Program Overview

Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical)

Overview

Prepare for an exciting career in electrical design and development. Our Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) Electrical Major is a three-year degree comprising of core and elective courses, with a focus on the design and implementation of engineering technology. The BEngTech (Electrical) is fully accredited by Engineering New Zealand (EngNZ) and is recognised internationally under the Sydney Accord.

What will I study

In your first year of study, you'll develop core engineering skills in computing, mathematics, management, and the engineering sciences, plus some discipline-specific topics. This forms the foundation upon which you will build your degree. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation will be a key part of your success.

In your second and third years, you'll continue to deepen your understanding in electrical engineering and engage in projects to apply your knowledge. A capstone project is run with close ties to industry, with many projects being sponsored by key industry parties. This offers the chance to test your skills against industry standards in a real-world scenario, while building your professional portfolio and developing important industry contacts.

Pathway

• Part-time up to 10 years

Details

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $8,085 - $8,995 per year
• International Fee: $29,120 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• New Zealand University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 which must include:
  • 14 credits at Level 3 in each of: Physics, Calculus, and one other subject from the list of approved subjects*
  • Literacy*: 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing
  • Numeracy*: 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)

Alternative Requirements

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work, and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

• 5.5 Listening
• 5.5 Reading
• 6.0 Writing
• 6.0 Speaking

Core courses

Level 5

• Engineering Computing (MG5001) - 15 credits
• Mechanics (MG5002) - 15 credits
• Engineering Communication (MG5003) - 15 credits
• Engineering Maths Level 5 (MG5004) - 15 credits
• Engineering Design and Drawing (MG5005) - 15 credits
• Elements of Power Engineering (MG5016) - 15 credits
• Electrical Machines (MG5017) - 15 credits
• PLC Programming 1 (MG5018) - 15 credits
• Electronics 1 (MG5019) - 15 credits
• Microcontroller Systems 1 (MG5020) - 15 credits
• Electronics Manufacturing 1 (MG5021) - 15 credits
• Electrical Principles (MG5034) - 15 credits
• Electronic Principles (MG5035) - 15 credits

Level 6

• PLC Programming 2 (MG6019) - 15 credits
• Electronics 2 (MG6021) - 15 credits
• Microcontroller Systems 2 (MG6022) - 15 credits
• Electronics Manufacturing 2 (MG6023) - 15 credits
• Computer Programming 2 (MG6025) - 15 credits
• Fluid Mechanics (MECH) (MG6032) - 15 credits
• Mechanics of Machines (MG6033) - 15 credits
• Protection (MG6047) - 15 credits
• High Power Electric Motors for Transport (MG6052) - 15 credits
• Engineering Management (MG6103) - 15 credits
• Power Distribution (MG6117) - 15 credits
• Engineering Project (MG6136) - 15 credits
• Mathematics 2 (MG6190) - 15 credits

Level 7

• Building Information Modelling (BIM) (BABM701) - 15 credits
• CAD Visualisation and Presentation (DCVP700) - 15 credits
• Embedded Systems (MG7013) - 15 credits
• Project Management (MG7025) - 15 credits
• Risk Management (MG7026) - 15 credits
• Engineering Development Project A (MG7101A) - 15 credits
• Engineering Development Project B (MG7101B) - 15 credits
• Power Systems (MG7110) - 15 credits
• Professional Engineering Practice (MG7121) - 15 credits

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical) has been fully accredited by the Engineering New Zealand (EngNZ) and is recognised to international standards under the Sydney Accord.

You will be in demand with this degree working in sectors such as power distribution, electronic design, computing, computer networking, mechatronics, and telecommunications.

On graduation, you will be eligible to join EngNZ as a graduate member.

Study pathways

After successfully completing a Bachelor of Engineering Technology, you can complement your qualification with an Ara Graduate Diploma.

Recommended school subjects

• Mathematics
• English
• Physics

Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical)

• FULL-TIME - 3 Years (Part-time options available)