Postgraduate study in Engineering Science

The Department of Engineering Science and Biomedical Engineering has an outstanding reputation for the quality of its research activities, with strong collaborative ties to the Geothermal Institute and the Auckland Bioengineering Institute.

The nature of this specialisation means that you’ll likely explore applications within major methodological areas, including Operations Research and Computational Mechanics. You’ll be equipped with problem-solving, modelling, analytical and computing skills that are relevant to many global industries.

Some research areas include:

• Network design and simulation
• Vehicle routing for uncertain weather
• Integer programming and applications
• Treatment planning
• Fluid flow in geothermal reservoirs
• Wind-flow modelling for the design of wind farms
• Petroleum reservoir engineering, such as well testing and reservoir simulation and characterisation

• Please note that all entry requirements for your chosen programme still apply.
• You may qualify for postgraduate study in Engineering Science if you have a suitable undergraduate degree in Engineering, Science or Mathematics.

Important requirements for international students

• If you are an international applicant, you should ensure that you meet all the programme’s entry requirements. You should only proceed with your application if your GPA matches or exceeds the requirements listed for your country. 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 and Design's programme application deadlines. For processing times, contact the New Zealand High Commission/Embassy or your education agent.
• If you are applying for your second masters degree, you need to be aware that additional assessment requirements will take extra time. The Faculty of Engineering and Design is required to assess your previous masters degree courses to ensure that they do not overlap with the 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 documentation may be required. Submit your application well in advance of the deadline if this is your situation, as you may also need to take visa application times into account.

“My Programme Requirements” is a feature in Student Services Online that tells you what the academic requirements are for your programme.

It shows you what courses you are enrolled in, what courses you have passed and what courses you can take to complete your degree. For more information, see How to view your programme requirements.

For detailed course information and advice please refer to your programme regulations in the University of Auckland Calendar or visit one of our Student Hubs.

Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering

This is a flexible programme that can be structured around your engineering interests. Find out more

Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering

This is a 120-point Taught programme. You will need to complete a minimum of 90-points of courses in Engineering Science from the list provided under the Master of Engineering Studies (excludes research projects). The remaining 30-points can also be selected from this list, or you may choose up to 30-points of other appropriate courses, as approved by the Programme Director. Find out more

Master of Engineering Studies

The Master of Engineering Studies in Engineering Science is available in 120-point and 180-point taught options. You will undertake either a 30-point Research Project or 45-point Research Project and will be eligible for the award of Honours and may be able to progress to the PhD.

Core courses:

• ENGSCI 788 A/B Research Project (30 points) – Semester One and Two
• ENVENG 702 Engineering Decision Making in Aotearoa Online (15 points) – Semester One or,
• ENVENG 702 Engineering Decision Making in Aotearoa (15 points) – Semester Two

OR

• ENGSCI 795 A/B Research Project (45 points) – Semester One and Two

From the courses below, you can select up to 75 points for the 120-point programme, and you can select up to 135 points for the 180-point programme:

Semester One:

• ENGSCI 711 Advanced Mathematical Modelling (15 points)
• ENGSCI 740 Computational Engineering for Physical Systems (15 points)
• ENGSCI 760 Algorithms for Optimisation (15 points)
• ENGSCI 765 Advanced Optimisation in Operations Research (15 points)
• ENVENG 702 Engineering Decision Making in Aotearoa Online (15 points) – Semester One or,

Semester Two:

• BIOMENG 771 Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedic Biomechanics (15 points)
• ENGSCI 712 Computational Algorithms for Signal Processing (15 points)
• ENGSCI 721 Data-centric Engineering for Physical Systems (15 points)
• ENGSCI 746 Advanced Modelling and Simulation in Computational Mechanics (15 points)
• ENGSCI 761 Integer and Multi-objective Optimisation (15 points)
• ENGSCI 763 Advanced Simulation and Stochastic Optimisation (15 points)
• ENGSCI 768 Advanced Operations Research and Analytics (15 points)
• ENVENG 702 Engineering Decision Making in Aotearoa (15 points)
• GEOTHERM 785 Geothermal and Reservoir Engineering (15 points)

Note: Students in the 120-point programme may select up to 45 points of other relevant courses from this university; subject to approval from the Course Director and Programme Director.

Students in the 180-point programme may select up to 60 points of other relevant courses from this university; subject to approval from the Course Director and Programme Director.

Not offered in 2025:

• ENGSCI 753 Computational Techniques in Mechanics and Bioengineering (15 points)
• ENGSCI 762 Scheduling and Optimisation in Decision Making (15 points)
• ENGSCI 741 Waves and Fracture (15 points)
  
  

Master of Engineering

This degree aims to provide a research-focused learning environment in which you can develop your independent problem-solving skills through supervised research. The programme is offered in two options to suit the existing qualifications and experience of candidates. This degree may be awarded with Honours and you may be able to progress to the PhD.

• 120-point option:
  ENGSCI 796 A/B Research Thesis (120 points)
• 180-point option:
  ENGSCI 796 A/B Research Thesis (120 points)

Electives
For the 180-point research degree you will also select 60-points elective courses; excluding research project (see above).

For general student enquiries, please contact the Student Hubs.

If you would like further academic information, you can contact a Postgraduate Adviser.