Civil strand with specialisations in Structural and Water and Water Waste
Take the next step as a civil engineer
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 1 year (34 teaching weeks), part-time available.
The maximum time to complete this programme part-time is 4 years. -
Start dates
February, July
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Qualification
Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Civil) (Level 7)Programme code: MN4559 -
Credits
120 -
Locations
MIT TechPark
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Domestic fees
$7,900 (approx.)
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International fees
NZD $31,200 (approx.)
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Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
Programme highlights
Want to learn specialist skills in the field of your choice?
This qualification is for engineering graduates and engineers with industry experience who want to specialise in:
- Structural
- Water and water waste.
You'll learn the skills to work on high-level design, specification and project management in your chosen field.
You'll graduate at the same level as degree students.
Entry requirements
Academic
A 3-year bachelor’s degree in a Civil engineering discipline;
Or
Equivalent practical, professional or educational experience of an appropriate kind;
Or
Special entry may be granted by the Head of School responsible for the programme to an applicant who does not meet all entry criteria, where the Head of School is satisfied the applicant is capable of undertaking the programme of study.
English language entry requirements
Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake this programme, which is taught and assessed in English.
Any applicant whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of their English language competency.
International students: English language entry requirements
For the minimum English language requirements refer to the requirements set out in the NZQF Programme and Accreditation Rules https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/qa-system-for-teos/english-international-students/
Other entry requirements
Applicants must be physically capable of completing the practical aspects of the programme, by being able to work effectively, efficiently and safely.
Special & discretionary admission
Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. Te Pūkenga works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme. Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme may be eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.
Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?
Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below courses from your chosen specialisation (120 credits):
Structural
Compulsory courses
Level 6
242.611 Structural Steel and Timber (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6007
The aim is to enable students to develop the principles and practice of structural design for steel and timber structures.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Apply design methods for accommodating wind action on structures to practical situations.
- Appraise the properties and behaviour of structural steel and structural timber,
- Apply design data to the practical design of structural steelwork and steelwork connections.
- Apply design data to the practical design of structural timber.
242.612 Structural Concrete (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6008
The aim is to enable students to develop the principles and practice of structural design for reinforced and prestressed concrete structures.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Apply design methods for accommodating earthquake action on structures to practical situations.
- Appraise the properties and behaviour of concrete in structures.
- Apply design data to the practical design of reinforced concrete elements.
- Apply design data to the practical design of pre-stressed concrete beams.
- Appraise structural design aspects of concrete masonry in simple structures.
Level 7
115.719 Engineering Development Project (30 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7101
*This is a year-long course
The aim is to enable students to investigate an engineering problem; to propose, specify, design and develop a solution and where feasible, to construct and test a prototype.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Synthesise a solution for an engineering problem.
- Complete a project to a specified standard.
- Design, project manage and evaluate a concept/model/product.
- Use software application packages as an engineering tool, if required.
- Communicate effectively with customers, peers, technicians and engineers.
115.720 Professional Engineering Practice (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7121
The aim is to enable students to critically apply knowledge and understanding of professional practice for engineers, professional engineering roles and activities and their interactions with society and the environment.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Appraise the professional role of engineers in society and industry.
- Evaluate and apply laws within the engineering practice area.
- Critique moral and ethical issues related to the environment in an engineering context.
- Critically explore issues relating to behavioural management in the practice of engineering.
- Critically apply knowledge of Māori cultural concepts and perspectives to those of the Crown and project management development.
242.700 Design of Structures (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7004
The aim is to enable students to use projects and case studies for the application of structural principles and design to broadly defined structural engineering problems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Appraise and apply the use of computer programs within the context of structural projects.
- Synthesise design solutions for structural elements and structures.
- Present and validate the efficacy of design solutions.
Elective courses
You will need to complete two elective courses from the below:
Level 6
242.608 Civil Engineering Detailing and Modelling (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6005
The aim is to enable students to further develop the principles and practice of civil engineering drawing, detailing and modelling.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Produce structural drawings in structural concrete, steel and timber, roading and drainage to nationally recognised drafting standards.
- Use and evaluate computer-based information systems to analyse modelling and visualisation in the design and management of civil engineering projects.
- Use a software package to explore aspects of a civil engineering project.
242.609 Civil Engineering Construction Practices (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6106
The aim is to enable students to develop an understanding of the practical aspects of sound civil engineering practice.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Appraise the plant and methods used in the full range of civil engineering construction activities.
- Develop and implement safety plans for the full range of civil engineering construction activities.
- Develop and implement quality control plans for the full range of civil engineering construction activities.
- Develop and implement environmental protection plans for the full range of civil engineering construction activities.
242.630 Geotechnical Engineering 2 (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6012
The aim of this course is to enable students to develop further knowledge of the principles and practice of geotechnical engineering.
The learning outcomes upon successful completion of this course are that the student should be able to:
- Examine the occurrence and flow of water through soils and discuss the impact that soil water has on engineering practice.
- Determine and evaluate the shear strength parameters of soils.
- Determine the earth pressure on, and analyse the stability of, earth-retaining structures.
