Program Overview

Bachelor of Engineering with Honours

The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) is a four-year professional degree accredited by Engineering New Zealand, allowing graduates to work as professionally qualified engineers worldwide.

Introduction

Engineers design the future, providing innovative solutions to meet modern world needs. From buildings and bridges to apps and smart devices, engineering technologies are everywhere. The BE(Hons) degree offers hands-on learning for work as a professionally qualified engineer.

What Will My Study Involve?

• Design, build, use, and improve engineering technology.
• Access modern engineering labs and computer and testing facilities.
• Enjoy a flexible first year that keeps various discipline options open for the next three years of study.
• Combine Engineering studies with other degrees through UC's Engineering Conjoint degrees to complete two different subject areas in one.

Entry Requirements

See the Regulations for the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours for all information on enrolling at UC. There are multiple entry options for the BE(Hons):

• NCEA: Aim for at least 14 credits in Level 3 maths or calculus (including differentiation and integration), 14 credits in Level 3 physics, and 14 credits in Level 3 chemistry.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: Minimum of 4 HL (or 5 SL) in maths, minimum of 4 HL (or 6 SL) in physics, and minimum of 4 HL (or 6 SL) in chemistry.
• Cambridge International Examination (CIE): Maths and physics D grade or better at A level or A in AS level, chemistry D grade or better at A level or A in AS level.
• Introductory pathway: If not enough credits were achieved, take introductory courses in specific subjects to start with.
• International transition pathway: International students can transition via the Diploma in University Studies (International) programme.

Degree Structure

The BE(Hons) requires a minimum of 480 points:

• 75 points of compulsory courses (plus two 0-point compulsory courses)
• 45 points of first-year engineering courses
• 360 points of engineering discipline courses. The first year includes nine courses (120 points), with six compulsory courses and three first-year courses varying by intended discipline. The first year is followed by three years of study in one engineering discipline. Some disciplines offer the opportunity to include a minor subject.

Limited Entry into Second Year

Entry into one of the eight engineering disciplines is competitive, based on GPA obtained during the first year and available spaces for each discipline.

Physical Requirements

Some engineering courses involve practical activities requiring manual dexterity, including laboratory work, use of machine tools, and extensive use of computer equipment.

Conjoint Degrees

A conjoint degree allows combining the BE(Hons) with another bachelor's degree from UC, providing an accelerated path for high achievers to earn two degrees simultaneously in just five years.

Double Degrees

It is possible to study a BE(Hons) alongside other degrees at the same time, such as the Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Science.

Subjects and Courses

The BE(Hons) includes introductory courses in engineering mathematics, computer science, and physics, and advanced courses and work placements in an engineering specialization. Compulsory courses in the first year include:

• ENGR100 Engineering Academic Skills
• ENGR101 Foundations of Engineering
• EMTH118 Engineering Mathematics 1A
• EMTH119 Engineering Mathematics 1B
• PHYS101 Engineering Physics A: Mechanics, Waves, Electromagnetism and Thermal Physics
• COSC131 Introduction to Programming for Engineers
• Three 100-level courses based on the intended discipline choice

Engineering Disciplines

UC offers the following disciplines within the BE(Hons):

• Chemical and Process Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Forest Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Software Engineering

Engineering Minors

Some disciplines have a minor subject available:

• Aerospace Engineering within Mechanical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering within Mechanical Engineering
• Bioprocess Engineering within Chemical and Process Engineering
• Communications and Network Engineering within Computer Engineering
• Environmental Process Engineering within Chemical and Process Engineering
• Power Engineering within Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Structural Engineering within Civil Engineering
• Sustainable Energy Engineering within Chemical and Process Engineering
• Water and Environmental Systems Engineering within Civil Engineering

Fees

• Domestic students:
  • First Year 2025 tuition fee estimate: $8,458 per 120 points
  • Second-Fourth Years 2025 tuition fee estimate: $8,977 per 120 points
• International students:
  • First Year 2025 tuition fee estimate: $45,665 per 120 points
  • Second-Fourth Years 2025 tuition fee estimate: $49,900 per 120 points

Further Study

UC has a wide range of options for postgraduate Engineering study, including certificates, master's degrees, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Careers

Graduates will spend around 100 days (800 hours) on practical work placements as part of their degree, gaining skills in communication, report writing, ethics, sustainability, safety, and interacting with clients and customers. All UC engineering degrees are accredited by Engineering New Zealand, qualifying students for student membership.