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

Programme overview

Civil engineers play a critical role in building sustainable, resilient and connected communities. From transport networks and water systems to high-performance structures and growing urban environments, their work shapes the future of cities and societies.

The Master of Civil Engineering will prepare you to address complex engineering challenges through advanced study and applied learning. You'll gain specialist knowledge, strengthen your research and professional skills, and develop practical solutions to real-world issues.

You'll deepen your expertise in areas including construction, environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation and water engineering. Through coursework and research opportunities, you'll build the analytical, technical and leadership capabilities needed to deliver infrastructure projects and contribute to decision-making in diverse professional environments.

Graduate ready to lead complex engineering projects, manage multidisciplinary teams and deliver innovative infrastructure solutions. You'll be equipped with the advanced technical expertise, analytical capability and professional skills sought by employers in New Zealand and around the world.

The Master of Civil Engineering is intended for graduates seeking advanced specialist knowledge in civil engineering. If your degree is not Washington Accord-accredited, the Master of Professional Engineering (MProfEng) may provide the professional pathway you need. Designed to meet Washington Accord requirements, it supports graduates seeking professional registration in civil engineering. 

Programme structure

The 120-point Master of Civil Engineering (general pathway) is also available through University of Auckland Online. Learn about the 120-point Master of Civil Engineering Online.

The Master of Civil Engineering degree is available in both research and fully taught options. It can be awarded as a general pathway or endorsed in one of our seven sub-disciplines. See Subjects tab for further details.

This programme offers two options to suit candidates’ existing qualifications and experience:

• 120 points for candidates with a four-year bachelors (honours) degree
• 180 points for candidates with a relevant three-year bachelors degree

The taught pathway for the MCivilEng primarily involves in-person learning. However, we recognise the need for flexibility and some courses are available for online study. You also have the option of undertaking a 30-point Research Project and will be eligible for the award of Honours and may be able to progress to the PhD.

The research pathways will incorporate either a 120-point or a 90-point thesis option. Students completing a research pathway will be eligible for the award of Honours and may be able to progress to the PhD.
 

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.

Subjects available in this programme

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 4.0
  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 4.0
  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 4.0
  • Study option
    Research 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 4.0

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 4.0 in at least 60 points at Stage III.

Or

  • A relevant Bachelors degree with a GPA of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II and at least three years of relevant professional experience approved by the Programme Director

Or

  • A BE or BE(Hons) and passed 60 points toward a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma with a GPA of 4.0 or higher.

Or

  • A relevant Bachelors degree and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma (or equivalent) with a GPA of 4.0 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.

You must have completed either:

  • A BE or BE(Hons) and passed with a GPA of 4.0 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 4.0 or higher.

Or

  • A relevant Bachelors degree with a GPA of 4.0 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 4.0 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.

You must have completed either:

  • A relevant Bachelors degree with a GPA of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

Or

  • A relevant Bachelors degree and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma (or equivalent) with a GPA of 4.0 or higher

Or

  • Completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University and passed 60 points towards a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 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.

You must have completed either:

  • A relevant Bachelors degree with a GPA of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

Or

  • A relevant Bachelors degree and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma (or equivalent) with a GPA of 4.0 or higher

Or

  • Completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University and passed 60 points towards a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 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.

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the entry requirements, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points in the Postgraduate Certificate in Civil Engineering or the Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering with a GPA of 4.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

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 4.0
  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
  • Study option
    Research 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands below 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 bachelors degree in engineering at a recognised university (or similar institution) that includes:

  • Broad coverage in your first year of the foundational topics that underpin engineering disciplines: mathematical modeling, chemical and materials science, electrical engineering theory, mechanics, programming, and engineering design
  • One year of postgraduate-level study
  • A research project or dissertation comprising at least one-quarter of the final year

You will need a GPE of 4.0 or higher.

You must have completed a relevant four-year bachelors degree in engineering at a recognised university (or similar institution) that includes:

  • Broad coverage in your first year of the foundational topics that underpin engineering disciplines: mathematical modeling, chemical and materials science, electrical engineering theory, mechanics, programming, and engineering design
  • One year of postgraduate-level study
  • A research project or dissertation comprising at least one-quarter of the final year

You will need a GPE of 4.0 or higher.

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

You will need a GPE of 4.0 or higher.

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

You will need a GPE of 4.0 or higher.

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the entry requirements, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points in the Postgraduate Certificate in Civil Engineering or the Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering with a GPA of 4.0 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 bachelors degree and have three years of relevant professional experience approved by the Programme Director.

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 Civil Engineering cost per year?

2026 fees

Fees for international students: $48621.60 - $72932.40

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

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?

Graduates from the programme will have advanced knowledge and be competent civil engineers. They will be able to undertake design solutions for complex civil engineering problems and design systems, components or processes. The focus will be on meeting specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety along with cultural, societal and environmental considerations. Graduates will be able to evaluate the sustainability and impact of civil engineering work when solving complex civil engineering problems.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Civil Engineer
  • Construction Engineer
  • Construction Project Manager
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Site Engineer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Design Engineer

Further study options

See all study options

Student career planning service

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Key Information for Students

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