Pre-diploma engineering
Engineering foundation study
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 17 teaching weeks, part-time available.
The maximum time to complete this programme part-time is 1 year. -
Start dates
February, July
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Qualification
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) Pre Diploma EngineeringProgramme code: NZ2863 -
Credits
60 -
Locations
MIT TechPark
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Entry requirements
Open entry
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Domestic fees
$3,600 (approx.)
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International fees
NZD $13,000 (approx.)
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Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
Programme highlights
This programme will help you on your journey towards further study in engineering.
Develop academic skills and independent study and self-management skills by working on a series of interesting projects.
Literacy and numeracy skills are included in the projects and prepare students for further academic study or occupational options in a career pathway of your choice.
Our classrooms are supportive learning environments that promote independence and confidence.
This programme is the pathway to the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical) (Level 6).
You may be required to complete literacy and numeracy assessments as part of this programme.
Entry requirements
General
Open entry for domestic students
There are no academic requirements that need to be met to enter this programme.
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/
International students will generally be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency, for this programme an IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 is required. Equivalent acceptable evidence can be seen at the following NZQA link: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/
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 four courses (60 credits):
141.322 Mathematics in practice (15 credits)
The purpose of this course is to develop and expand the students’ knowledge and understanding of numeracy through real-world learning experiences in order to meet the varied demands of their personal life, study and intended employment destination.
181.338 Communication in practice (15 credits)
The purpose of this course is to develop and expand the students’ knowledge and understanding of literacy through real-world learning experiences in order to meet the varied demands of their personal life, study and intended employment destination.
Pathway projects
Pathway projects is split into two courses:
161.315 Pathway projects – CAD (15 credits)
The purpose of this course is to enable students to progressively apply, consolidate and demonstrate the skills and knowledge developed in computer-aided design (CAD) and the numeracy and literacy courses through authentic learning experiences in order to meet the varied demands of their personal life, study and intended employment destination.
161.316 Pathway projects – workshop practice (15 credits)
The purpose of this course is to enable students to progressively apply, consolidate and demonstrate the skills and knowledge developed in the workshop practice and the numeracy and literacy courses through authentic learning experiences in order to meet the varied demands of their personal life, study and intended employment destination.
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
New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical) (Level 6).
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.
"I chose to study engineering because I am fascinated by electricity. When I see large factories, I wonder how some of their processes are automated, I wanted to learn and have the knowledge to do that. So for me, MIT was the best fit. I learnt the practical skills needed to get a job when I graduated.
My decision to study engineering has given me job security, I am an automation control specialist and the skills that I learned at MIT directly transferred to my role."
Shiraaz Yakub
MIT graduate
"My passion is to invent something that will be useful to people. I like problem-solving. I like the logic and skills that are taught – so I chose to study mechanical engineering at MIT.
The lecturers at MIT were very helpful, whenever I have an issue I could approach them, and they were always ready to help me.
The things that I learnt in class will help me in the future. Being a mechanical engineer, I need to learn the practice and theory. I would encourage anyone to consider studying at MIT."
Ashutosh Jaisankar
MIT graduate
"I’ve been working as a fitter and turner for my entire life and now that I’m getting a bit older I want to get off the tools, so I chose to study engineering. What I liked about studying here is the interaction you can have with the tutors. They are approachable and they really know their stuff.
Engineering is a great field to be in, it just bleeds off into so many different areas. You can be anything once you have an engineering diploma. It doesn’t pigeonhole you into one specific task.
With a diploma in mechanical engineering, I intend to work at a manufacturing plant in the engineering office. I could even go a bit further and work into being an engineering manager."
Peter Gould
MIT graduate
“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?
Youth Guarantee: Free study for Level 3 may be available for 16 to 24 year olds (Youth Guarantee). 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 13 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.