Duration
Full-time: Varies
Next start date
2027 Semester One – 1 March
2027 Semester Two – 19 July
Available locations
City
Points
120 or 180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught & research options available

Programme overview

Aotearoa’s space industry is expanding, as is its capacity for innovation in industry and research. Get a head start in your career in this exciting field with the MAerospaceEng. The programme is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge and expertise to be an effective employee in a field of increasing national and global economic significance.

Our courses in Aerospace Engineering are supported by Te Pūnaha Ātea Auckland Space Institute, which aims to enhance the growth of the New Zealand space sector. The institute is led by academics with deep expertise in the aerospace industry; and so the University of Auckland is ideally placed to deliver an excellent teaching and learning experience for our students. The MAerospaceEng programme has also received additional endorsements from the New Zealand Space Agency, Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck, and the Royal Aeronautical Society.

We also offer opportunities for practical projects with industry partners. This ensures that you’re prepared to fulfil your future workforce’s demands for complex problem solving, innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

Programme structure

The Master of Aerospace Engineering offers flexible study pathways to suit a range of academic backgrounds, professional experience levels, and career aspirations. Students can choose from research-focused or taught programme options, with opportunities to tailor their studies toward their individual interests and goals.

A distinctive feature of the programme is its integration of advanced coursework with a substantial research component. Regardless of the study pathway selected, students undertake an independent research project that enables them to apply technical knowledge to real-world aerospace challenges, strengthen their analytical and problem-solving capabilities and develop valuable experience in engineering research and innovation.

For students who wish to build postgraduate qualifications progressively, the Postgraduate Certificate in Aerospace Engineering and Postgraduate Diploma in Aerospace Engineering provide alternative study options and can serve as pathways towards the master's degree.

    You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

    For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

    2026 entry requirements

    My highest qualification is from:

    Programme requirements

    Minimum programme requirements

    Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

    • Study option
      Taught 120 points
      Grade required
      GPA Grade Point Average 5.0
    • Study option
      Taught 180 points
      Grade required
      GPA Grade Point Average 5.0
    • Study option
      Research 120 points
      Grade required
      GPA Grade Point Average 5.0
    • Study option
      Research 180 points
      Grade required
      GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

    Further programme requirements

    Select your study option:

    You must have completed either:

    • A BE or BE(Hons) and passed with a GPA of 5.0 in at least 60 points at Stage III.

    Or

    • A BE or BE(Hons) and passed 60 points toward a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.

    Or

    • A relevant Bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II and at least three years of relevant professional experience approved by the Programme Director

    Or

    • A relevant Bachelors degree and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma (or equivalent) with a GPA of 5.0 or higher

    Whether a qualification is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed and the applicant’s intended specialisation. Qualifications in applied science, engineering or technology may be considered relevant

    A BE or BE(Hons) and passed 60 points toward a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.

    You must have completed either:

    • A BE or BE(Hons) and passed with a GPA of 5.0 in at least 60 points at Stage III.

    Or

    • A BE or BE(Hons) and passed 60 points toward a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.

    Or

    • A relevant Bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II and at least three years of relevant professional experience approved by the Programme Director

    Or

    • A relevant Bachelors degree and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma (or equivalent) with a GPA of 5.0 or higher

    Whether a qualification is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed and the applicant’s intended specialisation. Qualifications in applied science, engineering or technology may be considered relevant

    Completed a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

    Other pathways to study

    If you do not meet the entry requirements, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points a relevant postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher.

    Whether a qualification is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed. Qualifications in applied science, engineering, information technology, science or technology may be considered relevant.

    Programme requirements

    Minimum programme requirements

    Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

    • Study option
      Taught 120 points
      Grade required
      GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
    • Study option
      Taught 180 points
      Grade required
      GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
    • Study option
      Research 120 points
      Grade required
      GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
    • Study option
      Research 180 points
      Grade required
      GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
    • Qualification
      IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
      Score required
      6.5

      No bands less than 6.0.

      See alternative English language requirements

    Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

    Further programme requirements

    Select your study option:

    You must have completed a relevant four-year Bachelor's degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) that includes:

    • One year of postgraduate-level study
    • A research project or dissertation comprising at least one-quarter of the final year

    Or

    You must have completed one year of relevant postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree.

    Must have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area from a recognised university (or similar institution).

    You must have completed a relevant four-year Bachelor's degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) that includes:

    • One year of postgraduate-level study
    • A research project or dissertation comprising at least one-quarter of the final year

    Or

    You must have completed one year of relevant postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree.

    Must have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area from a recognised university (or similar institution).

    Other pathways to study

    If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points in the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering in a relevant subject or Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering in a relevant subject or Postgraduate Certificate in Aerospace Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Aerospace Engineering from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded .

    In exceptional circumstances, we will consider you for entry if you have completed a bachelor's degree and have three years of relevant professional work experience.

    For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

    How much does a Master of Aerospace Engineering cost per year?

    2026 fees

    Domestic students
    NZ$12,013.20 – $12,854.40*
    International students
    NZ$55,484*

    Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,132.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

    *Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

    See course fees for each faculty

    Find out about financial support information

    Scholarships and awards

    Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

    Student loans and allowances

    Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

    Cost of living

    Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

    For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

    Key dates

    Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.

    Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

    Application closing dates

    Semester One 2026
    8 December 2025
    Semester Two 2026
    8 June 2026

    Start dates

    Here are the start dates for the programme.

    Other important dates

    See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

    For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

    Where could this programme take you?

    Aotearoa's aerospace industry is making a significant, growing contribution to our economy, employing a productive and highly skilled workforce. Pursuing a dedicated study option opens opportunities in aeronautics, astronautics, space systems and aerospace management, in technical or management roles, as well as pathways to employment in academia.

    Jobs related to this programme

    • Aerospace Engineer
    • Launch Services Engineer
    • Payload Engineer
    • Project Manager
    • R&D Engineer
    • Space Mission Design & Operations
    • Space System Engineer
    • Technical Director, CTO

    Further study options

    See all study options

    Student career planning service

    Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

    Key Information for Students

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