Study for a degree in mechanical engineering
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 3 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
Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Mechanical) (Level 7)Programme code: MN4331 -
Credits
360 -
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 technologist – an area critical to the economy in New Zealand and overseas.
You'll get hands-on skills in designing and manufacturing tools, engines, and machines.
You'll also learn specialist skills in:
- Fluid mechanics
- Strength of materials
- Thermodynamics
- Heat transfer.
When you graduate, you'll have the skills to get a well-paid job as an engineering technologist or technician.
Entry requirements
Applicants must meet the following entry requirements:
Academic
University Entrance – NCEA Level 3 including:
- Three subjects at Level 3 including:
- Physics with a minimum of 14 credits;
- Calculus with a minimum of 14 credits; and
- One other subject from the list of approved subjects*.
- Literacy – 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of five credits in reading, five credits in writing;
- Numeracy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627);
Or
- Equivalent academic qualifications (equivalent academic qualifications may include University B Bursary with 45% or more in both Physics and Calculus or algebra);
Or
- Equivalent Cambridge score;
Or
- Equivalent International Baccalaureate.
*NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance
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
EAL students must meet the minimum academic entry requirements and have achieved an overall band score (Academic) of 6.0 IELTS, (writing and speaking score no less than 6.0 and reading and listening bands no 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 meet the greatest number of criteria will be the preferred applicants. Should the number of applicants who meet the selection process requirements exceed the available places; the professional judgement of staff will be used to determine those given immediate entry and those placed on a waiting list.
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 23 courses (360 credits):
Level 5
114.508 Engineering Design & Drawing (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG5005
The aim is to enable students to gain an understanding of engineering design, drawing practice and modelling in an applied context.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Describe the stages of the design process.
- Apply the principles, standards, and techniques of design and drawing used in engineering contexts.
- Use models and drawings to meet given briefs and communicate outcomes of solutions.
124.503 Mechanics (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG5002
The aim is to enable students to gain an understanding of the fundamental principles and laws of mechanics.
On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
- Analyse basic theory, principles and application of forces and moments in mechanics and engineering
- Calculate indirect stresses (bending and torsion) in mechanical components and select appropriate sections from standard tables
- Analyse the forces, moments, torques, work and energy, including conservation of energy, resulting from linear acceleration, rotational acceleration and centripetal acceleration.
- Analyse the basic principles of fluids analysis.
141.517 Engineering Mathematics Level 5 (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG5004
The aim is to enable students to gain an understanding of general mathematical principles and equip them with appropriate engineering mathematical skills to solve engineering problems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Analyse graphs.
- Manipulate and solve algebraic expressions and equations.
- Manipulate and apply complex numbers.
- Use matrices to solve problems.
- Apply differentiation and integration of mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems.
- Derive and solve differential equations.
181.518 Engineering Communication (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG5003
The aim is to enable students to communicate effectively in their professional environment.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Write effective reports.
- Design relevant documentation.
- Make effective presentations.
- Give and receive clear instructions.
- Research and reference to support the field of study.
243.520 Mechanical Materials (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG5028
The aim is to enable students to gain an understanding of the characteristics and properties of common engineering materials and elements of chemistry relevant to mechanical and process engineering.
On the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic materials science chemistry
- Describe and test properties of materials used in mechanical engineering.
- Describe and specify methods to change engineering material properties.
- Determine and apply selection criteria for engineering materials.
- Identify and explain likely causes of material failure.
243.521 Strength of Materials 1 (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG5029
Pre-requisite: 124.503 Engineering Mechanics, 141.514 Engineering Mathematics 1
The aim is to enable students to develop problem-solving skills in relation to the strength of materials.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Identify modes of failure in components.
- Determine safe working stresses for components.
- Analyse components in terms of principles of strength of materials.
251.503 Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG5030
Pre-requisite: 141.514 Engineering Mathematics 1
The aim is to enable students to learn thermodynamic principles and systems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Describe methods of energy production and their environmental effects.
- Explain and apply the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
- Discuss the properties and characteristics of thermodynamic systems.
502.514 Engineering Computing (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG5001
The aim is to enable students to develop an understanding of computing principles and their use in engineering practice.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Solve engineering problems using an engineering maths and analysis package.
- Develop a program to a specification by devising, coding and testing an algorithm to solve a specified problem.
- Use software packages, including spreadsheets, database and discipline-specific software to produce engineering solutions.
523.526 Electrical Principles (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG5034
The aim is to enable students to understand the general electrical and power circuit theory principles and skills.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Apply the fundamental principles of DC theory.
- Apply the fundamental principles of AC theory.
- Apply the fundamental principles of the basic three-phase theory.
- Use electrical measuring equipment.
Level 6
523.613 Engineering Project (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6136
Pre-requisite: MG5003 Engineering Communication AND MG5005 Engineering Design and Drawing AND A minimum of 45 Level 5 credits from major specific courses
To apply knowledge and problem-solving skills to plan and complete an engineering project relevant to the strand studied (mechanical, electrical or electronics) to accepted practice and standards from a given specification.
On successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Develop preliminary design(s), based on a given specification, for an engineering project relevant to their strand (mechanical, electrical, 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 specification.
- Present findings to an audience in a professional manner.
115.619 Engineering Management (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6103
Pre-requisite: 181.518 Engineering Communication
The aim is to develop the knowledge and skills required to administer and manage projects effectively in a specific strand of engineering.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Identify the parties involved in an engineering project and evaluate the roles and responsibilities that each has.
