Study electrical 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 (Electrical) (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 an engineering technician – an area critical to the economy in New Zealand and overseas.
You'll learn broad skills in electrical engineering and develop specialist knowledge in power.
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.
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 nine compulsory courses and seven additional courses related to your specialisation (240 credits):
Compulsory courses:
NZDE compulsory
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 (Electrical) (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6102
Pre-requisite: 523.413 Technical Literacy, 115.610 Engineering Management, and three level 5 ENG courses, or equivalent.
Clinical engineering requirement: In order to undertake the project course to complete this programme you may be required to undergo police vetting.
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.
Electrical strand
Level 4
523.415 Electrical and Electronic Applications (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE4402
Pre-requisite: 523.418 Electrical Principles; Co-requisite: 523.529 Electronic Principles
The aim is to apply theoretical knowledge and understanding of general fundamental electronic principles.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of Engineering drawing and simulation packages.
- Demonstrate an understanding and apply fundamental principles of electronic switching supplies.
- Carry out safe working practices in an Electrical environment.
- Describe and apply diagnostic processes to faults in electrotechnology equipment.
- Construct and test an electrotechnology product.
523.418 Electrical Principles (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE4401
The aim is to provide the students with an understanding of general electrical and power circuit theory principles and skills required for subsequent courses.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Explain and apply the fundamental principles of DC theory.
- Explain and apply the fundamental principles of AC theory.
- Explain and apply the fundamental principles of the basic three-phase theory.
- Demonstrate the use of electrical measuring equipment.
Level 5
521.505 Computer Aided Drawing - Electrical (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE5423
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the electrical CAD draughting skills required for an electrical engineering technician.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Interpret electrical drawings
- Plan and demonstrate correct electrical draughting practice
- Produce working drawings for electrical projects
- Use CAD software to produce project documentation.
523.529 Electronic Principles (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE5403
The aim is to provide the students with an understanding of general electronics and the basic building blocks of electronics as required for subsequent courses.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of circuit theorems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of, and apply fundamental principles of digital electronics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of, and apply fundamental principles of power supplies.
- Demonstrate an understanding of, and apply fundamental principles of analogue electronics.
- Demonstrate the use of electronic measuring equipment.
Courses related to the power specialisation:
Power
Level 5
523.522 Power Engineering (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE5401
Pre-requisite: 523.418 Electrical Principles
Co-requisite:523.529 Electronic Principles
The aim is to develop an understanding of three-phase circuit theory as applied to power engineering and ELV earthing and protection systems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of three-phase circuit theory.
- Perform calculations using power in AC circuits.
- Describe the electricity distribution industry meters and metering methods.
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic earthing and power system protection for ELV/LV installations.
- Demonstrate knowledge of electrical and building reticulation system types.
523.524 Electrical Machines (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE5404
Pre-requisite: 141.418 Engineering Mathematics 1, 523.418 Electrical Principles, 523.529 Electronic Principles
The aim is to develop an understanding of the theory and application of single and three-phase electrical machines
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of transformer theory (single and three-phase to 11kV, & vector groups).
- Demonstrate knowledge of DC motor and generator operation with appropriate speed control systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and apply the theory of AC SQIM and WRIM induction motors.
- Demonstrate knowledge of AC motor speed control (DOL, star-delta, Primary resistance, autotransformer, soft-starter, VFD/VSD).
- Demonstrate knowledge of mechanical gearboxes, toothed and V belt systems as may be applied to reduce the speed of an electric motor.
- Demonstrate knowledge of AC motor selection for typical applications.
- Demonstrate knowledge of operating an induction synchronous motor as a generator.
- Demonstrate knowledge of typical single-phase AC and fractional horsepower motors (capacitor start and run, split phase, shaded pole, servo and stepper).
- Demonstrate knowledge of single-phase AC speed control systems.
527.518 PLC Programming 1 (15 credits)
The aim is to develop understanding and application skills for the programming of PLCs in solving simple industrial problems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of programmable logic controller hardware concepts.
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of programmable logic controller software concepts.
- Demonstrate knowledge of systems associated with PLCs.
- Demonstrate and apply to a real world problem any three of 6 IEC61131 programming languages, but typically – ladder, function block, and SFC.
You must choose one of the following:
524.510 Instrumentation and Controls 1 (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE5417
Pre-requisite: 141.417 Engineering Fundamentals, 141.418 Engineering Mathematics 1, 523.418 Electrical Principles, 523.529 Electronic Principles
The aim is to develop an understanding of intermediate knowledge of industrial measurement and control system engineering.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of transmitters and standard transmission signals (e.g. temperature, strain, pressure, flow, level, speed and position and transmission signals 4-20mA, 2-10V DC, 1-5V DC).
- Describe and apply feedback control systems principles and basic block diagrams.
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of actuators and associated control valves. (electric, pneumatic and hydraulic).
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of controller strategies (on/off, two-step, floating-point, time proportioning, P, PI, PD, PID).
- Demonstrate knowledge of controller stability & tuning methods (quarter amplitude, ultimate sensitivity, lag and lead compensation and reaction curve).
Or
527.615 PLC Programming 2 (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6411
Pre-requisite: 513.512 Introduction to Networks
The aim is to develop an understanding of, and advanced knowledge of PLC systems, applications, and programming methods.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of and use PLCs in advanced practical applications.
- Describe and implement advanced input/output modules, communication methods, and control systems relevant to PLCs.
Level 6
525.614 Power Systems 1 (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6401
Pre-Requisite: 523.418 Electrical Principles, 141.418 Engineering Mathematics 1
The aim is to provide the students with an understanding of three-phase power systems with an emphasis on generation, distribution and transmission systems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Describe the New Zealand Power System and explain key aspects e.g. system control, basic terminology (GXP, GIP, infinite bus, frequency and load control, spinning reserve, control periods, ripple and load control methods)
- Describe the types of generation systems in use in NZ (large scale >1000kW – hydro, geothermal, thermal, co-generation). (I.e. an overview)
- Describe the transmission system (aerial, towers, HVDC).
