New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil Engineering)

This is a practical programme using real-life scenarios as part of your learning. Graduates of this qualification may find career opportunities with local authorities, construction companies, mining companies or civil engineering consultancies. Employers often headhunt directly from this programme.

Domestic

Duration
2 Years Full-time
4 Years Part-time
Level
6
Credits
240
Fees
$9,881
*Approximate first year tuition fee – see Fees section for more info.
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Intakes
February
July (part-time only)

International

Duration
2 Years Full-time
Level
6
Credits
240
Fees
$25,100
*Approximate first year tuition fee – see Fees section for more info.
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Intakes
February
July*

What You Study

Courses

Course Title Level Credits
Year One (Compulsory)    
DE4101 Engineering Fundamentals 4 15
DE4102 Engineering Mathematics 1 4 15
DE4103 Technical Literacy 4 15
DE4201 Materials (Civil) 4 15
DE4202 Land Surveying 1 4 15
DE5201 Structures 1 5 15
DE5202 Civil and Structural Drawing 5 15
DE5207 Geotechnical Engineering 1 5 15
Year Two (Compulsory)    
DE5203 Hydraulics (Civil) 5 15
DE5204 Highway Engineering 1 5 15
DE6101 Engineering Management 6 15
DE6102 Engineering Project (Civil) 6 15
Electives (Select four - only one can be Level 5)    
DE5205 Engineering Surveying 5 15
MG6046 Structures 2 (Bachelor)  6 15
DE6201 Geotechnical Engineering 2 6 15
DE6202 Highway Engineering 2 6 15
DE6203 Traffic Engineering 6 15
DE6205 Water and Waste Systems 6 15
DE6206 Water and Waste Management 6 15
Programme Total   240

Please note: Alternatives to those listed above may be available following consultation with the Programme Manager. Subjects offered subject to minimum class numbers.

Skills you'll gain

All courses within this qualification contribute towards the skills, knowledge, and attributes of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering qualification and the Engineering Technician as recognised by the International Engineering Dublin Accord.

At the completion of this Diploma, all graduates will be able to:

Differentiating characteristic Dublin Accord - New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Graduate
Engineering knowledge Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, engineering fundamentals, within a specialist discipline to wide practical procedures and practices
Problem analysis Identify and analyse well-defined problems reaching substantiated conclusions using codified methods of analysis specific to the specialist field
Design development of solutions Design solutions for well-defined technical problems and assist with design of systems, components or processes to meet specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, cultural and societal and environmental considerations
Investigation Conduct investigations of well-defined problems, locate and search relevant codes and catalogues, conduct standard tests and measurements
Modern tool usage Apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering and IT tools to well-defined engineering problems with an awareness of the limitations
Engineer and society Demonstrate knowledge of the societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities relevant to engineering technician practice and solutions to well-defined engineering problems
Environment and sustainability Understand and evaluate the sustainability and impact of engineering technician work in the solution of well-defined engineering problems in societal and environmental contexts
Ethics Understand and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of technical practice
Individual and teamwork Function effectively as an individual, and as a team member in diverse technical teams
Communication Communicate effectively on well-defined engineering activities with the engineering community and society at large, by being able to comprehend the work of others, document their own work, and give and receive clear instructions
Project management and finance Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles, apply these to ones’ own work, as a member or leader in a technical team and manage projects in a multidisciplinary environment
Lifelong learning Recognise the need for, and have the ability to engage in independent updating in the context of specialised technical knowledge

Further study options

Upon successful completion of this qualification, there are opportunities for you to move into the Bachelor of Engineering Technology at Otago Polytechnic or engineering degree programmes at either Canterbury or Auckland Universities. Completion of the New Zealand Diploma in Civil Engineering can reduce the length of these degrees by a year and a half, or with appropriate experience, two years on application.

Workload

Your workload

Your workload will be significant as assessment is continuous throughout the year with assignments issued regularly and end-of-semester exams. If you are studying full-time, you will be expected to undertake approximately 40 hours per week of civil engineering study which consists of formal lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials, and your own study time.

Entry

Skills needed to work in this area

  • A passion for civil engineering and working outdoors
  • Spending time on large construction sites
  • Good problem-solving ability
  • People skills
  • Good communication skills
  • The ability to plan, organise and adapt.

Entry requirements

  • NCEA Level 2 including a minimum 10 literacy credits at Level 1 or above (for those who achieved NCEA Level 2 before 2013) and
  • Minimum 48 NCEA Level 2 credits in four subjects including at least 12 credits in Maths (preferably algebra, calculus or trigonometry) or equivalent. 
English Language requirements 

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Don't meet the entry criteria? Don't worry! 

If you don't meet any of the entry requirements for this qualification or have been out of learning for a while, enrol in the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) with a focus on Engineering and get entry into this diploma.  

If you don't meet the maths entry requirement for this qualification but meet all of the other criteria, enrol in our great Engineering Maths Summer School and upskill so you can apply.

Selection process

Applicants are accepted using the entry criteria on a first-come, first-in basis with places limited to no more than 50 per year. Should the number of applicants exceed the available places, applicants will be placed on a waiting list in order of the date they applied. All applicants will be interviewed.

Want your existing skills recognised?

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.

Fees

Domestic fees

First year
Standard
$9,881
Second year
Standard
$9,881

International fees

First year
Standard
$25,100
Second year
Standard
$25,100

Additional costs

Please click here for a course equipment list.

Multi-year fees

The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.

Get in touch

0800 762 786
International +64 3 477 3014
Email: info@op.ac.nz
https://www.op.ac.nz/programmes/nzqa/new-zealand-diploma-in-engineering-civil-engineering