Course details

Summary

This research-focused degree is designed for graduates who wish to do further research and develop an innovative solution to an engineering question. Excellence in advanced engineering design, research and development skills are core features of the degree.

As a Master of Engineering (ME) graduate you will have the opportunity to either seek employment as a professional engineer, or start a research career.

The ME normally takes 12 months to complete full-time. It builds on prior study at undergraduate level, such as the four-year BE(Hons) or BSc(Tech). The degree requires 120 points, which can either be made up of 30 points in taught papers and a 90-point dissertation (research project), or one 120-point thesis.

If you enrol in an ME via the Faculty of Science & Engineering you can major in Engineering, and your thesis topic may come from our wide range of study areas such as biological engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, environmental engineering and electronic engineering.

Software Engineering projects are completed via the Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Computing & Mathematical Sciences.

The Faculty of Science & Engineering fosters collaborative relationships between science, engineering, industry and management. The Faculty has developed a very strong research base to support its aims of providing you with in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, innovative ideas, and techniques to translate science into technology in the real world.

You will have the opportunity to undertake research with staff who are leaders in their field and will have the use of world-class laboratory facilities. Past ME students have worked on projects such as a ‘snake robot’ for disaster rescue and a brain-controlled electro-mechanical prosthetic hand.

Build a successful career

Depending on the thesis topic studied, graduates of this degree may find employment in the research and development department in a range of engineering industries, including energy companies, environmental agencies, government departments, biomedical/pharmaceutical industries, private research companies, universities, food and dairy industries, electronics, agriculture, forestry and more. The ME can also be a stepping stone to doctoral studies.

Career opportunities

• Aeronautical Engineer
• Automotive Engineer
• Biotechnologist
• Computer-aided Engineer
• Engineering Geologist
• Food and Drink Technologist
• Laboratory Technician
• Mechanical Engineer
• Medical Sciences Technician
• Patent Attorney
• Pharmaceutical Engineer
• Quality Assurance Officer
• Research Assistant
• Theoretical Physics Research

Entry criteria

Admission requires a relevant Bachelors level qualification or equivalent.

If you do not hold the appropriate qualifications required for direct entry, you may be eligible to apply for a pathway via a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma.

English language requirements:

IELTS - 6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in writing); iBT (internet based TOFEL) - 90 with a score of 22 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic- 65 with English language requirements no less than 58 for each communicative skill; From Waikato Pathways College - Successful completion of Level 8 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic (CAAE) programme.