Duration
Full-time: 1 year
Next start date
2027 Semester One – 1 March
2027 Semester Two – 19 July
Available locations
City
Points
120
Programme type
Postgraduate

Programme overview

Aotearoa’s space industry is growing, as is its capacity for innovation in industry and research. The PGDipAerospaceEng is designed to equip you with the core technical foundations for a career in this field.

Our courses in Aerospace Engineering are supported by Te Pūnaha Ātea Auckland Space Institute, which aims to enhance the growth of the New Zealand space sector. The institute is led by academics with deep expertise in the aerospace sector, ideally placing the University of Auckland to deliver an excellent teaching and learning experience.

The programme’s focus on taught courses means that you’ll have the right balance of skills and knowledge for your career path, and it also provides you with a solid base to pursue academic research via the Master of Aerospace Engineering.

Programme structure

The PGDipAerospaceEng is a 120-point taught programme consisting of courses that give you a broad base of knowledge in the field. You will complete the following.

Compulsory course:

  • AEROSPCE 730 Aerospace Systems Design (Semester One)

At least two courses from:

  • AEROSPCE 720 Space Dynamics and Missions (Semester Two)
  • AEROSPCE 740 Aerospace Structures and Mechanisms (Semester Two)
  • MECHENG 711 Computational Fluid Dynamics (Semester Two)
  • MECHENG 712 Aerohydrodynamics (Semester One)
  • MECHENG 743 Composite Materials (Semester One)

Up to five courses from:

  • Semester One
    • ELECTENG 721 Radio Systems
    • ELECTENG 722 Modern Control Systems
    • ELECTENG 732 Communication Systems
    • ENGGEN 731 Agile and Lean Project Management
    • ENGGEN 732 Systems Thinking and Project Business Case
    • GEOG 771 Spatial Analysis and Geocomputation
    • GEOG 772 Advanced Raster Data Analysis
    • MECHENG 722 Engineering Vibrations
    • OPSMGT 766 Fundamentals of Supply Chain Coordination
    • SCIENT 701 Accounting and Finance for Scientists
    • SCIENT 702 Marketing for Scientific and Tech. Personnel
    • SCIENT 704 Law and Intellectual Property
       
  • Semester Two
    • COMPSYS 704 Advanced Embedded Systems
    • GEOG 774 Advanced Spatial Data Handling
    • MECHENG 724 Multivariable Control Systems
    • MECHENG 747 Manufacturing and Industrial Processes
    • OPSMGT 760 Advanced Operations Systems
    • PHYSICS 753 The Dynamic Universe

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.

2027 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 3.5

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Taught 120 points

Completed the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage III.

Other pathways to study

Completed a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

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 3.5

    An undergraduate degree

  • 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

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Aerospace Engineering cost per year?

2026 fees

Domestic students
NZ$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 2027
8 December 2026
Semester Two 2027
4 July 2027

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?

Aotearoa's aerospace industry is making a significant, growing contribution to our economy, employing approximately 5,000 people in 2019. This focused programme opens opportunities in aeronautics, astronautics, space systems and aerospace management, in technical or management roles.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Launch Services Engineer
  • Payload Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • R&D Engineer
  • Space Mission Design & Operations
  • Space Systems Engineer

Further study options

See all study options

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.

Key Information for Students

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