction documentation
• Site layouts
• Structural details.

Geotechnical Engineering

Students study:

Geotechnical Engineering 1

This introduces:

• Soil composition
• Engineering properties of soils
• Site investigation procedures.

Geotechnical Engineering 2

This is available as an elective.

This area is useful for students interested in:

• Foundations
• Soil behaviour
• Ground investigation
• Earthworks
• Civil infrastructure.

Highway Engineering

The programme includes:

• Highway Engineering 1
• Highway Engineering 2
• Traffic Engineering as an elective.

This provides a pathway into transportation-related civil engineering.

Students can develop knowledge relevant to:

• Road design
• Highway construction
• Traffic systems
• Transport infrastructure.

Skills You Will Develop

NMIT identifies several graduate capabilities.

Students learn to:

• Perform technical operations to engineering-profession standards.
• Understand ethical and professional responsibilities.
• Work collaboratively in engineering teams.
• Apply engineering theory to practical civil engineering problems.
• Make informed engineering decisions.
• Implement engineering solutions.
• Identify, evaluate and manage risks.
• Apply relevant New Zealand legislation and professional principles.
• Communicate engineering information effectively. 

Specialisations / Elective Areas

NMIT's Civil Engineering specialisation has elective opportunities in:

Roads & Highways

• Highway Engineering
• Traffic Engineering

Structural Engineering

• Structures 2
• Structures 3

Water

• Water and Wastewater Systems

Waste

• Water and Waste Management

Surveying

• Land Surveying
• Engineering Surveying

Geotechnical Engineering

• Geotechnical Engineering 2

Construction

• Civil Engineering Construction Practices.

Career Outcomes

NMIT states that graduates have a very high employment rate in the industry and can gain employment as engineering technicians working on:

• Roads
• Buildings
• Utilities.

Visa Requirements for International Students

For an overseas student planning to study this two-year, full-time Level 6 diploma in New Zealand, the relevant visa will generally be the:

Fee Paying Student Visa

Immigration New Zealand currently states that this visa is for students paying international tuition fees themselves or with support from family, loans or scholarships.

The student needs:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of tuition-fee payment or ability to pay.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds.
• Acceptable medical/travel insurance.
• Good health and character as applicable.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence of ability to leave New Zealand after study.