You are currently on: Master of Earthquake Engineering
Programme overview
Earthquake engineers design new buildings and infrastructure to withstand disasters, and assess the vulnerability of existing buildings and infrastructure, drawing from expertise in structural and geotechnical engineering. The University of Auckland is internationally recognised for our strengths in these fields, putting us in the right position to deliver specialist professional capabilities to both New Zealand and internationally, where there are increasing population densities in seismic regions.
Recent earthquakes in Canterbury and Kaikoura have caused extensive damage to buildings, infrastructure and the natural environment. Investigations into the post-disaster repair and reconstruction efforts have increased our understanding and specialist expertise, but also revealed major demands for earthquake engineers. In this case, the demands have exceeded the capacity of our engineering profession; this need is also reflected in many countries around the world.
Beyond training a new generation of leading professionals, the MEqEng also aims to support current practitioners in the building industries: those who require skills to navigate increasingly complex building codes, policies and requirements in line with new innovations in research and industry.
The Masters of Earthquake Engineering is available as both a taught masters programme and a research masters programme. Students from both tracks choose from the same set of courses which can be found in the Electives tab.
Taught
The taught track is available as either a 120 or 180-point programme. Structures, Geotech, and Level 9 electives can be found in the Electives tab. A research project (indicated as Project X, Project Y, and Project Z in the Electives tab) may be used to fulfil up to 30-points of the Level 9 elective requirements. If you complete an optional 30-point research project, it may meet the research requirements necessary to gain entry into a PhD programme.
Research
The research track is available as either a 120 or 180-point programme. The 120-point programme requires one additional elective course, while the 180-point programme requires five additional elective courses. See the Entry Requirements tab to determine whether the 120 or 180-point programme is right for you.
Other options
If you're not ready to commit to a full masters programme, we also offer the following:
A Postgraduate Certificate in Earthquake Engineering (60 points, four courses)
A Certitficate of Proficiency, where credits from individually completed courses can be transferred towards a MEqEng at a later date, with a time restriction of two years
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.
Taught programme (120 points)
Compulsory 15 points
Name:
CIVIL 720 Earthquake Engineering
Type:
Compulsory core course
Points:
15 pts
Elective 15 points
Name:
Core Structures course
Type:
Structures elective course (see list)
Points:
15 pts
Elective 15 points
Name:
Core Geotech course
Type:
Geotech elective course (see list)
Points:
15 pts
Electives 75 points
Name:
Elective course
Type:
Level 9 elective (see list)
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Elective course
Type:
Level 9 elective (see list)
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Elective course
Type:
Level 9 elective (see list)
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Elective course
Type:
Any from 'Electives' tab
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Elective course
Type:
Any from 'Electives' tab
Points:
15 pts
Research programme (120 or 180 points)
Compulsory 15 points
Code:
120 and 180 point programmes
Name:
CIVIL 720 Earthquake Engineering
Type:
Compulsory core course
Points:
15 pts
Research 90 points
Code:
120 and 180 point programmes
Name:
Masters thesis
Type:
Research project
Points:
90 pts
Electives 75 points
Code:
120 and 180 point programmes
Name:
Elective course
Type:
See 'Electives' tab
Points:
15 pts
Code:
180 point programme
Name:
Elective course
Type:
See 'Electives' tab
Points:
15 pts
Code:
180 point programme
Name:
Elective course
Type:
See 'Electives' tab
Points:
15 pts
Code:
180 point programme
Name:
Elective course
Type:
See 'Electives' tab
Points:
15 pts
Code:
180 point programme
Name:
Elective course
Type:
See 'Electives' tab
Points:
15 pts
2023 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.
You need a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with a GPA of 5.0 or a bachelors degree with a GPA of 4.0 in a relevant degree and three years of approved professional experience.
If you are applying for entry via BE(Hons), you must have attained a GPA of 5.0 in 120 points above Stage III.
Relevant disciplines for the professional experience-driven entry pathway may include architecture, construction and science.
You need a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with a GPA of 5.0 or a bachelors degree in an approved subject with a GPA of 4.0 and three years of approved professional experience.
If you are applying for entry via BE(Hons), you must have attained a GPA of 5.0 in 120 points above Stage III.
