Natural resources and environmental engineers improve or maintain natural resources through creative design and wise application of technology.
Sustainability is the focus of Natural Resources engineers — that means protecting, improving, and maintaining natural resources such as soil, water, and the atmosphere. This involves renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and carbon positive cities.
Natural Resources engineers work alongside communities and mana whenua to create solutions for complex and large-scale crises like climate change, housing, and poverty.
Note: From 2025, Natural Resources Engineering is being rebranded and offered as Civil Engineering with a minor in Water and Environmental Systems Engineering.
The first year of the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours is made up of six compulsory courses taken by all Engineering students, plus courses specific to Natural Resources Engineering:
You also need to complete one other 100-level elective course. Check with a Student Advisor for suggested options.
More information:
Once you have completed the first year and successfully applied for entry into Natural Resources Engineering, you will study that discipline within the next three years.
Communication skills are nurtured throughout, as all professional engineers need to be able to provide detailed engineering reports and effectively take part in presentations, public hearings, and inquiries.
Second year
An external field camp also forms part of the second-year programme.
Third year
An external site visit also forms part of the third-year programme.
Fourth year
Plus four courses chosen from the electives list, or any approved 400-level Engineering courses.
Those with a GPA of 6 or more may take a 600-level course as one of their options, with approval.
Natural Resources engineers are highly sought after and there are plenty of exciting careers including research and academic opportunities in Aotearoa and globally.
Career pathways could include:
Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Natural Resources Engineering.
Plan and build the infrastructure you see around you — buildings, roads, water supply and more.
Plan and build the infrastructure you see around you — buildings, roads, water supply and more.
