Engineering

Engineers are designing the future. By developing new, innovative technology and providing solutions to meet the needs of our modern world, they are improving the quality of our lives. From buildings and bridges, apps and smart devices, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy, engineering feats are everywhere.

The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) is a four-year professional degree with nine disciplines to choose from (see 'Subjects and courses' below). The degree is accredited by the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ), allowing our graduates to work as professionally qualified engineers all over the world. 

Engineers are in high demand, especially locally, and are taking a leading role in the design and rebuild of Christchurch as New Zealand's most modern city. A $142 million investment in cutting-edge UC Engineering facilities will be completed by 2017. There is no better time or place to study engineering than right now at UC.

The first year of the degree is called the Engineering Intermediate Year and comprises nine courses (120 points) which is made up of:

• five compulsory courses and
• four further Intermediate Year courses which vary depending on which Engineering discipline you want to specialise in. See the 'Subjects and courses' section below for the list of disciplines.

The Intermediate Year is followed by three Professional Years of study in one of the Engineering disciplines. Entry to the Professional Years is limited and based on your performance in the first year(s). These years will focus on the relevant knowledge and skills you will need in your chosen discipline. 

During your degree you will complete 100 days (800 hours) of practical work placement.

Entry requirements

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Domestic applicants over 20 who do not hold University Entrance, or equivalent, may gain admission by providing evidence of their ability to complete tertiary study successfully. For information on gaining admission to UC please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications. For specific entry requirements for the BE(Hons), please see below. 

You are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements.

Specific entry requirements

For students entering the Intermediate Year (first year)

NCEA entrance requirements

You should aim to have at least:

• 14 credits in Level 3 maths or calculus including both differentiation and integration*
• 14 credits in Level 3 physics
• 14 credits in Level 3 chemistry**.

18 credits are strongly recommended in all subjects.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

You will need to have:

• IB Score of 26 points
• minimum of 4 HL (or 6 SL) in each of maths and physics (HL is recommended)
• minimum of 4 HL (or 6 SL) in chemistry**.

Cambridge International Examination (CIE)

You will need to have:

• CIE Score of 140 points
• maths and physics – D grade or better at A level or A in AS level
• chemistry – D grade or better at A level or A in AS level**.

Alternatively the Intermediate can be completed in more than one year (maximum of two years) with a minimum requirement of:

• CIE Score of 140 Points
• D Grade at A-Level or C Grade at AS-Level in Mathematics
• D Grade at A-Level or C Grade at AS-Level in Physics
• preferably C Grade at AS-Level in Chemistry (discipline specific).

* Note: Achievement standards 91578 – 'Apply differentiation methods in solving problems' and 91579 - 'Apply integration methods in solving problems', must be included. 

** Note: the Chemistry component is not required for some engineering disciplines. However, a basic knowledge of chemistry is expected of all Intermediate Year students. Please see the College of Engineering web page for arrangements for students who have not taken NCEA Level 3 chemistry.

If you do not meet the above requirements 

If you have not studied one or more of the required subjects, or did not achieve enough credits, but have University Entrance, you may consider an introductory pathway such as:

• taking a Headstart summer course to catch up or
• take an introductory course in specific Science subjects to start with (eg, MATH 101, PHYS 111 and CHEM 114).
  You could then take the Intermediate Year courses in Semester 2 and over summer, or do an extra year of study.

Top achievers

If you achieve outstanding results in one or more of the required subjects and/or complete a university-level course (eg, a STAR course), you may be able to replace one or more of the standard Intermediate Year courses with interest courses. Or you may be able to gain direct entry into the First Professional Year (in your preferred discipline) so that you can complete the degree in three years. For more information, please refer to the Modified Intermediate Year/Direct Entry page. 

Career opportunities

Engineering students have the opportunity to meet with some of New Zealand's largest engineering companies through careers fairs, networking evenings, and engineering expos. 

All UC engineering degrees are accredited by IPENZ and all students qualify for student membership to IPENZ.

Our graduates have a wide range of employment opportunities, from private companies and consultancies through to government agencies. Many UC engineers progress into management.