Engineering
Scholarships
Ranking
Top 100 in the world for Civil and Structural Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2018)
Download Brochure
Scholarships
Ranking
Top 100 in the world for Civil and Structural Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2018)
Download Brochure
Qualifications
Overview
Engineering is a challenging and exciting field that uses physical science and mathematics to solve complex problems. Engineers must enjoy design work, thinking creatively and analytically, working as part of a team, and communicating their ideas to others.
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.
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 design new medical technology, digital systems, and electronics.
As a UC Engineering student you will have access to some of the best engineering staff and resources in Aotearoa New Zealand and the world.
- UC is ranked in the top 100 universities in the world for Civil and Structural Engineering, in the top 200 for Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and in the top 250 for Chemical Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2018).
- UC’s Mechanical Engineering and Chemical and Process Engineering are the top departments for research in Aotearoa (the latest Tertiary Education Commission 2012 PBRF Assessment).
- UC Engineering students have access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities in all engineering departments, after a $162 million investment in infrastructure, including a new Engineering Core space for students.
- UC has world-class engineering facilities including a futuristic augmented reality lab, the only high-voltage lab in Aotearoa, and a new structural engineering lab.
- UC Engineering has connections with a number of international universities and Engineering students can do a semester abroad as part of a UC Exchange programme, adding an international flavour to your studies.
- We have specially-designed computer laboratories and software as well as a specialist Engineering and Physical Sciences library.
- There are numerous scholarships available to Engineering students throughout your four years of study, many of which are industry-funded and include summer employment opportunities.
- We host clubs such as ENSOC, Women in Engineering, and Engineers Without Borders NZ, which provide tutoring, mentoring, industry networking, community engagement opportunities, and many social activities throughout the year.
- Our programmes are accredited by Engineering New Zealand. An Engineering degree from UC is internationally recognised, allowing graduates to work overseas upon gaining their degree.
- All first year Engineering students have access to peer mentoring opportunities and a schedule of engineering events.
Entry into the Intermediate Year is open to any student with the relevant background. See the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) information for entry requirements.
100-level courses
The first year of the BE(Hons), the Engineering Intermediate Year, consists of five compulsory courses essential for all Engineering disciplines (see below) plus four further courses specific to the Engineering discipline(s) you are considering studying in the professional years (years 2–4).
Required Intermediate Year courses
- ENGR 100 Academic Writing Assessment*
- ENGR 101 Foundations of Engineering
- EMTH 118 Engineering Mathematics 1A
- EMTH 119 Engineering Mathematics 1B
- PHYS 101 Engineering Physics A: Mechanics, Waves, Electromagnetism and Thermal Physics
* No EFTS, no fees.
Other Intermediate Year courses
Students will also be required to choose their remaining four courses from Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or other approved subjects to complete the nine courses (120 points) required in their first year. The particular combination of courses required depends on the Engineering discipline you intend to study in the following three professional years. For the up-to-date Intermediate Year course requirements, by discipline, visit the University Regulations BE(Hons) page.
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). Find guidance online to structuring your Intermediate Year.
Entry into the professional years of the Engineering programme is limited, however most students who pass their Intermediate Year courses gain entry to their first or second choice. If you are not successful in gaining a place, or if you decide not to continue with Engineering, you can normally credit passes to the Bachelor of Science and other UC degrees. It is worth checking the website or contacting a Student Advisor to plan your first year to keep your options open.
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 disciplines:
- Chemical and Process Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Forest Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Natural Resources Engineering
- Software Engineering
Some of these subjects also have a minor option available:
- Bioprocess Engineering within Chemical and Process Engineering
- Energy Processing Technologies within Chemical and Process Engineering
- Communications and Network Engineering within Computer Engineering
- Power Engineering within Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Some limits on entry into the professional years of each discipline apply, with selection 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 discipline 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 discipline.
Practical work
Before graduating with the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours you must complete 800 hours (approx. 100 days) of practical work in the engineering industry. This includes a compulsory zero fees work placement course ENGR 200 Engineering Work Experience during the First Professional Year, and further practical work normally carried out during the summer breaks of the professional years.
You are also required to carry out a workshop training course or a site safety course during the First Professional Year. These courses will vary depending on Engineering discipline, and aim to prepare you in the use of common tools and equipment that you are likely to need for your practical work in industry.
You must also hold a University-approved first aid certificate while enrolled in the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours.
Diploma in Global Humanitarian Engineering
A Diploma in Global Humanitarian Engineering can be studied alongside any of the engineering disciplines, giving you an extra qualification and a point of difference without adding any time to your studies. This will give your engineering studies a humantarian focus working on issues such as water shortage, power supply, and climate change.
Throughout their degree, students take part in practical work experience, on-campus events, careers fairs, and industry talks, giving them multiple opportunities to make industry contacts.
Engineering students work on final year projects as part of their degree, many sponsored by industry, which increases professional capability and encourage leadership, teamwork, and innovation.
Our graduates find work on projects of social, economic, and environmental significance to society. Many UC engineers progress into management or consultancy.
All UC engineering degrees are accredited by Engineering New Zealand and all students qualify for student membership.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
Contact us
College of Engineering | Te Rāngai Pūkaha
Phone +64 3 369 4271 or +64 3 369 4272
Email engdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
See the College's website for up-to-date location details.
Postal address
College of Engineering | Te Rāngai Pūkaha
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
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