Programme overview
The focus of this qualification is on developing the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes to perform 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, 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: the design and construction of water, wastewater and stormwater reticulation systems.
Roading: the design, construction and maintenance of roads, pavements, and road drainage systems
Geotechnical: the assessment of 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 diploma level.
- Supported by the civil engineering industry, including Engineering New Zealand.
- A step towards Engineering New Zealand membership: once you've gained a suitable period of work experience as a qualified civil engineer at diploma level, you'll be eligible for Associate Membership (AIPENZ).
- Can serve as a pathway into graduate engineering qualifications.
- Focus on real-world learning: observe the day-to-day activities of engineering sites, and take part 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 2024; 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. |
| Materials (Civil) (ENGGDE4201) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To introduce the fundamentals of geological and geomorphological processes and the properties and application of a range of civil engineering materials. |
| Land Surveying 1 (ENGGDE4202) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To understand and apply the theoretical and practical concepts of Land Surveying |
Unitec is part of Te Pūkenga
On 1 October 2022 Unitec became part of Te Pūkenga. Find out more about Te Pūkenga and what this means for you.
