Mechanical engineers work with advanced technology across many fields – from transportation to energy systems, home appliances to robotics, manufacturing machinery and processes to medical technologies. In a world where global warming and environmental degradation are critical issues, mechanical engineers play a key role in developing new sustainable technologies.
The Mechanical Engineering major covers a broad base of engineering science and technology knowledge and skills. There is a focus on analytical and design skills, and you have the opportunity to apply these skills in an industry project.
Minimum entry requirements
Guaranteed entry
Applicants will automatically be offered a place in this programme if they have a rank score of 250 or higher, along with 14 NCEA level 3 credits in each of Calculus and Physics or CIE A levels in Mathematics and Physics.
All other applicants who have met the admission requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Selection criteria
Interview may be required
Preferred school subjects
Chemistry, Digital Technologies, English
Year 1
Students in all majors do the same papers in the first year. These papers cover mathematics and computational techniques, as well as the communication and teamwork skills that are essential for the team environment engineers work in.
Year 2
Papers cover solid mechanics, mechanisms and dynamics of machinery, thermodynamics and heat transfer, engineering design methodology, fluids and thermodynamics and manufacturing technology. You also further your analytical engineering, management and teamwork skills.
Year 3
This year covers higher level dynamics, solids mechanics and thermofluids. You also explore the role and working environment of professional engineers, and further your ability to learn independently and work in a team.
Year 4
In the final year you grow your understanding of the engineering industry, engineering management and the latest thinking in your chosen field.
Workplace experience
Your individual industry project in Year 4 is your opportunity to gain real-life industrial experience in an engineering environment, under the guidance of an experienced supervisor. You work on a project for organisations like:
You need to complete 800 hours of planned supervised work experience to graduate, in addition to completing all your papers.