QUALIFICATION
Master's Degree (ME, 120 points)
Duration
1 Year Full-Time
Location
Hamilton, New Zealand
Fees
NZD 51,085/year (international, 120 points)
Entry Score
IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
Next Intake
Trimester A: 2 Mar 2026 / Trimester B: 13 Jul 2026
Programme Overview
The Master of Engineering (ME) is a research-focused degree designed for graduates who wish to undertake further research and develop innovative solutions to engineering problems. It normally takes 12 months and 120 points to complete full-time, and builds on prior study at undergraduate level such as the four-year Bachelor of Engineering with Honours. The programme requires either 30 points in taught papers combined with a 90-point thesis (research project), or one 120-point thesis. Students can choose an endorsement from a wide range of engineering study areas. The School of Engineering fosters collaborative relationships between science, engineering, industry and management, and has developed a very strong research base to support in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, and innovative ideas to translate science into technology in the real world.
What You'll Study
Programme Structure choose one pathway:
- Pathway 1: 30 points taught papers + Engineering Thesis (90 points)
- Pathway 2: Engineering Thesis (120 points full thesis)
Choose an Endorsement (Specialisation):
- Chemical and Process Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Materials and Manufacturing Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Robotics
- Software Engineering
- Structural Engineering
Why Choose This Programme?
- Industry Collaboration: Many ME theses are completed in collaboration with industry the School has excellent relationships with companies such as Fonterra, Gallagher Group, Oji Fibre Solutions, Tetra Pak, and ArborGen Australasia, generating real research projects with real clients.
- World-Class Facilities: Specialised Large Scale Lab complex featuring 3D printing, a mechanical workshop, and computer labs with engineering design software
- 24-Hour Computer Lab Access: Software engineering students have 24-hour access to computer labs with all the latest software.
- QS Ranked: University of Waikato is ranked #281 globally in QS World University Rankings 2026.
- PhD Pathway: The ME serves as a stepping stone to doctoral studies
- Post-Study Work Visa: International graduates can stay in New Zealand for 1 to 3 years after graduation on an open work visa
Career Pathways
| Sector | Roles |
|---|---|
| Engineering & Research | Research Engineer, Research Assistant, Engineering Geologist |
| Manufacturing & Production | Mechanical Engineer, Computer-aided Engineer, Food Processing Engineer |
| Science & Technology | Biotechnologist, Pharmaceutical Engineer, Medical Sciences Technician |
| Quality & Safety | Quality Assurance Officer, Automotive Engineer |
Entry Requirements
Academic: Admission requires a relevant Bachelor's level qualification or equivalent. Applicants who do not hold the appropriate qualifications for direct entry may be eligible to apply via a pathway through a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma. The ME builds on the four-year Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) or equivalent. Applicants are encouraged to speak with a senior academic upon application for personalised advice.
English: IELTS 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 90 | PTE 56 | Duolingo 120
Performance: Satisfactory research and thesis progress required throughout. Students not meeting standard requirements may qualify via a pathway programme.