Relevant disciplines for the professional experience-driven entry pathway may include architecture, construction and science.
You must have completed a bachelors degree in a relevant discipline, such as architecture, construction or science, with a GPA of 5.0 in the most advanced courses.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you may still gain entry by passing 60 points towards one of the following with a GPA of 5.0:
In exceptional circumstances, we will consider you for entry if you have completed a qualification equivalent to the entry requirements or have professional work experience in engineering.
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
Taught120 points
Grade required
GPEGrade Point Equivalent5.0
Four-year engineering degree
Study option
Research120 points
Grade required
GPEGrade Point Equivalent5.0
Four-year engineering degree
Study option
Research180 points
Grade required
GPEGrade Point Equivalent5.0
An approved undergraduate degree
Qualification
IELTS AcademicInternational English Language Testing System
You need a four-year engineering degree with a GPE of 5.0 or a bachelors degree with a GPE of 4.0 in a relevant degree and three years of approved professional experience.
Your four-year bachelors degree in engineering at a recognised university (or similar institution) must include:
Broad coverage in your first year of the foundational science topics that underpin engineering disciplines: mathematical modelling, 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
Relevant disciplines for the professional experience-driven entry pathway may include architecture, construction and science, or a three-year undergraduate engineering degree.
You need a four-year engineering degree with a GPE of 5.0 or a bachelors degree with a GPE of 4.0 in a relevant degree and three years of approved professional experience.
Your four-year bachelors degree in engineering at a recognised university (or similar institution) must include:
Broad coverage in your first year of the foundational science topics that underpin engineering disciplines: mathematical modelling, 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
Relevant disciplines for the professional experience-driven entry pathway may include architecture, construction and science, or a three-year undergraduate engineering degree.
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in a field in a relevant discipline from a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 5.0.
Relevant disciplines may include architecture, construction and science, or a three-year undergraduate engineering degree.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the GPE requirement, you may still gain entry by passing 60 points towards one of the following with a GPE of 5.0:
In exceptional circumstances, we will consider you for entry if you have completed a qualification equivalent to the entry requirements or have professional work experience in engineering.
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.
How much does a Master of Earthquake Engineering cost per year?
2023 fees
Domestic students
NZ$11,128.80 – $18,912*
International students
NZ$48,622 – $48,954*
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 $8.38 per point, estimated at $1,005.60 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.
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see 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 2023
8 December 2023
Semester Two 2023
4 July 2023
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.
Research Masters
120-point option
Semester One
CIVIL 720 Earthquake Engineering (15 points)
Semester One and Two
Completion of CIVIL 793 or 794 Thesis (90 points)
180-point option
Semester One
CIVIL 720 Earthquake Engineering (15 points)
Semester One and Two
Completion of CIVIL 793 (90 points)
For a 120-point programme, up to 15 points from:
For a 180-point programme, up to 75 points from:
CIVIL 741 Ground Improvements and Geosynthetics Engineering (15 points)
Up to 60 points from:
Semester Two
CIVIL 716 Engineering Risk Management (15 points)
With the prior approval of the Head of Department, up to 30 points may be replaced by other appropriate 600 and 700 level courses at this or another University
180 points
60 points from:
Semester One
CIVIL 713 Structures and Design 4 (15 points)
CIVIL 720 Earthquake Engineering (15 points)
CIVIL 727 Dynamics of Structures in Earthquakes (15 points)
Semester Two
CIVIL 714 Multi-storey Building Design (15 points)
CIVIL 741 Ground Improvements and Geosynthetics Engineering (15 points)
Up to 60 points from:
Semester Two
CIVIL 716 Engineering Risk Management (15 points)
Semester One and Two
ENGGEN 769 Research Methods for Engineers (15 points)
With the prior approval of the Head of Department, up to 30 points may be replaced by other appropriate 600 and 700 level courses at this or another University.
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.
Where could this programme take you?
There is a growing need for civil engineers– specifically earthquake engineers – with capabilities in new construction, and the assessment and retrofit of existing buildings and infrastructure. Recent disasters in New Zealand alone dictate that highly skilled professionals will be in demand as investments in this field grow over the upcoming decades.
