Postgraduate study in Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has enjoyed a long history of research excellence. Embarking on postgraduate study with us gives you the opportunity to tackle projects with real-life relevance within theoretical frameworks that remain applicable for the future. Major topics include:

• Acoustics: We offer access to a world-class laboratory, which attracts interdisciplinary work from across University and includes three reverberation rooms, an anechoic chamber and a listening room. We study building acoustics, aeroacoustics, vibroacoustics, sound field synthesis, and more.
• Advanced composite materials: Alongside the internationally-recognised Centre for Advanced Composite Materials, we engage with the design, manufacture, characterisation and modelling of composite materials for a variety of real-world applications.
• Computational fluid dynamics and visualisation: We develop algorithms to map three-dimensional flows for applications such as modelling arteries and entropy production.
• Dynamics and control: This field encompasses a wide range of areas, from Artificial Intelligence to vehicle vibration control.
• Energy and Fuels: We develop energy efficient systems in appliances and heating systems to minimise environmental impact.
• Manufacturing systems: We conduct fundamental and application-oriented research relevant to this essential industry, with emphasis on Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing, intelligent systems, STEP-NC, technological management, and more.
• Wind engineering: Our involvement in this field has been prominent since the 1970s, and focused not just on environmental effects, but also design and aerodynamics in relation to human movements. We also boast purpose-built facilities, including the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel, the largest facility in its class in New Zealand.
• Yacht research: This field capitalises on our Yacht Research Unit (YRU) and our successful involvement in the America’s Cup, which began in 1995 and is still visible in today.

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 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.
• If you are applying for your second masters degree, you 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 the courses in the University of Auckland programme that you have expressed interest in. 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 visa application times into account.

Master of Engineering

120-point option

• Completion of MECHENG 796 ME Thesis (120 points)

180-point option

• Completion of MECHENG 796 ME Thesis (120 points)
• At least 60 points from courses listed in the Master of Engineering Studies in Mechanical Engineering

Master of Engineering Studies (120 or 180 points, taught)

At least 45 points from the following:
no more than 45 points from MECHENG 787–789, 795

Semester One

• MECHENG 714 Wind Engineering (15 points) not offered in 2023
• MECHENG 719 Advanced Engineering Vibrations (15 points)
• MECHENG 751 Advanced CAD/CAM/CNC (15 points) not offered in 2023
• MECHENG 787 Project X (15 points) 1 semester
• MECHENG 788 A&B Project Y (30 points) 2 semesters
• MECHENG 789 Project Z (30 points) 1 semester
• MECHENG 795 A&B Research Project (45 points) 2 semesters
• MECHENG 795 Research Project (45 points) 1 semester

Semester Two

• MECHENG 711 Computational Fluid Dynamics (15 points)
• MECHENG 728 Advanced MEMS and Microsystems (15 points)
• MECHENG 742 Advanced Materials Manufacturing (15 points) not offered in 2023
• MECHENG 753 Manufacturing Information Systems (15 points)
• MECHENG 787 Project X (15 points) 1 semester
• MECHENG 788 A&B Project Y (30 points) 2 semesters
• MECHENG 789 Project Z (30 points) 1 semester
• MECHENG 795 A&B Research Project (45 points) 2 semesters
• MECHENG 795 Research Project (45 points) 1 semester

For a 120-point programme, up to 75 points from the following:
For a 180-point programme, up to 135 points from the following:

Semester One

• AEROSPACE 720 Space Dynamics and Missions (15 points)
• AEROSPACE 730 Aerospace Systems Design (15 points)
• ENGGEN 769 Research Methods for Engineers (15 points) Auckland Online
• MECHENG 712 Aerohydrodynamics (15 points)
• MECHENG 713 Energy Technology (15 points)
• MECHENG 717 Advanced Thermal Systems (15 points) not offered in 2023
• MECHENG 722 Engineering Vibrations (15 points)
• MECHENG 743 Composite Materials (15 points)
• MECHENG 752 Technology Management (15 points)

Semester Two

• AEROSPACE 740 Aerospace Structures & Mechanisms (15 points)
• ENGGEN 705 Engineering Product Development (15 points)
• ENGGEN 769 Research Methods for Engineers (15 points) On-campus
• MECHENG 715 Building Services (15 points)
• MECHENG 718 Computational Fluid Dynamics (15 points)
• MECHENG 724 Multivariable Control Systems (15 points)
• MECHENG 726 Acoustics for Engineers (15 points)
• MECHENG 735 MEMS and Microsystems (15 points)
• MECHENG 736 Biomechatronic Systems (15 points)
• MECHENG 747 Manufacturing and Industrial Processes (15 points)
• MECHENG 754 Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing (15 points)

For 120-point programme:
up to 30 points from appropriate 600 and 700 level courses offered at this University, subject to approval by the Head of Department

For 180-point programme:
up to 45 points from appropriate 600 and 700 level courses offered at this University, subject to approval by the Head of Department

For general student enquiries, please contact the Student Hubs.

If you would like further academic information, you can contact a Postgraduate Adviser.