Duration
Full-time: Varies
Next start date
2024 Semester One – 26 February
2024 Semester Two – 15 July
Available locations
City
Points
120 or 180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught & research options available

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.

Programme structure

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 Certificate 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

2024 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

    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

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

    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

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

    Bachelors degree in an approved subject

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

  • 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
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    Four-year engineering degree

  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    Four-year engineering degree

  • Study option
    Research 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An approved undergraduate degree

  • 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 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.

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 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 2024
8 December 2023
Semester Two 2024
4 July 2024
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:

Semester One

  • CIVIL 710 Advanced Structural Dynamics (15 points)
  • CIVIL 715 Advanced Structural Concrete (15 points)
  • CIVIL 719 Matrix Structural Analysis (15 points)
  • CIVIL 727 Dynamics of Structures in Earthquakes (15 points)
  • CIVIL 750 Timber Engineering (15 points)

Semester Two

  • CIVIL 714 Multi-storey Building Design (15 points)
  • CIVIL 717 Advanced Structural Timber (15 points)
  • CIVIL 725 Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering (15 points)
  • CIVIL 741 Ground Improvements and Geosynthetics Engineering (15 points)
  • CIVIL 745 Seismic Assessment of Existing Buildings (15 points)
  • CIVIL 746 Nonlinear Structural Analysis (15 points)
  • CIVIL 750 Timber Engineering (15 points)

For a 180-point programme, up to 45 points may be replaced by other relevant 600 and 700 level courses at this or another University.

Taught Masters

120 points

15 points from:

Semester One

  • CIVIL 720 Earthquake Engineering (15 points)

At least 45 points from:

Semester One

  • CIVIL 710 Advanced Structural Dynamics (15 points)
  • CIVIL 715 Advanced Structural Concrete (15 points)
    Semester Two
  • CIVIL 717 Advanced Structural Timber (15 points)
  • CIVIL 725 Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering (15 points)
  • CIVIL 745 Seismic Assessment of Existing Buildings (15 points)
  • CIVIL 746 Nonlinear Structural Analysis (15 points)

Semester One and Two (You cannot choose more than 30 points from CIVIL 787–789)

  • CIVIL 787 Project X (15 points)
  • CIVIL 788 A&B Project Y (30 points)
  • CIVIL 789 Project Z (30 points)

At least 15 points from:

Semester One

  • CIVIL 710 Advanced Structural Dynamics (15 points)
  • CIVIL 715 Advanced Structural Concrete (15 points)
  • CIVIL 719 Matrix Structural Analysis (15 points)
  • CIVIL 727 Dynamics of Structures in Earthquakes (15 points)
  • CIVIL 750 Timber Engineering (15 points)

Semester Two

  • CIVIL 714 Multi-storey Building Design (15 points)
  • CIVIL 717 Advanced Structural Timber (15 points)
  • CIVIL 745 Seismic Assessment of Existing Buildings (15 points)
  • CIVIL 746 Nonlinear Structural Analysis (15 points)
  • CIVIL 750 Timber Engineering (15 points)

At least 15 points from:

Semester Two

  • CIVIL 725 Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering (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)

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)

At least 45 points from:

Semester One

  • CIVIL 710 Advanced Structural Dynamics (15 points)
  • CIVIL 715 Advanced Structural Concrete (15 points)

Semester Two

  • CIVIL 717 Advanced Structural Timber (15 points)
  • CIVIL 725 Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering (15 points)
  • CIVIL 745 Seismic Assessment of Existing Buildings (15 points)
  • CIVIL 746 Nonlinear Structural Analysis (15 points)

Semester One and Two (You cannot choose more than 30 points from CIVIL 787–789)

  • CIVIL 787 Project X (15 points)
  • CIVIL 788 A&B Project Y (30 points)
  • CIVIL 789 Project Z (30 points)

At least 15 points from:

Semester One

  • CIVIL 710 Advanced Structural Dynamics (15 points)
  • CIVIL 715 Advanced Structural Concrete (15 points)
  • CIVIL 719 Matrix Structural Analysis (15 points)
  • CIVIL 750 Timber Engineering (15 points)

Semester Two

  • CIVIL 717 Advanced Structural Timber (15 points)
  • CIVIL 745 Seismic Assessment of Existing Buildings (15 points)
  • CIVIL 746 Nonlinear Structural Analysis (15 points)
  • CIVIL 750 Timber Engineering (15 points)

At least 15 points from:

Semester Two

  • CIVIL 725 Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering (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.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Earthquake engineer
  • Project manager
  • Seismic engineering consultant
  • Senior geotechnical engineer
  • Senior structural engineer
  • Technical director

Further study options

See all study options

Master of Earthquake Engineering

Get an overview of how the MEqEng will contribute to an essential gap in our industry.

Watch video

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.

Do you need help?

AskAuckland

Your online help and support centre. Search our frequently asked questions.

Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

Our student support team is here to help. Use our online contact form.

Need to speak to someone?

You can phone us directly.

Auckland
923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513