Why Study / Key Benefits

• The BE(Hons) is a four-year professional engineering degree designed to prepare students for professional engineering careers.
• UC's engineering programmes are accredited by Engineering New Zealand, providing an internationally recognised professional engineering qualification pathway.
• The first year is deliberately flexible, allowing students to explore engineering before committing to one of the specialist disciplines for Years 2–4.
• Students work with modern engineering laboratories, computer facilities, testing facilities, design facilities and specialist equipment.
• The programme combines theoretical engineering knowledge with substantial industry experience.
• Students must complete 800 hours, approximately 100 days, of practical engineering work experience before graduation.
• The degree develops technical, analytical and design capabilities together with communication, report writing, ethics, sustainability, safety and client/customer skills.
• Students can combine Engineering with another bachelor's degree through UC's Engineering Conjoint programmes. High-achieving students can complete the conjoint combination in approximately five years.
• A BE(Hons) can lead to engineering employment in New Zealand and internationally because of its Engineering New Zealand accreditation.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The first year is an Engineering First Year designed to provide a common foundation while keeping multiple specialist options open.

Compulsory first-year courses include:

• ENGR100 Engineering Academic Skills
• ENGR101 Foundations of Engineering
• EMTH118 Engineering Mathematics 1A
• EMTH119 Engineering Mathematics 1B
• PHYS101 Engineering Physics A: Mechanics, Waves, Electromagnetism and Thermal Physics
• COSC131 Introduction to Programming for Engineers
• Three 100-level courses selected according to the student's intended engineering discipline.

Core study areas therefore include:

• Engineering mathematics
• Physics
• Programming/computing
• Engineering design
• Engineering foundations
• Engineering academic and professional skills
• Engineering science
• Technical problem-solving.

From Year 2 onwards, students undertake specialist Engineering courses.

A compulsory second-year course is:

• ENGR200 Engineering Work Experience.

The wider programme develops:

• Engineering design
• Technical analysis
• Computer-based engineering
• Laboratory skills
• Professional practice
• Safety
• Ethics
• Sustainability
• Communication
• Engineering reports
• Industry practice.

Disciplines / Specialisations

UC currently lists eight Engineering disciplines within the BE(Hons):

1. Chemical and Process Engineering
2. Civil Engineering
3. Computer Engineering
4. Electrical and Electronic Engineering
5. Forest Engineering
6. Mechanical Engineering
7. Mechatronics Engineering
8. Software Engineering.

UC also offers specialist minors/sub-specialisations within selected disciplines:

• Aerospace Engineering — within Mechanical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering — within Mechanical Engineering
• Bioprocess Engineering — within Chemical and Process Engineering
• Communications and Network Engineering — within Computer Engineering
• Environmental Process Engineering — within Chemical and Process Engineering
• Power Engineering — within Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Structural Engineering — within Civil Engineering
• Sustainable Energy Engineering — within Chemical and Process Engineering
• Water and Environmental Systems Engineering — within Civil Engineering.

Programme Highlights

• 480-point professional engineering qualification.
• Four years full-time.
• February or July entry.
• Eight main Engineering disciplines.
• Flexible Engineering First Year.
• Competitive selection into Years 2–4.
• 800 hours/approximately 100 days of practical industry experience.
• Engineering New Zealand accreditation.
• Modern laboratories, computer and testing facilities.
• Opportunity for Engineering minors/sub-specialisations.
• Conjoint degree options.
• Double-degree possibilities with qualifications such as BCom and BSc.
• Pathways to master's and doctoral Engineering study.

Career Outcomes

UC states that Engineering graduates work in private companies, engineering consultancies and government agencies, with many progressing into management.

Potential career areas vary by discipline and can include:

• Civil and infrastructure engineering
• Structural engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Chemical and process engineering
• Software engineering
• Computer engineering
• Electrical and electronic engineering
• Power engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Mechatronics
• Manufacturing
• Forest engineering
• Energy engineering
• Engineering consulting
• Engineering project management
• Quality and testing
• Infrastructure management
• Industrial manufacturing
• Urban planning.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The most important point for applicants is the competitive transition from Engineering First Year into Years 2–4.

• Students must apply by 1 November for the following year's second-year entry.
• Entry into the eight disciplines is competitive.
• The number of available places varies by discipline and can change from year to year.
• Selection is based on first-year GPA and available places.
• UC states that most students who pass their first year gain entry to their first or second discipline choice.

Physical/practical requirements are also relevant.

Some Engineering courses involve:

• Laboratory work
• Machine tools
• Hand sketching
• Drawing instruments
• Extensive computer use
• Other practical activities requiring manual dexterity.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa for full-time BE(Hons) study.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Cost from NZ$850.
• Maximum stay of up to 4 years.
• 80% processing timeframe of 8.5 weeks.
• An Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of tuition payment or sufficient funds to pay tuition.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable insurance.
• Compliance with health and character requirements.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.

For tertiary students, the current living-funds requirement is:

• NZ$20,000 for each year of study if studying for one year or more.
• NZ$1,667 per month if studying for less than one year.