Master of Civil Engineering

Programme Overview

The Master of Civil Engineering (MCivilEng) at the University of Auckland is a 120-point or 180-point postgraduate degree tailored for future leaders in infrastructure development and environmental design. Designed to support Washington Accord standards, the curriculum bridges technical engineering analysis with project leadership, risk management, and sustainable infrastructure strategies. It offers both taught and research pathways across campus-based and online delivery formats.

Note: Endorsed across key engineering specialisations, the programme integrates real-world Aotearoa New Zealand case studies, disaster resilience engineering, and advanced systems design.

Programme Pathways & Core Formats

The degree offers customizable entry points depending on prior qualifications and professional goals:

1. 120-Point Pathway (1 Year Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time): Designed for holders of a 4-year BE(Hons) degree. Focuses on advanced discipline-specific engineering electives, risk frameworks, and capstone projects.
2. 180-Point Pathway (1.5 Years Full-Time): Designed for applicants entering from a relevant 3-year Bachelor’s degree. Incorporates 60 points of foundational advanced engineering courses alongside 120 points of core taught or research modules.
3. Taught vs. Research Options: Enables students to complete either a coursework-based master's with project management integration or a research-focused thesis.

Specialisations & Course Content

Students can align their coursework or research project with specialized civil engineering disciplines:

• Available Specialisations / Streams:
  • Civil Engineering (General)
  • Construction Engineering & Infrastructure Management
  • Environmental Engineering & Surface Water Quality
  • Geotechnical Engineering & Foundations
  • Structural & Earthquake Engineering
  • Transportation & Traffic Systems
  • Water & Coastal Engineering
• Core & Popular Elective Modules:
  • CIVIL 720: Earthquake Engineering
  • CIVIL 765: Infrastructure Asset Management
  • ENGGEN 730: Leadership and Professional Development
  • ENGGEN 737: Engineering Risk Management
  • ENVENG 702: Engineering Decision Making in Aotearoa
  • STRCTENG 710: Low Rise Structures Design

Why Choose This Programme?

• Washington Accord Alignment: Program structure aligns with global professional engineering standards, assisting graduates aiming for Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) registration.
• Flexible Delivery Formats: On-campus immersion or flexible online learning tailored for working professional engineers.
• Industry Leadership Focus: Merges technical design with project management, risk analysis, and cultural/environmental sustainability considerations.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Minimums: GPA/GPE minimum of 4.0 (B- average) in required undergraduate stages.
• Pathway Matching: 120-point option requires a 4-year BE(Hons); 180-point option accepts relevant 3-year engineering or science qualifications.
• Professional Registration Note: Supports academic background requirements towards professional engineering registration (Engineering New Zealand / CPEng).
• Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.5 overall (no band < 6.0), PTE 58 (no communicative score < 50), or TOEFL iBT 90.