Master of Civil Engineering
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
120
Overview
Master of Civil Engineering
Introduction
The Master of Civil Engineering (MCivilEng) is a taught postgraduate programme that enhances an engineer’s knowledge and skills, improving their prospects for career progression. Acquiring advanced knowledge in Civil Engineering through the Master of Civil Engineering aims to produce graduates who:
- have developed advanced knowledge and skills relevant to their future careers in a research or professional environment
- have developed mastery of topics relevant to design, analysis, and management of civil infrastructure systems, so that they can provide leadership in a professional context and engage effectively with future research opportunities
- apply independent thinking and advanced knowledge and skills to the development and remediation of civil infrastructure systems
- engage effectively and confidently in a variety of academic and professional settings
- provide expertise to support high-level decision making processes
- have the interpersonal skills needed to be ready for the workplace, with the attributes listed on the UC graduate profile.
The programme requires students to successfully complete courses for a total of 120 points. This typically involves taking eight 15-point courses, four per semester. However, there are options for part-time study as well as distance learning.
The MCivilEng can be awarded unendorsed, or endorsed in:
- Construction Management
- Earthquake Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Structural Fire Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Water Engineering
Master of Civil Engineering
Entry requirements
Students that have completed an Aotearoa New Zealand Bachelor of Engineering with Honours or a Bachelor of Science with Honours in a relevant subject, or the Postgraduate Certificate in Civil Engineering with good grades, may be admitted to the programme with approval based on the relevance of their previous studies.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Civil Engineering or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Master of Civil Engineering
How do I plan my degree?
The Master of Civil Engineering involves 120 points of coursework, towards an unendorsed degree or an endorsed degree. It can be completed in 1 year full-time, or up to 4 years part-time.
The MCivilEng primarily involves in-person learning. We recognise the need for flexibility and some components might be available for online learning, at the discretion of course coordinators. Please note, however, that online availability is not guaranteed. If you are interested in online options, please contact Te Tari Puhanga Metarahi, Rawa Taiao | Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Civil Engineering.
Master of Civil Engineering
Subjects and courses
The MCivilEng can be awarded unendorsed, or endorsed in:
- Construction Management
- Earthquake Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Structural Fire Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Water Engineering
If you want to complete your degree with an endorsement, you will complete 60 points in your chosen subject, with the remaining 60 points chosen from any of the endorsement subjects, or elective MCivilEng courses, or any approved 400 or 600-level courses offered by the Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering (with a maximum of 45 points at 400-level).
Students that want to complete their degree unendorsed, or are unable to get into their endorsement, can complete a minimum of 60 points from courses in any of the endorsement subjects lists, with the remaining 60 points from any approved 400 or 600-level courses offered by the Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering (with a maximum of 45 points at 400-level).
All students in the MCivilEng will also take part in a non-academic Indigenous Consultation and Engagement workshop (ENGR600 Māori and Pacific Engagement and Consultation Occurrences), which will tie in closely with their course materials on engaging biculturalism in engineering.
Domestic students
2024 tuition fee estimate: $9,572 (120 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $10,146 (120 points)
International students
2024 tuition fee estimate: $48,000 (120 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $49,900 (120 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $51,900 (120 points)
Master of Civil Engineering
Further study
Graduates of the MCivilEng will be able to continue on to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in a number of related engineering subjects, for example in Civil Engineering, Earthquake Engineering, and Transportation Engineering.
Master of Civil Engineering
Career opportunities
Because of the flexible structure of the Master of Civil Engineering, students can tailor their degree towards a research or professional career in industry. Graduates will have general or specialist knowledge in civil engineering, which can be applied to structural, geotechnical, transport, construction, water, and/or fire engineering divisions.
Engaging biculturalism is also a strong component of the MCivilEng, which will give graduates a cultural understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand and skills in engaging mana whenua and iwi in building projects, making them ideal for future project management work in the industry.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