- Analyse the stability of earth slopes.
- Determine the bearing capacity of shallow and deep foundations.
- Understand the process of consolidation and estimate consolidation settlement.
- Describe the causes of liquefaction and how these can be controlled to reduce its effects.
Level 7
341.755 Project Management (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7025
The aim is to enable students to apply project management principles, concepts and techniques.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and closeout an engineering project.
341.756 Risk Management (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7026
The aim is to enable students to learn and apply the principles and processes of Risk Management in the context of engineering and business management.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Define objectives of risk management and determine criteria for measurement and analysis of problems.
- Utilise analytical evaluation and decision making methodologies to determine project direction and choices.
- Critically analyse risk management approaches and methodologies.
Water and waste
Compulsory courses
Level 6
242.627 Water and Waste Systems (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6109
The aim is to enable students to develop an understanding and design expertise related to water, wastewater and stormwater reticulation systems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Analyse water supply and demand requirements, and design a small water reticulation system.
- Evaluate hydrological parameters and design an urban storm water management system.
- Determine wastewater quantities and design a waste water reticulation system.
- Appraise the requirements of water and wastewater pumping installations and optimise the design.
- Apply integrated water management approaches.
- Apply computer software in the design of water, wastewater and stormwater reticulation systems
242.628 Water and Waste Management (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6110
The aim is to enable students to develop an understanding of drinking water and sewage quality control parameters of current and emerging methods of treatment and disposal of liquid and solid wastes.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Evaluate and apply drinking water standards and quality parameters.
- Appraise the principles and practice of water treatment, including subsurface aquifer water supply systems.
- Evaluate and apply wastewater quality parameters.
- Apply knowledge of wastewater and solid waste treatment and disposal methods including pollution control.
- Appraise alternative wastewater treatment systems commonly used in areas which are not reticulated.
- . Critically evaluate environmental impact and Maori cultural values in relation to water supply and waste management.
Level 7
115.719 Engineering Development Project (30 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7101
*This is a year-long course
The aim is to enable students to investigate an engineering problem; to propose, specify, design and develop a solution and where feasible, to construct and test a prototype.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Synthesise a solution for an engineering problem.
- Complete a project to a specified standard.
- Design, project manage and evaluate a concept/model/product.
- Use software application packages as an engineering tool, if required.
- Communicate effectively with customers, peers, technicians and engineers.
242.701 Urban Drainage Systems (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7005
The aim is to enable students to develop an understanding of urban wastewater and stormwater systems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Evaluate the key aspects in planning and design of wastewater reticulation systems.
- Appreciate the role of mathematical models and simulations of wastewater reticulation systems.
- Evaluate the key aspects in planning and design of stormwater drainage systems.
Elective courses
You will need to complete three elective courses from the below:
Level 6
242.608 Civil Engineering Detailing and Modelling (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6005
The aim is to enable students to further develop the principles and practice of civil engineering drawing, detailing and modelling.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Produce structural drawings in structural concrete, steel and timber, roading and drainage to nationally recognised drafting standards.
- Use and evaluate computer-based information systems to analyse modelling and visualisation in the design and management of civil engineering projects.
- Use a software package to explore aspects of a civil engineering project.
242.609 Civil Engineering Construction Practices (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6106
The aim is to enable students to develop an understanding of the practical aspects of sound civil engineering practice.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Appraise the plant and methods used in the full range of civil engineering construction activities.
- Develop and implement safety plans for the full range of civil engineering construction activities.
- Develop and implement quality control plans for the full range of civil engineering construction activities.
- Develop and implement environmental protection plans for the full range of civil engineering construction activities.
242.615 Hydrology and Erosion Management (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6011
The aim is to enable students to learn about catchment runoff, erosion, water balances and sustainable land use.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Appraise the factors and inter-relationships which affect catchment processes and sustainable management.
- Appraise causes of stream erosion and the range of procedures available for flood routing and reduction of peak flows and velocities.
- Appraise sustainable land use and appropriate remedial measures for both rural and town construction sites.
- . Evaluate techniques for mitigating coastal erosion.
242.630 Geotechnical Engineering 2 (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6012
The aim of this course is to enable students to develop further knowledge of the principles and practice of geotechnical engineering.
The learning outcomes upon successful completion of this course are that the student should be able to:
- Examine the occurrence and flow of water through soils and discuss the impact that soil water has on engineering practice.
- Determine and evaluate the shear strength parameters of soils.
- Determine the earth pressure on, and analyse the stability of, earth-retaining structures.
- Analyse the stability of earth slopes.
- Determine the bearing capacity of shallow and deep foundations.
- Understand the process of consolidation and estimate consolidation settlement.
- Describe the causes of liquefaction and how these can be controlled to reduce its effects.
Level 7
115.720 Professional Engineering Practice (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7121
The aim is to enable students to critically apply knowledge and understanding of professional practice for engineers, professional engineering roles and activities and their interactions with society and the environment.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Appraise the professional role of engineers in society and industry.
- Evaluate and apply laws within the engineering practice area.
