Programme overview
This qualification focuses on developing knowledge, skills, and attributes for meaningful civil engineering work.
As a graduate of this programme you’ll be able to use your knowledge to make informed decisions and implement them, competently perform technical work using national and international standards, and apply civil engineering theory to design, contract administration, and construction practice. You'll gain a solid understanding of water, structural, geotechnical, and road engineering and develop invaluable civil and structural drawing skills.
This diploma allows you to specialise in any one of the following four areas:
Structures: the design and construction of simple buildings, bridges, retaining walls, and other structures
Water Resources: designing and constructing water, wastewater, and stormwater reticulation systems.
Roading: the design, construction, and maintenance of roads, pavements, and road drainage systems
Geotechnical: assessing soil and rock structures to support civil engineering structures, designing and constructing simple soil structures, and testing and monitoring earthworks.
Highlights
- Unitec is the largest provider of civil engineering training in New Zealand at the diploma level.
- Supported by the civil engineering industry, including Engineering New Zealand.
- A step towards Engineering New Zealand membership: once you've gained suitable work experience as a qualified civil engineer at the diploma level, you'll be eligible for Associate Membership (AIPENZ).
- It can serve as a pathway into graduate engineering qualifications.
- Focus on real-world learning: observe the day-to-day activities of engineering sites and participate in lab work, land surveying, and workshops.
- Undertake a project where you tackle an engineering problem.
- Visiting industry experts who will give you a real feel for the career opportunities available in civil engineering.
- Cross-credits towards the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil).
Prepare for success
Well-prepared students have the best chance of success in their studies, so we've put together a free online guide you can use to refresh and sharpen some of the skills you'll use on this programme.
Admission requirements
You will need the following:
1. Be at least 16 years of old when you start this programme:
2. A total of NCEA level 2 including a minimum of:
- 10 literacy credits at level 1 or higher (for those who achieved NCEA Level 2 before 2013); and
- 48 NCEA credits at level 2 in four subjects, including at least 12 credits in Mathematics (preferably achievement standards in algebra, calculus or trigonometry);
2. If English is not your first language, you will need one or more of the following:
- Have achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University Entrance
- Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency
- Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years
Don't have NCEA? We also accept:
- An equivalent qualification; or
- Equivalent credits from appropriate trades training and/or demonstrated skills and experience; or
- Provide sufficient evidence to be eligible for special or discretionary admission
For more information, download the programme regulations:
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2025; please check back again soon.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Fundamentals (ENGGDE4101) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To introduce the basic fundamentals of a range of engineering strands. |
| Engineering Mathematics 1 (ENGGDE4102) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To develop mathematical skills, concepts and understandings in order to perform calculations and solve problems within engineering contexts. |
| Technical Literacy (ENGGDE4103) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To develop technical research skills along with oral, written, graphical and interpersonal communication skills. |
