New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)

This is a practical programme using real-life scenarios as part of your learning. You will graduate as a work-ready Mechanical Engineering Technician with the knowledge and understanding of mechanical engineering processes and theory. Employers often headhunt directly from this programme.

Domestic

Duration
2 Years Full-time
4 Years Part-time
Level
6
Credits
240
Fees
$18,576
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Intakes
February
July (part-time only)

International

Duration
2 Years Full-time
Level
6
Credits
240
Fees
$60,000
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee
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
DE3301 Engineering Practice 3 15
DE4301 Engineering CAD 4 15
DE4302 Mechanics 4 15
DE4303 Material Properties 4 15
DE5304 Electrical Fundamentals 5 15
Year Two (Compulsory)    
DE6301 Fluid Mechanics 6 15
DE6101 Engineering Management 6 15
DE6102 Engineering Project (Mechanical) 6 15
DE5301 Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 5 15
DE5302 Strength of Materials 1 5 15
DE5303 Manufacturing Processes 5 15
Electives (Select 2)    
DE6302 Mechanics of Machines 6 15
DE6308 Strength of Materials 2 6 15
DE6309 Advanced Thermodynamics 6 15
DE6419 Engineering Maintenance Management 6 15
DE5418 Engineering Mathematics 2 5 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 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 mechanical engineering classes which consist of formal lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials, and your own study time.

Entry

Skills you'll need to work in this area

  • Practical thinking
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Good computer skills
  • Planning and organisational ability
  • Excellent communication skills.

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. 

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 32 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
$9,288
Second year
Standard
$9,288

International fees

First year
Standard
$30,000
Second year
Standard
$30,000

Additional costs

Hand tools are included in the programme fee but these tools will remain the property of Otago Polytechnic. You are required to provide the following:

Personal stationery and basic drawing instruments:

  • Scientific calculator - Casio FX-82 is preferred
  • Pad of A4 lined writing paper
  • Pen
  • 2 GB Data Stick. 

Compulsory safety items: 

  • Overalls 
  • Steel capped boots or approved pair of safety shoes.
  • Safety Glasses
  • General work gloves (Cut 5 Flexidyn) - $14*
  • Earmuffs (Grade 5) (Howard Leight LON Earmuff) - $35*

* Prices are approx & don't include GST 

Safety items can be purchased from: 

Road Materials 
4-6 Forth Street
Dunedin
03 477 6390

Optional textbooks: 

  • Basic Technical Mathematics with Calculus (Allyn J Washington) - approximately $100
  • Engineering Mechanics (Val Ivanoff) - approximately $100.

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.

Application

A change for 2023 enrolments

When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.

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-mechanical-engineering