Master of Civil Engineering
MCivilEng
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
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
- Renewable Energy
- Structural Engineering
- Structural Fire Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Water Engineering
For more information on the disciplines within the MCivilEng and the courses taken in this degree, visit the Civil Engineering postgraduate information webpage.
Students that have completed a 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. Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
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.
The MCivilEng can be awarded unendorsed, or endorsed in:
- Construction Management
- Earthquake Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Renewable Energy
- Structural Engineering
- Structural Fire Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Water Engineering
More information on the courses you will take for each endorsement can be found on the Civil Engineering postgraduate information webpage.
If you want to complete your degree with an endorsement, you must first complete 60 points in the degree, with 30 of those points from Part I of your preferred endorsement subject. Entry into the endorsement is then subject to GPA level and approval from the programme coordinator. Once approved, you will need to complete 45 points from Part II of your subject endorsement. The remaining points are made up from the prescribed list of civil engineering courses.
Students that want to complete their degree unendorsed, or are unable to get into their endorsement, can complete their total 120 points from the prescribed list of civil engineering courses.
All students in the MCivilEng will also take part in a non-academic Indigenous Consultation and Engagement workshop, which will tie in closely with their course materials on engaging biculturalism in engineering.
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.
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 and graduate profiles.
- 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 you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2024 | 120 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $9,567 |
| 2023 | 120 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $9,311 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2024 | 120 | $48,000 | |
| 2023 | 120 | $46,000 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Civil Engineering.
For study planning help, contact Te Tari Pūhanga Metarahi, Rawa Taiao | Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering.
Te Kaupeka Pūhanga | Faculty of Engineering
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 4222
Email collegeofengineering@canterbury.ac.nz