Course details

Summary

The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) focuses on how problems can be solved by using design and engineering processes. At every stage of your degree, you'll be involved in creating, designing and realising sophisticated engineering products.

As a Waikato engineering student you will also complete 800 hours of work experience – usually paid – with a company or organisation that suits your interests, and you’ll make valuable industry contacts which in many cases leads to part or full-time work.

Our Cooperative Education Unit actively seeks and oversees your industrial work placement, ensuring a good fit for your area of study and career goals.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering uses mechanics and energy principles to design, research, develop and manufacture tools, engines, motors and other devices. At the University of Waikato we align what you learn with what industry requires.

Our Mechanical Engineering programme is strongly based on project-based learning. It combines mechanical engineering, science and mathematics papers to give you a good understanding of engineering theory and practice.

You will study topics such as mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science, structural analysis and electricity.

An important part of the Mechanical Engineering programme at the University of Waikato is supported work placements into relevant industries. This gives you the opportunity for paid work experience while further exploring the field of Mechanical Engineering you could choose for your career.

Build a successful career

There is currently a shortage of mechanical engineers, and Waikato graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects. There are opportunities in the machine design, agricultural engineering, manufacturing and robotics sectors, among many others.

Career opportunities

• Aeronautical Engineer
• Agricultural Engineer
• Automation Engineer
• Energy Engineer
• Equipment Prototype Engineer
• Materials Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Process Engineer
• Product Developer
• Project Manager

BE(Hons) Majors:

• Civil Engineering
• Chemical and Biological Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Materials and Process Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Software Engineering

Entry criteria

For guaranteed entry you are expected to have studied the listed subjects at Level 3 NCEA, CIE AS, A Level or equivalent with certain levels of attainment.

• Calculus - a minimum of 16 credits in NCEA at Level 3 in Mathematics with Calculus.
• Physics - a minimum of 14 credits in NCEA at Level 3 in Physics.

English language requirements:

IELTS (Academic) - 6.0 overall (no band less than 6.0); iBT (internet based) TOEFL - 79-80 with a score of 20 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic - 57 with no less than 57 for each communicative skill; Waikato Pathways - Successful completion of Level 7 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English (CAAE) programme.