Postgraduate study in Polymer Engineering

What can you study in Polymer Engineering?

Postgraduate courses that specialise in Polymer Engineering are designed for current industry professionals who wish to continue their studies at an advanced level, develop an advanced technical foundation and gain industrial perspective in a specialised area. The courses have strong links to the New Zealand plastics industry, which are reflected in both lectures and the practical components.

The topics covered include:

  • The structure, properties and processing inter-relationships of materials used in the plastics industry
  • The effect of additives on processing and degradation
  • Specialised topics and applications including fluoropolymers, silicones, film blowing, thermoforming, membranes and bioplastics

Entry requirements for the Master of Engineering Studies in Polymer Engineering

Important requirements for international students

  • All international applicants should ensure that they meet all the programme’s entry requirements. You should only proceed with your application if your GPA matches or exceeds the requirements for your country listed in the Engineering programme of your choice. Please do not apply if your GPA is below the minimum entry requirements, but rather consider the alternative study options that may be offered as a pathway into your preferred programme.
  • You are strongly advised to consider visa application times. Please be aware of the student visa processing times in your home country and submit the documentation needed well ahead of the Faculty of Engineering's programme application deadlines. For processing times, contact the New Zealand High Commission/Embassy or your education agent.
  • Applicants for their second masters degree need to be aware that additional assessment requirements will take extra time. The Faculty of Engineering must assess your previous masters degree courses to ensure that they do not overlap with your selected courses in the University of Auckland programme. You must therefore allow more time for your application to be processed, and be aware that further documentation may be required. Submit your application well in advance of the deadline if this is your situation, as you may also need to take into account visa application times.

Structuring your postgraduate programme in Polymer Engineering

A Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering (Polymer Engineering) is offered in block courses to be completed over one year.

The following courses are compulsory as part of the 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering (Polymer Engineering) and the Master of Engineering Studies (Polymer Engineering):

  • Semester One
    • POLYMER 700 Polymer Materials Engineering (15 points)
    • POLYMER 704 Advanced Polymer Processing (15 points)
  • Semester Two
    • POLYMER 705 Polymer Process and Product Design (15 points)
    • POLYMER 706 Polymer Testing and Characterisation (15 points)

Master of Engineering Studies (taught)

45 points from the following:
Semesters One or Two
○ MECHENG 795 Research Project (45 points) 1 semester
○ MECHENG 795 A&B Research Project (45 points) 2 semesters

60 points from the following:
Semester One
○ POLYMER 700 Polymer Materials Engineering (15 points)
○ POLYMER 704 Advanced Polymer Processing (15 points) not offered in 2022
Semester Two
○ POLYMER 705 Polymer Process and Product Design (15 points)
○ POLYMER 706 Polymer Testing and Characterisation (15 points) not offered in 2022

Electives:
For a 120-point programme, 15 points from the following:
For a 180-point programme, up to 75 points from the following:

Semester One:
○ CHEMMAT 721 Advanced Materials (15 points)
○ CHEMMAT 723 Industrial Materials Engineering (15 points)
○ CHEMMAT 753 Biomaterials and Applications (15 points)
○ ENGGEN 769 Research Methods for Engineers (15 points) online only
○ MECHENG 743 Composite Materials (15 points)
○ MECHENG 751 Advanced CAD/CAM/CNC (15 points) not offered in 2022
○ MECHENG 752 Technology Management (15 points)
○ PSYCH 715 Psychology and Sustainability (15 points)
Semester Two:
○ CHEMMAT 720 Materials and Design Processing (15 points)
○ CHEMMAT 721 Advanced Materials (15 points)
○ ENGGEN 769 Research Methods for Engineers (15 points) online and city campus
○ MECHENG 742 Advanced Materials Manufacturing (15 points) not offered in 2022

For 120-point programme:

  • Or one course from appropriate 600 and 700 level courses offered at this University, subject to approval by the Head of Department

For 180-point programme:

  • Or up to 45 points from appropriate 600 and 700 level courses offered at this University, subject to approval by the Head of Department

 

Where can postgraduate study in Polymer Engineering take you?

If you’re a current industry professional with a few years of experience, a postgraduate programme in Polymer Engineering aims to give you the specialised knowledge necessary for the next step on your career pathway. Some of the intermediate and experienced roles this can lead to include:

  • Research Engineer
  • Injection Moulding Specialist
  • Plastics R&D Engineer
  • Quality Assurance Inspector
  • Factory Manager
  • Senior Product Analyst

Help and advice

For general student enquiries, please contact the Student Hubs. If you would like further academic information, you can contact a postgraduate adviser.