Duration
Full-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
2026 Semester One – 2 March
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

You can undertake a Master of Earthquake Engineering in either a taught or research pathway.

This programme is offered in two options, to suit the existing qualifications and experience of candidates.

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

Research study  
For the 120-point research programme you will complete one 15-point core course, one 15-point elective and a 90-point research thesis. For the 180-point research programme, you will complete one 15-point core course, five 15-point electives followed by a 90-point research thesis. Electives will be selected from the taught programme course schedule (excludes research projects).

Core:
CIVIL 720 Earthquake Engineering

Electives:
For 120-point programme choose one elective and for 180-point programme choose five electives.

Research thesis:
CIVIL 793A/B Thesis or CIVIL 794A/B Thesis

*Students will be required to submit a thesis topic and supervisor before starting their programme.
 

Taught study
For the 120-point taught programme you will complete one 15-point core course and seven electives as per the requirements. For the 180-point taught programme, you will complete four 15-point core courses and eleven 15-point electives.

Core:
For 120-point programme:
CIVIL 720 Earthquake Engineering

For 180-point programme:

Electives:
For 120-point and 180-point programmes, you must select at least 45-points from the following electives:

*No more than 30-points from CIVIL 787-789

For 120-point and 180-point programmes, you must select at least 15-points from the following electives:

For 120-point and 180-point programme, you must select at least 15-points from the following electives:

Other electives:

Not offered in 2024

  • CIVIL 711 Structures Seminar
  • CIVIL 718 Light Gauge Steel
  • CIVIL 721 Foundation Engineering
  • CIVIL 724 Soil Behaviour
  • CIVIL 740 Special Study in Civil Engineering
  • CIVIL 742 Bridge Design
  • CIVIL 744 Special Study in Earthquake Engineering

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

Electives 75 points

  • Code:
    120 and 180-point programmes
    Name:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    180 point-programme
    Name:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    180 point-programme
    Name:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    180 point-programme
    Name:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    180 point-programme
    Name:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Research 90 points

  • Code:
    120 and 180 point-programmes
    Name:
    Masters thesis
    Type:
    Research project
    Points:
    90 pts

2025 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

You must have completed either:

  • A relevant Bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

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 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.

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:

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

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?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$12,127.20 – $20,607.60*
International students
NZ$52,842 – $53,203*

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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 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 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 2025
8 December 2024
Semester Two 2025
4 July 2025
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

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