Why choose engineering?

Engineers make things happen. Most of today’s products and services have an engineering component, enabling us to enjoy longer, healthier, more comfortable and fulfilling lives.

From the large-scale infrastructure of the physical environment we inhabit to the virtual environment of computing and information technology, from applied research to the world of elite sports – the work of engineers has a huge impact on our lives. Here are the areas you can specialise in.

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineers use their engineering and medical knowledge to understand how the human body functions and why it sometimes fails. They work in a wide range of industries, hospitals, research facilities, and government regulatory agencies. Find out more about Biomedical Engineering.

Chemical and Material Engineering

Chemical engineers are ‘big picture’ professionals involved in the design, research and development, construction and installation, manufacturing and production processes. Converting raw materials into valuable end-products for use in our modern, technological society. They work in the dairy and food industries, pharmaceuticals, biotechnologies, paper and pulp, petrochemical, energy processing and production, semiconductors and mineral processing sectors. Find out more about Chemical and Material Engineering.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineers work on the planning, design, construction and maintenance of the things that make the modern world that we inhabit possible: skyscrapers, motorways, bridges, tunnels and dams, to name a few. They also develop structures, equipment and systems that provide practical solutions to the problems caused by increased consumption and waste as well as threats to biodiversity. Find out more about Civil Engineering.

Computer Systems Engineering

Computer systems engineers develop the software and hardware components that we depend on in our everyday lives: home automation, appliances, automobiles, factory processes, wireless and communication systems, mechatronics systems, instrumentation, embedded systems and nano-systems. Find out more about Computer Systems Engineering.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Electrical and electronic engineers design the equipment and systems that provide essential services to satisfy our high dependence on reliable power, communications and electronic systems; electric power generation, communications, wireless computing technologies, microprocessors, computer applications, and high-power electronics. Find out more about Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Engineering Science

Engineering scientists use mathematical models and advanced computing power to provide solutions to the complex decision problems faced by industrial, medical, service and business sectors. Find out more about Engineering Science.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers use science and technology to develop machines essential for everyday life through design, production and operation of mechanical devices, machinery, transportation and energy management. Find out more about Mechanical Engineering.

Mechatronics Engineering

Mechatronics engineers integrate electronic devices with mechanical systems and information technology. They are involved in the ‘smart’ evolution of computers, software, electronics, sensors and actuators to improve products, processes and services in such sectors as automotive, aerospace and machine tool industries and the defence sector. Find out more about Mechatronics Engineering.

Software Engineering

Software engineers combine their skills in computer science, engineering and maths to design, develop and test software for various functions – from mobile applications to banking, architecture, medicine and telecommunications. Find out more about Software Engineering.

Structural Engineering

Structural engineers involve infrastructure designs of all scales that are safe, functional, sustainable and economical with consideration of all natural and man-made forces and demands. Structural engineering involves solid mechanics, structural form and design, material behaviours and properties, construction project management, and geotechnical engineering. Find out more about Structural Engineering.

Are you interested in contributing to the health of our nation, the growth of our economy, or the future of our cities? Maybe you'd like to be involved in rebuilding essential infrastructure in quake-ravaged Christchurch, or design the technology to power future electric cars, or even go on to create software to track the spread of malaria in third-world countries?

If you enjoy working with people, designing solutions to problems, and using your skills to make a difference in the world, an engineering degree is the right choice for you.

If this is what you want from a career, now is the time to start your journey! Taking physics and calculus at high school can help take you to your dream career destination. We hold events like Engineering Info Evenings to further help you take the first step.

The degree takes place over a period of four years and throughout it you interact with lectures, labs and tutorials. Lectures are where you learn the theory, labs are where you practice that theory in action, and tutorials are where you have mentors help you work through any problems you may have.

If you have any concerns or queries about the degree’s entry requirements, you can have a chat with our academic services. There are also alternative pathways leading into Engineering through a variety of different pathways, whether it's studying a Bachelor of Science, studying at Summer School, or through a number of different preparation programmes. Don't hesitate to reach out to us; our academic advisors are here to help.

The University has many resources at your disposal and offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities to further help guide you on this adventure, as well as employability labs, mentors, workshops, and so much more, so you know you can comfortably hit the ground running with the support you need.

With a successful employment rate of 94%* this sees our graduates hired within twelve months, it’s a degree in high demand.

(*Data collected from QS World ranking 2022)

Auckland is home to some of the country’s largest entertainment and cultural events and boasts a diverse nightlife centred around the city and its fringe suburbs. With over 800 beaches, parks and walkways spread throughout the city, and 65 islands in the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland offers plenty of opportunities to disconnect from city life.

The University of Auckland is the highest ranked University in New Zealand. We’re continuing to invest in this reputation by growing the resources our students, staff and researchers rely on.  

All ten of our specialisations are accredited by Engineering New Zealand, a signatory to the Washington Accord. This makes our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) an internationally recognised qualification that can prepare you for work worldwide.

From food and retail to sports and recreation, there's something for everyone! Featuring six University-managed early childhood centres, libraries and learning services, Student Hubs and health services it's practically a small city of its own.

With the option of various accommodations to choose from to help make the transition into study easier than ever, the University of Auckland is the place to be.