- Apply the fundamentals of project management to a well-defined engineering project.
- Appraise the procurement process, evaluate contract documentation and prepare cost estimates for a well-defined engineering project.
- Demonstrate how to administer and supervise projects, contracts and engineering works in accordance with the relevant standards and/or codes of practice.
- Critically evaluate professional practice principles and their application to an engineering environment.
142.603 Mathematics Level 6 (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6190
Pre-requisite: 141.814 Engineering Maths Level 5 MG5004
The aim is to enable students to understand advanced calculus, and develop the ability to formulate and solve models of complex engineering and scientific systems.
On the successful completion of this course student will be able to:
- Use and apply vectors, vector calculus and advanced calculus.
- Use and apply mathematical transforms including Fourier series and Laplace transforms.
- Use and apply probability and statistical techniques.
- Use and apply numerical methods.
241.609 Applied Computational Modelling (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6039
Pre-requisite: 243.627 Fluid Mechanics, 243.634 Strength of Materials 2
The aim is to enable students to analyse engineering components and systems and to solve engineering problems using various computerised tools.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Use and apply mathematical software packages to solve problems.
- Use and apply a computer-aided design and analysis software package for stress analysis and computational fluid dynamics and compare with real-world measurement.
- Use spreadsheets and databases for advanced engineering computations.
241.612 Manufacturing Processes & Production (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6044
Pre-requisite: 243.520 Materials Science
The aim is to enable students to apply engineering knowledge to common manufacturing processes, including quality control, inventory control, and scheduling and queuing.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Select mechanical engineering manufacturing processes for products.
- Select equipment and tooling to support mechanical engineering manufacturing processes.
- Apply knowledge of quality management principles.
- Analyse one or more manufacturing processes including their environmental and societal impacts.
243.620 Mechanics of Machines (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6033
Pre-requisite: 124.503 Engineering Mechanics, 141.514 Engineering Mathematics 1
The aim is to enable students to develop understanding to solve complex problems involved with machinery dynamics such as power transmission, balancing, noise, and lubrication systems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Identify dynamic loads in rotational equipment and explain the need for balance and how it is achieved.
- Analyse mechanical systems to determine natural frequencies and the effects of resonance.
- Explain acoustic terms and solve for noise level and noise attenuation in an engineering environment.
- Explain gear terminology. Solve velocity ratios and forces in gear systems.
- Analyse power transmission components for life, force and application.
271.603 Fluid Mechanics (Mech) (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6032
The aim is to enable students to understand and apply the principles of fluid statics and dynamics to common engineering problems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Analyse and generate solutions using the basic principles of fluid mechanics.
- Describe and assess hydrostatic fluid applications.
- Describe and assess hydrodynamic fluid applications.
- Evaluate the requirements for fluid machinery.
- Produce fluid power systems (pneumatic and hydraulic) to meet operational requirements.
243.634 Strength of Materials 2 (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6038
Pre-requisite: 243.521 Strength of Materials 1
The aim is to enable students to apply problem-solving skills to the strength of materials.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Apply advanced knowledge of components in terms of principles of strength of materials.
- Apply appropriate design standards for engineering problems.
- Test and analyse systems under load.
251.602 Advanced Thermodynamics (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6037
Pre-requisite: 251.503 Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer
The aim is to develop a sound understanding in the theory and application of thermodynamics, especially as related to heat engines, air compressors, nozzles, steam plant, and energy conservation plant/principles.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Select and apply appropriate laws of thermodynamics.
- Analyse common engine cycles and explain their operation and their effects on the environment.
- Analyse air compressors, nozzles, steam plant, energy conservation plant/principles.
- Analyse refrigeration/heat pump cycles.
- Outline HVAC system operation and equipment and determine heating, cooling and dehumidifying loads.
- Determine air/fuel ratios and exhaust analysis for common fuels and describe their handling requirements.
Level 7
115.719 Engineering Development Project (30 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7101
Pre-requisite: minimum of 45 Level 6 credits
*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
Pre-requisite: 181.518 Engineering Computing
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.
243.703 Energy Engineering (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7022
Pre-requisite: 251.602 Advanced Thermodynamics
The aim is to enable students to undertake a critical evaluation of energy use, energy efficiency and alternative sources of energy for specific engineering applications.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Discuss and compare various types of energy resources and the principles for converting from one form to another.
- Analyse and evaluate energy use over the lifecycle of a product or project.
- Collect data from thermodynamic systems and evaluate the performance of the system.
- Evaluate the global considerations of energy production, management and conservation including the environmental and economic impact of common fuels.
271.701 Fluids Power & Advanced Fluid Mechanics (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7024
Pre-requisite: 243.627 Fluid Mechanics
The aim is to enable students to analyse specific problems, design solutions and evaluate fluid power systems in industrial engineering applications.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Analyse and design hydrostatic and hydrodynamic fluid systems.
- Analyse and design fluid power systems.
- Evaluate the performance of fluid power systems.
341.755 Project Management (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7025
Pre-requisite:115.613 Engineering Management Principles
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
Pre-requisite: 115.613 Engineering Management Principles
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.
Accreditation by Engineering New Zealand (EngNZ) confirms that the Bachelor of Engineering Technology meets national and international benchmarked standards for first degrees for professional engineers in South Africa, USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand. EngNZ accreditation also provides recognition for professional membership and registration/licensing purposes in those countries.
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
Upon completion of this programme, students can continue towards:
Career opportunities
You may find employment as an engineering technologist or 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.
"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
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.