Postgraduate study in Civil Engineering

What can you study in Civil Engineering?

We strongly value advanced research; this is reflected in the range of facilities and specialised expertise we offer, all potentially tailored to suit individual interests. Some areas of in-depth study include:

  • Advanced structural dynamics
  • Earthquake engineering
  • Excavation engineering
  • Experimental and computational geotechnical engineering
  • Fire engineering
  • Highway and pavement engineering
  • Infrastructure asset management
  • Rock mechanics
  • Seismic structural design

We are also involved in many real-world projects, with some students contributing to projects around the country, including: the Christchurch rebuild, improving transportation systems in Auckland and the rest of the country, building dams and reservoirs, and responding to natural disasters. They’re also part of the decision-making process in local and regional councils.

Entry requirements

Additional entry requirements for the Master of Civil Engineering 

Please note that you must have:

  • Completed courses in an undergraduate degree relevant to the specialisation (structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water resources engineering, transportation engineering or construction management)
  • Passed any prerequisite courses prior to enrolment in this programme
  • Satisfied any prerequisites specified for the specialisation in the Master of Civil Engineering schedule

To be eligible for the 120 point option, you must have accomplished one of the following:

  • Completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering from the University of Auckland with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 120 points above Part 3 of the programme
  • Completed the requirements for an equivalent 4-year degree qualification (BE/BTech/BS/Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil/Environmental/Water Resources/Sanitary/Structural Engineering) at an overseas institution of high standing, and at a level deemed satisfactory by the Dean of Faculty of Engineering
  • Completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering from the University of Auckland, or an equivalent degree qualification (as mentioned above) or passed with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points relevant to the civil engineering specialisation in the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering at the University of Auckland, provided that the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering has not been awarded
  • Completed the requirements for an appropriate bachelors degree (BE/BTech/BS/Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil/Environmental/Water Resources/Sanitary/Structural Engineering) at a level deemed satisfactory by the Dean of Faculty of Engineering

To be eligible for the 180 point option, you must have:

  • Completed the requirements for an appropriate bachelors degree (BE/BTech/BS/Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil/Environmental/Water Resources/Sanitary/Structural Engineering), at a level deemed satisfactory by the Dean of Faculty of Engineering
  • Passed with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points relevant to the specialisation in the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering from the University of Auckland, provided that the you have not been awarded the PGCertEng

Important requirements for international students

  • All international applicants should ensure that they meet all the programme’s entry requirements. You should only proceed with your application if your GPA matches or exceeds the requirements for your country listed in the engineering programme of your choice. Please do not apply if your GPA is below the minimum entry requirements, but consider the alternative study options that may be offered as a pathway into your preferred programme.
  • You are strongly advised to consider visa application times. Please be aware of the student visa processing times in your home country and submit the documentation needed well ahead of the Faculty of Engineering's programme application deadlines. For processing times, contact the New Zealand High Commission/Embassy or your education agent.
  • Applicants applying for their second masters degree need to be aware that additional assessment requirements will take extra time. The Faculty of Engineering is required to assess your previous masters degree courses to ensure that they do not overlap with your selected courses in the University of Auckland programme that you have expressed interest in. You must therefore allow more time for your application to be processed, and be aware that further documentations may be required. Submit your application well in advance of the deadline if this is your situation, as you may also need to take into account visa application times.

The newly created Master of Civil Engineering is now available, register today

Help and advice

For course descriptions, please refer to the University of Auckland Calendar

For general student enquiries, please contact the Student Hubs. If you would like further academic information, you can contact a Postgraduate Adviser.