Study civil engineering
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 2 years (34 teaching weeks per year), part-time available.
The maximum time to complete this programme part-time is 10 years. -
Start dates
February, July
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Qualification
New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil) (Level 6)Programme code: NZ2612 -
Credits
240 -
Locations
MIT TechPark
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Domestic fees
$7,900 (approx.) per year
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International fees
NZD $31,200 (approx.) per year
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Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
Programme highlights
Get qualified to work as a professional engineering technician – an area critical to the economy in New Zealand and around the world.
As part of your studies, you'll work on real-world projects. Some of these projects could include a wastewater treatment plant in Samoa and a road widening project in Auckland. And, just like some of our graduates, this real-world experience could get your foot in the door to companies such as Downer and Kiwirail.
This qualification meets New Zealand and international benchmarks for engineering technicians. Graduates can work at a technician level as outlined by the Dublin Accord (International Engineering Alliance, 2002).
Entry requirements
Applicants must meet the following entry requirements:
Academic
NCEA Level 2
- Including a minimum of 10 literacy credits at Level 1 or above (for those who achieved NCEA Level 2 before 2013);
And
- A minimum total of 48 credits at level 2 in four subjects including at least 12 credits in mathematics (preferably achievement standards in algebra, calculus or trigonometry);
Or
- Equivalent qualifications (e.g. International Baccalaureate or Cambridge);
Or
- Equivalent credits from appropriate trades training and/or demonstrated skills and experience.
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting the minimum entry criteria, those applicants for whom English is a second language (including International students) must meet the IELTS overall language requirement: Overall Band Score (Academic) of 6.0 IELTS, with no individual score less than 5.5, or equivalent.
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.
Although not part of the entry requirements, applicants will attend an interview as part of the process of assisting them to select the right specialisation.
Successful applicants will be accepted in order of application. The above attributes will be assessed through an interview process to which applicants may bring family and/or whānau support.
Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements will be counselled to an appropriate Foundation programme.
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 five compulsory courses as well as 11 courses related to this strand (240 credits):
Compulsory courses:
Level 4
141.417 Engineering Fundamentals (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE4101
The aim is to introduce the basic fundamentals of a range of engineering disciplines.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of, and apply, the fundamentals of statics, dynamics and mechanical energy concepts.
- Evaluate direct stress and strain, and derive elastic properties from tensile test results.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the engineering properties of fluids and apply the fundamentals of hydrostatics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of electrical voltage, current and resistance and explain the difference between AC and DC.
- Demonstrate awareness of the New Zealand Electricity system and describe some of its safety features.
- Demonstrate an understanding of heat energy and transfer; temperature and humidity of the air.
141.418 Engineering Mathematics 1 (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE4102
The aim is to develop mathematical skills, concepts and understanding in order to perform calculations and solve problems within engineering contexts.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Manipulate and solve algebraic expressions and equations.
- Solve, manipulate and apply mathematical functions, including the application of graphs where appropriate.
- Apply the rules and principles of trigonometry using both degree and radian measure.
- Demonstrate knowledge of differentiation and integration techniques and apply them to solve engineering problems.
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of one of the following:
- 5.1 Complex numbers, logic expressions and numbers OR
- 5.2 Basic statistical concepts and techniques.
523.413 Technical Literacy Communication CAD (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE4103
The aim is to develop technical research skills along with oral, written, graphical and interpersonal communication skills.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Utilise information obtained from physical or web-based resources in technical problem solving and presentations.
- Prepare and deliver an oral presentation on a technical subject.
- Communicate ideas and technical findings in a written format.
- Create and use pictorial sketches and pictorial/orthographic drawings to current drawing standards as a communication technique to present ideas and data.
- Demonstrate interpersonal communication skills to develop project Outcomes.
Level 6
115.610 Engineering Management (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6101
The aim is to develop the knowledge and skills required to administer and manage projects effectively in a specific discipline of engineering.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of, and apply, the fundamentals of project planning and project management.
- Prepare and evaluate cost estimates, tender documentation and contract documentation.
- Administer and supervise contracts in accordance with the relevant Standards and/or Codes of Practice.
- Critically evaluate professional practice principles and their application to an engineering environment.
115.616 Engineering Project (Civil) (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6102
Pre-requisite: 523.413 Technical Literacy, 242.414 Materials (Civil), 242.508 Geotechnical Engineering 1 and three level 5 ENG courses, or equivalent.
The aim is to apply knowledge and problem-solving skills to plan and complete an engineering project relevant to the discipline strand studied (civil, mechanical, electrical or electronics) to accepted practice and standards from a given specification.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Develop preliminary design(s), based on a given specification, for an engineering project relevant to their discipline strand. (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Electronics)
- Develop a plan or design parameters considering functionality, safety, environmental, cultural and ethical issues.
- Undertake well-defined planning and produce as project output.
- Produce supporting documentation relevant to project output.
- Evaluate compliance of the project output against a specification.
- Present findings to an audience in a professional manner.
