Programme overview
Develop the expertise for a career as an electronics engineer or electrical engineer and explore subjects including engineering computing, mechanics, mathematics, design and drawing, and professional practice in this 3-year (full-time) programme.
Learn how to use your practical and analytical skills to resolve electrical engineering problems and acquire in-depth knowledge of your chosen specialisation: electronics, power, or mechatronics engineering.
There are 3 pathways within this major. Choose from:
Mechatronics: If you want to work with robotics and automation to produce better products and processes, this pathway is for you. Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field that requires you to combine learning and work across several engineering fields, including mechanical engineering, electronics, computer engineering, telecommunications, systems engineering, and control engineering.
Power: This field deals with the generation, transmission, distribution, and utilisation of electric power and related electrical systems. Work in this field can include designing the equipment or systems that produce, use or distribute electricity. It could also lead to supervising, maintaining, or operating these systems and equipment.
Electronics: This is the science of electrically controlling electrical energy through circuits using active and passive electrical components and interconnection technology. This will lead to work in design, development, testing, and/or supervision of electrical equipment manufacturing.
Highlights
- Get qualified in three years (full-time study), not four, and get into employment sooner.
- A nationally-led engineering qualification developed by six of New Zealand's largest institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs).
- Approved under a new New Zealand-wide framework for three-year engineering technology degrees.
- Accredited by the Engineering New Zealand. Completion of this programme, combined with a period of work experience, will make you eligible to apply for membership in Engineering New Zealand as a Technical Member (TIPENZ).
- Internationally recognised under the Sydney Accord, this qualification is recognised in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, and more.
- Small classes: the average class size is just 35-60 students.
- Strong links with the engineering industry.
- Focus on real-world learning: observe the day-to-day activities of engineering sites and participate in lab work, workshops, and debates.
- Visiting industry experts will give you a natural feel for the career opportunities available in electrical engineering.
Qualification pathway
If you have completed the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) or the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electronic), you will receive cross credits into this programme.
Programme Structure
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | ENGGMG5001 Engineering Computing Class number(s): No classes scheduled 15 credits | ENGGMG6103 Engineering Management Class number(s): No classes scheduled 15 credits | ENGG7101MG-SA Engineering Development Project (Sem A) Class number(s): 1343, 1345, 5355 or 5357 15 credits |
| Course 2 | ENGGMG5002 Engineering Mechanics Class number(s): No classes scheduled 15 credits | Elective Level 5, 6 or 7 15 credits | ENGGMG7121 Professional Engineering Practice Class number(s): No classes scheduled 15 credits |
| Course 3 | ENGGMG5003 Engineering Communication Class number(s): No classes scheduled 15 credits | Elective Level 5, 6 or 7 15 credits | Elective Level 5, 6 or 7 15 credits |
| Course 4 | ENGGMG5004 Engineering Mathematics 1 Class number(s): No classes scheduled 15 credits | Elective Level 5, 6 or 7 15 credits | Elective Level 7 15 credits |
| Course 5 | ENGGMG5005 Engineering Design and Drawing Class number(s): No classes scheduled 15 credits | ENGGMG6136 Engineering Project Class number(s): No classes scheduled 15 credits | ENGG7101MG-SB Engineering Development Project (Sem B) Class number(s): 1346, 1344, 5354 or 5356 15 credits |
| Course 6 | ENGGMG5034 Electrical Principles Class number(s): No classes scheduled 15 credits | Elective Level 5, 6 or 7 15 credits | Elective Level 5, 6 or 7 15 credits |
| Course 7 | ENGGMG5035 Electronic Principles Class number(s): No classes scheduled 15 credits | Elective Level 5, 6 or 7 15 credits | Elective Level 5, 6 or 7 15 credits |
| Course 8 | Elective Level 5, 6 or 7 15 credits | Elective Level 5, 6 or 7 15 credits | Elective Level 7 15 credits |
Admission requirements
What you will need to study this programme.
Domestic students
International students
Academic requirements
As a part of this requirement, you must be at least 16 years of age and meet one of the below;
- Successful completion of New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical)
- All applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirement;
And English entry requirements;
If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:
- Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6 with writing and speaking scores no less than 6.0 and reading and listening bands no less than 5.5; or
- University Entrance Literacy: 10 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (5 in Reading, 5 in Writing); or
- Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we’ll discuss your next steps.
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.
For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 552 KB)
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 Computing (ENGGMG5001) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to develop an understanding of computing principles and their use in engineering practice. |
| Engineering Mechanics (ENGGMG5002) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to gain an understanding of the fundamental principles and laws of mechanics. |
| Engineering Communication (ENGGMG5003) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to communicate effectively in their professional environment. |
| Engineering Mathematics 1 (ENGGMG5004) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to gain an understanding of general mathematical principles and equip them with appropriate engineering mathematical skills to solve engineering problems. |
| Engineering Design and Drawing (ENGGMG5005) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to gain an understanding of engineering design, drawing practice and modelling in an applied context. |
| Land Surveying (ENGGMG5006) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to gain introductory theoretical and practical concepts of land surveying. |
| Electrical Principles (ENGGMG5034) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To enable students to understand general electrical and power circuit theory principles and skills |
| Electronic Principles (ENGGMG5035) | 15 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To provide the students with an understanding of general electronics and the basic building blocks of electronics as required for subsequent courses. |