- Describe the distribution system (up to 66kV, cables and aerial, district and zone substations).
- Describe the application of power transformers in a MV and HV environment.
- Describe the process of generator synchronisation.
- Earthing systems for MV and HV networks (direct, isolated, NER, GFN).
- Describe and apply the process of current interruption and selection of appropriate switchgear.
- Describe and apply basic SLD design and perform basic fault levels (e.g. up to 4 generators, 4 transformers and 2 feeders).
525.616 Protection (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6420
Pre-requisite: 141.418 Engineering Mathematics 1, 523.418 Electrical Principles
The aim is to provide the students with an understanding of electrical power system fault protection concepts for both MV & HV systems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate and understand the operating principles of CTs and VTs in terms of various connection types and industry practice.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of protection concepts for generators, aerial conductors, power cables, transformers, busbars and motors.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various fault types that occur in electrical power systems both LV, MV and HV.
- Describe the operation and application of the different power system protection equipment types under common protection scenarios.
- Demonstrate awareness of safety considerations and safe working practices in relation to power protection equipment.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of digital protection and control systems and basic substation design.
533.625 Sustainable Energy & Power Electronics (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6421
Pre-requisite: 141.418 Engineering Mathematics 1, 523.418 Electrical Principles, 523.529 Electronic Principles
The aim is to develop an understanding of the concepts and applications of power electronics including basic converter types and applications involving small scale renewable energy systems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Describe power switching devices.
- Describe power conversion systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge of AC to DC conversion.
- Demonstrate knowledge of DC to AC and DC to DC conversion.
- Demonstrate knowledge of AC to AC conversion.
- Describe knowledge of Power Control Applications.
- Demonstrate knowledge of small to medium scale renewable energy systems covering up to 100kW.
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
Electrical engineering technicians interpret the designs and technical instructions of electrical engineers, then ensure they are accurately carried out. They also develop, install, test and maintain equipment that produces, transmits or uses power. Electrical engineering technicians work for companies that install, service and maintain electrical networks. These include electrical maintenance and contracting companies, power-generation companies, engineering firms and the Defence Force. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz
“My advice, just do it. The lecturers will do their utmost to help you succeed.
I'm just a kid from South Auckland who has always been portrayed as the guy with no future from everyone around me. I was even asked to drop out of high school as my teachers saw no academic hope in me but at the end of the day as long as you truly believe in yourself you can literally accomplish anything in this world. So, I highly recommend anyone who thinks they're ‘too dumb’ to be an engineer to just go for it, cancel out the noise and put in the work, put in hours and I promise you, your success will speak for itself.
I’m now a Graduate Design Estimator responsible for electrical distribution design, estimating, tendering, and pricing for customer-initiated projects. My role involves developing electrical design and liaising with multiple internal and external stakeholders to ensure the design are feasible. The typical projects I am regularly involved with include supplying power at proposed new subdivisions, distribution network upgrades, downgrades and new capacity projects on Vectors Electrical Distribution network in Auckland
I attended high school through to the end of year 12. At the start of year 13, I decided to leave school to study the Electrical Engineering Certificate (Level 3) at MIT. This helped me into the electrical industry which ultimately helped me secure an Electrical Engineering cadetship with Northpower – where I gained practical experience out on the field whilst completing my electrical engineering diploma, specialising in power. MIT was a great experience for me – both in the diploma I completed through the Northpower cadetship, as well as my certificate in electrical engineering.
The diverse culture makes MIT unique. No matter where you are from MIT makes you feel a part of the family. The lecturers go above and beyond to help you succeed. The knowledge they possess, and the industry experience is next to none. Carrying this real-life industry experience meant there was not a single query my lecturers did not have a solution for. With their help, relating the practical and theoretical side of the electrical industry was a lot easier than I initially expected. The practical assessments are almost like a real-life simulation of what's really out there, and the lecturers are always available to give you extra help when you need it outside of tuition hours, which was really the bread and butter for me. They really want to see their students succeed and go out of their way to help make that happen. Performing university level maths and physics almost seemed impossible as I had no prior high school/calculus experience but MIT made the whole learning experience achievable with the tremendous amount of support I felt from them.
The MIT qualification gave me the much-needed knowledge and experience to get myself in the door and start my journey as an upcoming engineer. Relating the practical side with the theoretical was a breeze with the support I received from MIT. I still use my skills and knowledge from MIT on a daily basis to perform my daily work tasks. These aren't just skills I've learnt to get a qualification but in fact skills I will use throughout my whole career.
I really want to set an example and inspire the upcoming generation and really show them that anything is possible. My ultimate goal is to be an experienced leader in the industry and head into more complex roles such as project management.
The electrical industry is a never-ending profession and the career progressions available to you are endless. The challenges you will face throughout your career will only help you grow as a person."
Ashnil Datt
MIT graduate
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
“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 the first Māori female in my family to actually be doing engineering. I never thought of doing electricity when I was growing up, no one in my family is in the industry until now, so I'm sort of like the first of my family. My Mum is very proud when she sees me in my gear. She always comments to my sisters and my family “oh, she has such an awesome job”. I just love seeing how happy they are for me.
We gain so much knowledge while we're on our course studying. We have a small class so we're able to bounce off each other. I also love that in a small class I’m able to talk to my teacher one-on-one.
My long-term career goal is obviously to become an engineer. I reckon that’s an awesome opportunity."
You can read Alyssa's full story below:
Alyssa Paki
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.