Courses related to this strand:
Level 4
242.519 Materials (Civil) (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE4201
The aim is to introduce the fundamentals of geological and geomorphological processes and the properties and application of a range of civil engineering materials.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Identify and describe the composition of minerals and rocks, and discuss soil and rock formation processes.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical and structural geology and interpret geological maps.
- Describe the causes and effects of earthquakes.
- Describe and evaluate the properties and applications of concrete, metals, timber and new materials in Civil Engineering.
242.520 Land Surveying 1 (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE4202
The aim is to understand and apply the theoretical and practical concepts of Land Surveying.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Understand the basic principles of land surveying and use survey instruments.
- Understand and apply fundamental principles and techniques of levelling, traversing and co-ordinate calculations, and errors distribution.
- Use equipment and apply techniques for field and distance measurements.
Level 5
242.505 Structures 1 (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE5201
Pre-requisite: 141.417 Engineering Fundamentals.
The aim is to analyse structural elements and simple structures and to design simple beams.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Calculate stresses caused by axial forces, shear forces and bending moments.
- Analyse simple structural elements and structures.
- Determine the loads on and design statically determinate steel and timber beams.
242.506 Civil & Structural Drawing (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE5202
Pre-requisite: 523.413 Technical Literacy
The aim is to develop the skills required to produce civil engineering and structural drawings.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Produce civil engineering drawings to recognised standards.
- Produce Structural concrete, steel, and timber drawings to recognised standards.
- Produce drawings using computer-aided draughting (CAD) techniques.
242.507 Highway Engineering 1 (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE5204
The aim is to introduce the fundamentals of road materials, road construction practices and road maintenance techniques, as well as the principles of drainage design.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Outline and describe road infrastructure administration agencies, road transportation funding mechanisms and principles of route location.
- Evaluate the properties and testing of road earthworks, pavement and wearing surface materials and demonstrate knowledge of road construction practice.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the components, functions and design of a surface and sub-surface drainage for roads.
- Evaluate road maintenance solutions/techniques and develop a simple road maintenance strategy.
242.508 Geotechnical Engineering 1 (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE5207
The aim is to introduce the fundamentals of soil composition, the engineering properties of soils, and site investigation procedures.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Describe soil composition and calculate soil phase ratios.
- Determine basic engineering properties of soils.
- Classify soils in the field and from laboratory results.
- Describe and evaluate methods to improve the engineering properties of soils.
- Plan geotechnical site investigations and interpret the results.
273.501 Fluid Mechanics (Civil) (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE5203
Co-requisite: 141.417 Engineering Fundamentals and 141.418 Engineering Mathematics 1
The aim is to introduce the principles of fluid mechanics and apply them in civil engineering hydraulic applications.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Understand and apply the principles of fluid statics and dynamics.
- Analyse pipelines and pipe networks.
- Analyse uniform and non-uniform open channel flow.
- Determine the operating characteristics of pumps in a range of pipeline systems.
- Demonstrate understanding of the operation and application of a range of equipment used for the measurement of fluid flow in open and closed conduits.
Level 6
242.601 Geotechnical Engineering 2 (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6201
Pre-requisite: 242.508 Geotechnical Engineering 1
The aim is to develop further knowledge of the principles and practice of geotechnical engineering.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Examine the occurrence and flow of water through soils and discuss the impact soil water has in 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.
242.602 Highway Engineering 2 (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6202
Pre-requisite: 242.507 Highway Engineering 1
The aim is to develop knowledge of road design, roading project evaluations and maintenance management.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Evaluate the feasibility of roading projects.
- Design the geometrical and structural components of a road.
- Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of asset management and road maintenance management fundamentals.
242.605 Water and Wastewater Systems (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6205
Pre-requisite: 273.501 Hydraulics (Civil)
The aim is to evaluate the requirements of, and design 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 design.
- Understand integrated water management approaches.
242.606 Water and Waste Management (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6206
Pre-requisite: 242.605 Water and Wastewater Systems
The aim is to develop knowledge and understanding of drinking water quality control parameters and treatment methods, and of current and emerging treatment technologies for 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.
- Understand and appraise the principles and practice of water treatment.
- Evaluate and apply wastewater quality parameters.
- Demonstrate knowledge of wastewater- and solid waste treatment and disposal methods.
- Critically evaluate environmental impact and Maori cultural values in relation to water supply and waste management.
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.
Further training or study
Successful completion of your first semester in the New Zealand Diploma of Engineering (Level 6) with a required grade point average of B can provide direct entry to Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Level 7).
Career opportunities
Civil Engineering Technicians work with building and construction companies, municipal and environmental authorities, mining companies, harbour boards, or civil engineering consultancies. These types of positions can involve work such as the design and construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, sewerage and water supply systems, hydro-electric power projects, river and harbour works, soil conservation and structural drawing.
This programme will prepare you for a range of jobs in engineering including:
- Geotechnical laboratory technician
- Draftsperson
- Surveyor
- Site engineer
- Civil engineering technician.
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.