Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
480
Overview
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
Introduction
Engineers design the future. They provide innovative solutions to meet the needs of our modern world.
From buildings and bridges, apps and smart devices, to pharmaceuticals and renewable energy, engineering feats are everywhere.
The BE(Hons) is a four-year professional degree. The degree is accredited by Engineering New Zealand, allowing our graduates to work as professionally qualified engineers all over the world.
UC also offers Engineering Conjoint degrees which allow you to combine your BE(Hons) degree with another and study different areas at the same time.
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
What will my study involve?
- Access modern engineering labs and computer and testing facilities.
- Enjoy a flexible first year which allows you to keep a variety of discipline options open for your next three years of study.
- Combine your Engineering studies with other degrees through UC's Engineering Conjoint degrees to complete two different subject areas in one.
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
Entry requirements
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
There are multiple entry options for the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours:
NCEA
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.
Note: Achievement standards 91578 — 'Apply differentiation methods in solving problems' and 91579 — 'Apply integration methods in solving problems', must be included.
Chemistry is not required for students taking Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Software Engineering.
18 credits are strongly recommended in all subjects.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
You will need to have:
- Minimum of 4 HL (or 5 SL) in maths (HL is recommended)
- Minimum of 4 HL (or 6 SL) in physics (HL is recommended)
- Minimum of 4 HL (or 6 SL) in chemistry.
Chemistry is not required for students taking Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Software Engineering.
Cambridge International Examination (CIE)
You will need to have:
- 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.
Chemistry is not required for students taking Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Software Engineering.
Alternatively the first year can be completed in more than one year (maximum of two years) with a minimum requirement of:
- CIE Score of 120 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).
Introductory pathway
If you did not achieve enough credits, you can take introductory courses in specific subjects to start with (eg, MATH101, PHYS111, and CHEM114). You could then take the first year courses in Semester 2 and over summer, or do an extra year of study.
International transition pathway
International students can transition to this degree via the International Year One programme, and pathway into the second year of the BE(Hons) degree.
If you do not have UE from your high school studies, you can instead transition with the Foundation Studies Certificate and begin your BE(Hons) the following year.
Top achievers
Students who have achieved excellent results in all relevant subjects may be able to get direct entry into the second year.
Alternatively, a Modified First Year is offered to students who have taken the MATH199 or relevant STAR Science courses, and/or have achieved excellent results in some subjects. You may be exempt from taking some of the required courses in the first year and offered advanced/interest courses in their place.
See more about Studying Engineering for planning your first year.
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
How do I plan my degree?
The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours requires a minimum of 480 points:
- 75 points of compulsory courses (plus two 0-point compulsory courses)
- 45 points of first-year engineering courses
- 360 points of engineering discipline courses.
The first year of the degree is made up of nine courses (120 points), including six compulsory courses and three first-year courses, which vary depending on which Engineering discipline you want to specialise in. See more about Studying Engineering for structuring your first year to keep your options open if you are undecided on which discipline you wish to pursue.
The first year is followed by three years of study in one of the Engineering disciplines. Some disciplines also offer the opportunity to include a minor subject. Entry to the second year of the degree is limited and based on your performance in the first year.
You will also complete 800 hours (approximately 100 days) of practical work placement.
The degree takes 4 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 6 years. You can start in either February or July.
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours.
Limited entry into second year
Students in Engineering First Year need to apply for entry into years 2-4 by the 1 November for the following year of study.
Entry into one of the eight engineering disciplines is competitive. The number of available spaces for each discipline varies and the demand can fluctuate year-on-year. We select students based on their GPA obtained during First Year and the number of available spaces for each discipline. However, most students who pass their First Year courses gain entry to their first or second Engineering discipline choice.
We encourage you to keep an open mind and explore more than one discipline that aligns to your strengths and interests. If you are not successful in gaining a place, or if you decide not to continue with Engineering, our Engineering Student Advisors are here to support you with transitioning into another degree at UC.
Physical requirements
Some Engineering courses involve a variety of practical activities requiring manual dexterity including, but not limited to, laboratory work, use of machine tools, hand sketching and the use of drawing instruments, and extensive use of computer equipment.
The nature of these physical requirements varies depending on Engineering discipline. Should you have accessibility requirements that may affect your ability to complete such activities, please contact the Engineering Student Advisors before enrolling in second year to discuss support options.
Conjoint degrees
A conjoint degree allows you to combine the BE(Hons) with another bachelor's degree from UC. Our conjoint degree combinations are tailored to meet industry needs, and provide an accelerated path for high achievers to earn two degrees simultaneously in just 5 years.
Find out more information about Engineering Conjoint degrees.
Double degrees
It is possible to study a BE(Hons) alongside other degrees at the same time, such as the Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Science.
Find out more information about Double degrees.
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
Subjects and courses
The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours includes introductory courses in engineering mathematics, computer science, and physics, and advanced courses and work placements in an engineering specialisation.
Compulsory courses
The first year of the degree includes the following compulsory courses:
- 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 based on your intended discipline choice
At the second year of the degree you will also take the following compulsory course:
Engineering disciplines
UC offers the following disciplines within the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours:
If you are undecided on which discipline you wish to pursue it is possible to keep your options open for more than one discipline (and is encouraged given the popularity of some professional programmes).
Engineering minors
Some of the Engineering disciplines have a minor subject available that you can also choose to complete:
- 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
Domestic students
First Year
2024 tuition fee estimate: $7,979 per 120 points
2025 tuition fee estimate: $8,458 per 120 points
Second-Fourth Years
2024 tuition fee estimate: $8,469 per 120 points
2025 tuition fee estimate: $8,977 per 120 points
International students
First Year
2024 tuition fee estimate: $43,950 per 120 points
2025 tuition fee estimate: $45,665 per 120 points
2026 tuition fee estimate: $47,450 per 120 points
Second-Fourth Years
2024 tuition fee estimate: $48,000 per 120 points
2025 tuition fee estimate: $49,900 per 120 points
2026 tuition fee estimate: $51,900 per 120 points
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
Further study
UC has a wide range of options for postgraduate Engineering study:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural Engineering
- Postgraduate Certificate in Civil Engineering
- Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering
- Postgraduate Certificate in Product Design
- Postgraduate Certificate in Product Innovation
- Master of Aerospace Engineering
- Master of Architectural Engineering
- Master of Civil Engineering
- Master of Engineering
- Master of Engineering in Fire Engineering
- Master of Engineering Management
- Master of Engineering Studies
- Master of Fire Engineering Studies
- Master of Human Interface Technology
- Master of Product Design
- Master of Product Innovation
- Professional Master of Computer Science
- Professional Master of Engineering Geology
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
Career ready
- You will spend around 100 days (800 hours) on practical work placements as part of your degree.
- Gain skills in communication and report writing, ethics, sustainability, safety, and interacting with clients and customers.
- Graduates work in private companies and consultancies through to government agencies, with many progressing into management.
- All UC engineering degrees are accredited by Engineering New Zealand and will qualify you for student membership.
Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
Example degree structure diagram
Each small block represents a 15-point course. However, some courses may be 30 points or more.
This diagram is an example only – other combinations are possible. For specific course requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours.
