New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil)

Credits 240 (2.0 EFTS)

Campus Mt Albert

Career opportunities

• Civil or structural engineering employment with a civil engineering consulting practice

• Engineering laboratory operation and management

• Civil or structural engineering employment with a civil engineering contractor

• Site and project engineer

Highlights

• Unitec is the largest provider of civil engineering training in New Zealand at diploma level.

• Supported by the civil engineering industry including Engineering New Zealand.

• A step towards Engineering New Zealand membership: once you’ve gained a suitable period of work experience as a qualified civil engineer at diploma level, you’ll be eligible for Associate Membership (AIPENZ).

• Can serve as a pathway into graduate engineering qualifications.

• Focus on real-world learning: observe the day-to-day activities of engineering sites, and take part in lab work, land surveying, and workshops.

• Undertake a project where you tackle an engineering problem.

• Visiting industry experts will give you a real feel for the career opportunities available in civil engineering.

• Cross-credits available towards the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil).

Start dates February or July

Duration Full-time for two years or part-time options available

Annual fees $6,500 (NZD) (Approximate domestic fees only. Includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee levy)

The focus of this qualification is on developing the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes to perform meaningful civil engineering work.

Programme overview

Get a solid grounding in civil engineering to cleverly design, construct, operate and maintain infrastructure. Through applying mathematics and physics to civil engineering problems, you’ll learn to develop the expertise needed to successfully manage civil engineering projects.

When you graduate, you’ll be able to use your knowledge to make informed decisions and implement them, competently perform technical work using national and international standards, and apply civil engineering theory to design, contract administration and construction practice. You'll gain a solid understanding of water, structural, geotechnical and road engineering, and develop invaluable civil and structural drawing skills.

This diploma allows you to specialise in any one of the following four areas:

Structures: the design and construction of simple buildings, bridges, retaining walls and other structures.

Water Resources: the design and construction of water, wastewater and stormwater reticulation systems.

Roading: the design, construction and maintenance of roads, pavements and road drainage systems.

Geotechnical: the assessment of soil and rock structures to support civil engineering structures, designing and constructing simple soil structures and testing and monitoring earthworks.

Admission requirements

For this programme you'll need

1. NCEA Level 2 including:

• 48 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in four subjects

• This includes 12 credits in mathematics (preferably achievement standards in algebra, calculus or trigonometry).

2. 10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori (for those who achieved NCEA Level 2 prior to 2013 only).

English

If English is not your first language, you’ll need one or more of the following:

• Achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University Entrance

• Provide evidence that you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency such as IELTS

• Achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years

If you don’t meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available.

There are additional English requirements for international students – you can find more information on our website.

Other options

If you don’t meet these requirements, you’ll need one of the following:

• Completed a relevant endorsement of the Certificate in Applied Technology

• A relevant qualification at Level 3 or above on the NZQF or equivalent and demonstrate your practical abilities by providing a small portfolio of evidence.

• Equivalent credits from appropriate trades training and/or demonstrated skills and experience

For more information download the programme regulations: unitec.ac.nz/civil

International Students, please visit unitec.ac.nz/international