- Critique moral and ethical issues related to the environment in an engineering context.
- Critically explore issues relating to behavioural management in the practice of engineering.
- Critically apply knowledge of Māori cultural concepts and perspectives to those of the Crown and project management development.
341.755 Project Management (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7025
The aim is to enable students to apply project management principles, concepts and techniques.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and closeout an engineering project.
341.756 Risk Management (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7026
The aim is to enable students to learn and apply the principles and processes of Risk Management in the context of engineering and business management.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Define objectives of risk management and determine criteria for measurement and analysis of problems.
- Utilise analytical evaluation and decision making methodologies to determine project direction and choices.
- Critically analyse risk management approaches and methodologies.
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?
Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this qualification will be qualified Technology Engineers and will be able to gain employment in the field of their chosen specialisation of Civil Engineering. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
MIT TechPark is an award-winning centre of excellence for engineering and trades.
Having won a Learning Environments Australasia Award which recognises planning, design and construction of educational facilities throughout the region, our state-of-the-art campus is the home of our engineering and trades school. Coupling stunning architectural learning spaces with a myriad of high-tech facilities for our students, it's easy to see why it's been given such high praises.
Our TechPark building is situated on the corner of Lambie Drive and Manukau Station Road. It is across the road from the existing MIT Manukau campus, currently home to the schools of nursing, health and counselling, business, and digital technologies.
“Looking back on my experience at MIT, I really enjoyed the learning style. I did the lectures online and only had to come into class for one week a semester to do the practical parts. Overall, the atmosphere and the way that classes were taught was really enjoyable, and not too restrictive either. It just feels comfortable.
The choice to study engineering at MIT definitely secures your future. It narrows down on the things employers are looking for, like answers to practical questions that you might face on the job. Those are the things that show you are competent to employers.
My five-year plan is to become a senior engineer. It is a lifelong learning process, even now that I have the job, there is still a lot to learn. It is a continuous process. You have to keep going to gain more knowledge.
Having a qualification is really important if you want to land that dream job.”
Oscar Lee
MIT graduate
“I’m from Kenya and prior to migrating to New Zealand I worked for over 10 years as a security expert and diplomat in Kenya and the EU. When I moved to New Zealand I wanted a different career so I chose a diploma in civil engineering so I could revisit and build on the knowledge from my first degree in surveying.
My choice to study with MIT was a very practical one. I have 2 young kids and my wife works full-time so I had to juggle study and family. I wanted something convenient to me, a place I could commute to easily. I live in east Auckland, so MIT was very convenient. I also didn’t want to go to a university, I wanted a diploma that gave me hands-on experience, not just theory. Something I could touch and apply. Choosing MIT was a pretty easy choice for me.
MIT is very diverse – you see people there from everywhere in the world. It’s a big advantage as it brings in a wealth of knowledge and experience. They made me very feel welcome, like I was part of MIT regardless of where I was from, it gave me a sense of belonging.
As an immigrant, a spouse, a parent, and a mature student, MIT provided a very conducive space for me to retrain and achieve my career and family goals. The lecturers were very considerate, respectful and engaging. Being a mature student, you often do not have the luxury of time, you’re very driven, you know what you’re looking for and you grab it. I give credit to MIT’s lecturers who gave us extra special attention and support to succeed.
While studying I was also employed as a lab technician at MIT. This gave me extra practical experience and skills to develop further in ways I can’t measure. The kiwi professional life is so different from Kenya, so these experiences helped ease me into New Zealand culture and prepared me for a much larger and faster professional environments. I’m very grateful for that opportunity.
I made the most of my time at MIT, I created and developed relationships with my lecturers, and other personnel, and they helped propel me into the work environment. Some of them were my referees and spoke very highly of me when I applied for jobs.
While I was a student MIT and the School of Engineering brought in a Career Fair with numerous employers in civil engineering. MIT does a brilliant job in connecting us with industry and I managed to secure employment with one of these companies (Watercare) before I graduated.
To mature students – if you are thinking of continuing your education, you should highly consider MIT. It’s such a wonderful space for people like us. I’m now working as a development engineer at Watercare doing very practical things, I’ve been put to very good use.
There’s high demand in this industry, you have to have practical experience, not just the theory. I can tell you for sure, you get that at MIT, you get your hands dirty, and industry looks for people who can roll up their sleeves and get hands-on. The market is looking for grads right now, they can’t get enough of them.”
Nick Oduol Odhiambo
MIT graduate
Ready to put your plans in place?
Fees Free scheme: Free study for the first or final year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the Government’s Fees Free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must meet New Zealand residency criteria. Note: The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, starting from January 2025. Learners who have already used Fees Free in their first year of study won’t be able to access Fees Free under the new final-year policy. However, from now until the end of 2025, first-year Fees Free will operate under ‘first-year transition rules’. For more information, visit feesfree.govt.nz. All free study is subject to availability and funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.
Information is correct as at 4 December 2024. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. Where the fees are indicative, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2025 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2025 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2025 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2025 are based on the 2024 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2025. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.