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
July (part-time only)
About the programme
Want to know how mechanical things work and why? Get into a career in mechanical engineering.
If you've often peeked inside something and had a desire to have a go at making it yourself, then you're exactly the kind of person we're looking for to study Mechanical Engineering and mechatronics.
Embrace the chance to have a go at projects you’ve only been thinking about until now!
During this hands-on programme, you'll do a small amount of maths and science and learn how to design, create 3D models, and program controls (Otago Polytechnic Engineering uses RoboDK (robodk.com) for simulation and offline programming of industrial robots).
You'll gain great knowledge, understanding, and practical appreciation of mechanical engineering processes and theory by developing your ability to apply learning in a practical and innovative way. There are a variety of exciting, hands-on projects throughout this programme that you'll get involved in such as building a full-size, two-seater airplane; battery-powered skateboard, or an electric car.
This industry is growing fast and there is high demand for Engineering Technicians with training like this. Many of our graduates secure employment before they even finish their qualification. Or, you could move into our Bachelor of Engineering Technology to deepen your learning and widen your career options.
Accredited by Engineering New Zealand, this practical programme meets the standards required for the Dublin and Sydney international Engineering accords - meaning it's highly respected and recognised nationally, and internationally.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. You can study this programme part-time over four years (this can be flexible) and can start in February or July. It may also be possible to start the full-time programme in July if you have previous engineering experience, have done prior engineering study or with approval from the Head of School. Please email EngTech@op.ac.nz to see if this pathway would be right for you.
International
July*
About the programme
Want to know how mechanical things work and why? Get into a career in mechanical engineering.
If you've often peeked inside something and had a desire to have a go at making it yourself, then you're exactly the kind of person we're looking for to study Mechanical Engineering and mechatronics.
Embrace the chance to have a go at projects you’ve only been thinking about until now!
During this hands-on programme, you'll do a small amount of maths and science and learn how to design, create 3D models, and program controls (Otago Polytechnic Engineering uses RoboDK (https://robodk.com) for simulation and offline programming of industrial robots).
You'll gain great knowledge, understanding, and practical appreciation of mechanical engineering processes and theory by developing your ability to apply learning in a practical and innovative way. There are a variety of exciting, hands-on projects throughout this programme that you'll get involved in such as building a full-size, two-seater airplane; battery-powered skateboard, or an electric car.
This industry is growing fast and there is high demand for Engineering Technicians with training like this. Many of our graduates secure employment before they even finish their qualification. Or, you could move into our Bachelor of Engineering Technology to deepen your learning and widen your career options.
Accredited by Engineering New Zealand, this practical programme meets the standards required for the Dublin and Sydney international Engineering accords - meaning it's highly respected and recognised nationally, and internationally.
Studying part-time
*Studying full-time from July may be possible if you have previous engineering experience, have done prior engineering study or with approval from the Head of School. Please email EngTech@op.ac.nz to see if this pathway would be right for you.
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 English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for a list of recognised proficiency tests).
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
International fees
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.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
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.
