Study mechanical 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 (Mechanical) (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.
Learn the hands-on skills to build and repair machines. From refrigerators to industrial equipment, you'll learn how to work with the most complex machines.
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 and 11 additional 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 (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 (Mechanical) (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6102
Pre-requisite: 523.413 Technical Literacy, 243.422 Engineering CAD 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 your chosen strand:
Level 3
141.317 Engineering Practice (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE3301
The aim is to develop an understanding of the skills involved in safely using engineering workshop machines and equipment and to develop an awareness of common manufacturing processes.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Operate safely in an engineering environment and explain the safety requirement required by the appropriate regulations.
- Operate mechanical engineering equipment.
Level 4
243.422 Engineering CAD (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE4301
Pre-requisite: 523.413 Technical Literacy
The aim is to provide students with the basic CAD draughting skills required for an engineering technician.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate correct draughting practice and the use of different views and projections.
- Produce working drawings including projections, perspective, sectional and assemble views.
- Produce 3D models of parts and assemblies and output final drawings.
- Explain the CAD/CAM manufacturing process.
Level 5
243.516 Strength of Materials 1 (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE5302
Pre-requisite: 243.423 Mechanics
The aim is to develop an understanding of the essential elements in the strengths of materials.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of complex states of stress and the effects of dynamic loadings on a mechanical system.
- Design jointing systems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of beam failure modes and calculate deflections and shear stresses.
- Calculate failure loads for concentrically loaded columns.
243.518 Electrical Fundamentals (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE5304
Recommended pre-requisite: DE4101 Engineering Fundamentals, DE4102 Engineering Mathematics 1, DE4103 Technical Literacy
To develop a sound knowledge of electrical and electronic theory and how these are applied to mechanical engineering systems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the electrical principles commonly required by mechanical engineers relating to DC, AC, and safety.
- Demonstrate an understanding of electrical and electronic components relating to amplifiers, rectifiers, transducers, DC motors, AC motors.
- Demonstrate an understanding of electrical and electronic control systems.
243.528 Mechanical Materials (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE5306
To enable students to gain an understanding of the characteristics and properties of common engineering materials and elements of biology and chemistry relevant to mechanical and process engineering.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should 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.
243.527 Mechanics(15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE5305
Recommended pre-requisite: DE4101 Engineering Fundamentals, DE4102 Engineering Mathematics 1, DE4103 Technical LiteracyTo enable students to gain an understanding of the fundamental principles and laws of mechanics.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Analyse basic theory, principles and applications f 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
- Apply the basic principles of fluid analysis.
251.502 Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE5301
Pre-requisite: 141.417 Engineering Fundamentals, 141.418 Engineering Mathematics 1, 523.413 Technical Literacy
The aim is to develop a sound basic knowledge of thermodynamic principles - including gas laws, measurement of pressure and temperature, mass and energy conservation and energy sources in the New Zealand context - and the mechanisms of heat transfer including the uses of heat exchangers. The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:- Demonstrate an understanding of thermodynamics principals for temperature, pressure, gas laws, thermal expansion, conservation of energy, change of phase, heating and thermal efficiency.
- Apply thermodynamics principals to practical applications for refrigeration, heat exchanger, and solar collectors.
- Calculate rates of heat transfer through multiple layers and combined modes.
- Evaluate and compare the sources of energy in NZ including sustainability concepts.
Level 6
243.628 Mechanics of Machines (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6302
Pre-requisite: 243.516 Strength of Materials 1
The aim is to develop an 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 term 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.
243.637 Manufacturing Processes and Production (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6310
Pre-requisite: DE5306 Mechanical Materials
To enable students to apply engineering knowledge to common manufacturing processes, including quality assurance, 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 mech. engineering manufacturing processes
- Articulate the importance of quality control
- Apply knowledge of inventory control, scheduling and queuing and simulation of the manufacturing environment
- Analyse one or more existing manufacturing processes.
251.601 Advanced Thermodynamics (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6309
Pre-requisite: 251.502 Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer
The aim is to develop a sound understanding of 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:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the laws of thermodynamics.
- Analyse common engine cycles and explain their operation and their effects on the environment.
- Demonstrate an understanding of 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.
273.601 Fluid Mechanics (15 credits)
NZBED course code: DE6301
Pre-requisite: 141.417 Engineering Fundamentals, 141.418 Engineering Mathematics 1, 243.423 Mechanics
The aim is 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:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of fluid mechanics.
- Describe and assess hydrostatic fluid applications.
- Describe and assess hydrodynamic fluid applications.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for fluid machinery.
- Produce fluid power systems (pneumatic and hydraulic) to meet operational requirements.
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
Mechanical engineering and mechanical services cover an extensive range of occupations and industries. Positions can include engineering technicians, design engineers, plant engineers and managers.
The analytical, problem solving and project management skills gained through mechanical engineering training can also be transferred to many other occupations and provide a great platform for careers in business, management and design. 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.