

- Location
Online with block courses in Dunedin
- Duration
- Three and a half years part-time
- Delivery
Online delivery with face-to-face night classes and block courses
- Credits
- 240
- Level
- 4
- Start
- Flexible
- Apply
- Anytime - contact ECLadmin@op.ac.nz
Build on the skills and knowledge you gained in the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3).
This qualification is designed for those who wish to continue developing their career and/or apprenticeship in the automotive industry.
During this programme, you will gain the industry-specific skills you need to work in a wide range of roles in the motor industry. You will learn how to safely and effectively diagnose and repair faults that are commonly encountered on heavy vehicles. There will be strands in Road Transport, Plant and Equipment, Agricultural Equipment, and Materials Handling.
Upon successful completion, you will graduate as a Qualified Automotive Technician and would be well placed to pursue senior positions in a heavy automotive workshop.
Entry requirements
- New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) OR equivalent skills and knowledge.
- You must also be employed in a heavy automotive engineering workplace which is operating at a commercially-acceptable industry standard.
- Enrolment into this programme will also require you, your employer and Otago Polytechnic to enter into a training agreement.
It is recommended that you hold a current workplace First Aid certificate (prior to enrolment) and achieve a Class 4 Licence before you complete this programme.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (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 list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Selection criteria
Applicants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis until the programme has reached full capacity.
Additional costs
Safety equipment and clothing (may be supplied by your employer).
You need to buy all of your textbooks, stationery, tools.
Textbooks (optional - online digital access will be provided while studying):
- CDX Fundamentals of Automotive Technology (ISBN: 978-1-284-10689-3)
- CDX Medium and Heavy Duty Diesel Engines (ISBN: 978-1-284-06705-7)
- CDX Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle Systems (ISBN: 978-1-284-04116-3)
Stationery (compulsory):
- 1 x calculator
- Pens/pencils/eraser etc.
- 8 GB flash drive
Smart device (Recommended):
- Laptop, cellphone or tablet which is Wifi capable, able to take photos and use Windows 365 applications.
Your workload
You will be required to attend night classes and block courses. You will do approximately six hours per week of directed study (outside of your employment commitments).
You will study
Course title (all Level 4) | Credits |
Effective Workplace Maintenance and Safety |
15 |
CoF Inspections and Vehicle Recovery |
10 |
Multi Cylinder Diesel Engines |
20 |
Diesel Engine Intake and Exhaust Systems |
15 |
Diesel Fuel Injection Systems |
15 |
Diesel Engine Emission Control Systems |
15 |
Heavy Vehicle On-road Clutches and Transmissions |
15 |
Heavy Vehicle On-road Driveliness and Final Drive Assemblies |
15 |
Heavy Vehicle On-road Suspension and Chassis Systems |
15 |
Heavy Vehicle On-road Steering Systems |
15 |
Heavy Vehicle On-road Starting, Charging and Lighting Systems |
15 |
Heavy Vehicle On-road Foundation Brake Systems |
15 |
Heavy Vehicle On-road Pneumatic Brake Systems |
15 |
Heavy Vehicle On-road Electronic Brake and Stability Control Systems |
15 |
Heavy Vehicle On-road Cab and Body Control Systems |
15 |
Heavy Vehicle On-road Telematics and Hybrid Systems |
15 |
Total | 240 |
Student Loans and Allowances
Full-time domestic students of this programme are eligible for student loans and allowances (dependent on age and financial circumstances.) Please contact Studylink for additional information. Phone 0800 88 99 00 or visit: www.studylink.govt.nz
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you already have extensive knowledge and skills gained from practical experience in this area, enquire about our recognition of prior learning process at Capable NZ. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification in the course of your life.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative ONLY. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.