Engineering
Scholarships
Ranking
285th in the world for Engineering and Technology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021)
Download Brochure
Scholarships
Ranking
285th in the world for Engineering and Technology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021)
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 the world.
- UC is ranked in the top 100 universities in the world for Civil and Structural Engineering, and in the top 300 for Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Chemical Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021). UC is also ranked 9th in the world for Civil Engineering (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2020).
- UC Engineering students have access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities in all engineering departments after a $163 million investment in infrastructure, including the Engineering Core space for students.
- UC has world-class engineering facilities including a futuristic augmented reality 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 Te Puna Pūkaha me te Pūtaiao | Engineering and Physical Sciences Library.
- There are numerous scholarships available to Engineering students throughout your studies, 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 first year is open to any student with the relevant background. See the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours for information on entry requirements.
UC offers a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, which offers discipline studies in different areas of the engineering industry.
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
See the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours for the compulsory courses in the degree.
After the first year in the degree, students will specialise in an Engineering discipline for the following three years of the degree.
These three 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 third and fourth years, you will have the option of choosing courses which concentrate on a particular field (or fields) within your chosen Engineering discipline.
Engineering disciplines
Engineering minors
Some of the engineering disciplines have a minor subject available that students can also choose to complete:
- Biomedical Engineering within Mechanical Engineering
- 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
- Environmental Process Engineering within Chemical and Process Engineering
- Structural Engineering within Civil Engineering
- Water and Environmental Systems Engineering within Civil Engineering
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 during the second year, and further practical work normally carried out during the summer breaks of the following years.
You are also required to carry out a workshop training course or a site safety course during the second year. These courses will vary depending on your 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 humanitarian 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
Te Rāngai Pūkaha | College of Engineering
Phone +64 3 369 4271 or +64 3 369 4272
Email engdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
Engineering Core building – see campus maps
Postal address
Te Rāngai Pūkaha | College of Engineering
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Browse related subjects to Engineering
Choose an area that you are interested in and learn how UC's extensive range of study options can let you study what you want to.
Civil Engineering
Civil engineers build cities and communities. They tackle 21st century challenges including sustainability, climate change, public health, resilience, and clean ...
Environmental Process Engineering
The Environmental Process Engineering minor is for environmentally-minded engineers who want to be a part of society's growing commitment to improving the ...