Engineering

Qualifications

BE(Hons), PGDipEngGeol, ME, MEFE, MEM, MEngSt, MET, PhD

Introduction

Engineers are designing the future. If you are interested in developing new, innovative technology to improve the quality of our lives and provide solutions to meet the needs of our modern world, then Engineering is for you.

Engineering is the application of physical sciences and mathematics to the design, development and realisation of almost everything you see around you. Engineers understand the underlying mechanisms of how things work, ensuring that almost everything that underpins our society functions effectively, safely and efficiently. They are responsible for designing, analysing and improving basic infrastructure, water resource management, telecommunications systems, and the generation and distribution of electricity. Engineers improve the operation of processing plants and factories, and they design new medical technology, computer systems and electronics.

Engineers must enjoy design work, thinking creatively and analytically, working as part of a team, and communicating their ideas to others. Engineering is a challenging and exciting field with a focus on solving complex problems.

With a balance of first-class theoretical education and challenging practical work in industry, a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours degree will prepare you for a rewarding and diverse career.

As a UC Engineering student you will have access to specially-designed computer laboratories and software. There are dedicated Engineering teaching and research laboratories in every discipline, with first-rate equipment, testing facilities and expert technicians available to provide you with the skills and support required for hands-on learning. There is also a specialist Engineering and Physical Sciences library. Numerous scholarships are available to Engineering students throughout your four years of study, many of which are industry funded and include summer employment opportunities.

Our programmes are accredited by the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ), and students qualify for graduate membership of IPENZ upon completion of their degree. An Engineering degree from UC is also internationally recognised, allowing graduates from our programmes access to overseas career opportunities upon gaining their qualification. Engineers in all fields of study are sought after in New Zealand and worldwide.

Recommended background

The best preparation for studying Engineering at UC is to take Year 13 mathematics with calculus, physics and chemistry. You should aim to achieve a minimum of:

• 18 credits in NCEA Level 3 mathematics with calculus
• 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 physics
• 9 credits in NCEA Level 3 chemistry
• or equivalent in IB or Cambridge.

Note that the chemistry component is not required for the Electrical and Electronic, or Computer Engineering specialisations, and another approved subject may be used in its place. However, a basic knowledge of chemistry is expected of all Intermediate Year students.

100-level courses

The first year of the BE(Hons), the Engineering Intermediate Year, consists of core courses essential for all Engineering specialisations plus further courses specific to the Engineering specialisation(s) you are considering studying in the professional years (years 2–4).

200-level and beyond

Once you have completed the Engineering Intermediate Year you can apply for entry into the First Professional Year of one of the nine Engineering specialisations:

• Chemical and Process Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Forest Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Natural Resources Engineering
• Software Engineering*.

  *Subject to UNZ CUAP approval due in August 2012.

Entry into these Engineering specialisations is limited and is based on your grade point average achieved during the Engineering Intermediate Year.

The professional years will focus your learning on knowledge and skills that are relevant to your chosen Engineering specialisation through a combination of lectures, laboratory work and field classes. In the second and third professional years you will have the option of choosing courses which concentrate on a particular field (or fields) within your chosen Engineering specialisation.

Before graduating with the BE(Hons) degree you must complete 100 days of practical work in the engineering industry. This is normally carried out during the summer breaks of the professional years. You are also required to carry out a workshop training course during the First Professional Year to prepare you in the use of hand tools, welding and lathes. You must also hold a University-approved first aid certificate while enrolled in the BE(Hons).

Further study

Students who wish to further specialise in a particular area may choose to study at postgraduate level. A Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering (PGCertEng) and a Master of Engineering Studies (MEngSt) are options for those not interested in a significant research component. A Master of Engineering (ME) degree involves one or two more years of study, combining courses with a research thesis. The ME can be completed in subjects such as Bioengineering, Construction Management, Chemical and Process Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Specialist master's degrees are also available in Transportation, Fire Engineering and Management as well as Human Interface Technology.

The highest degree, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), requires three to four years of research and a thesis, beyond the BE(Hons).

There are also opportunities to pursue postgraduate study at overseas universities, where UC graduates are well regarded.

Career opportunities

Professional engineers are employed in both the public and private sectors in many fields including management, design, technical sales, marketing and education.

Engineering graduates find employment in industry, research and development in major private companies, government departments, regional and local councils, consultancies, producer boards, schools, universities and polytechnics. They work as consultants, project and maintenance managers, designers, marketers and teachers. The international demand for Engineering graduates is huge, with many graduates choosing to work overseas after graduating.

A University of Canterbury BE(Hons) degree satisfies the academic requirements for membership of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ). Graduates can then undertake several years of monitored training as a professional engineer, successful completion of which leads to full membership of the Institute and Chartered Professional Engineering status.

For further career information, please go to www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers

Contact

College of Engineering
Telephone: +64 3 364 2608
Email: engdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz