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ME
Master of Engineering

This research-focused degree is designed for graduates who wish to do further research and develop an innovative solution to an engineering question. Excellence in advanced engineering design, research and development skills are core features of the degree.

As a Master of Engineering (ME) graduate, you will have the opportunity to either seek employment as a professional engineer or start a research career.

The ME normally takes 12 months to complete full-time.  It builds on prior study at undergraduate level, such as the four-year BE(Hons) or BSc(Tech).  The degree requires 120 points, which can either be made up of 30 points in taught papers and a 90-point dissertation (research project), or one 120-point thesis.

If you enrol in an ME via the School of Engineering you can choose an endorsement from our wide range of study areas such as Chemical and Biological Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials and Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and finally Robotics.

Software Engineering projects are completed via the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.

The School of Engineering fosters collaborative relationships between science, engineering, industry and management.  The School has developed a very strong research base to support its aims of providing you with in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, innovative ideas, and techniques to translate science into technology in the real world.

You will have the opportunity to undertake research with staff who are leaders in their field and will have the use of world-class laboratory facilities. Past ME students have worked on projects such as a ‘snake robot’ for disaster rescue and a brain-controlled electro-mechanical prosthetic hand.

Facilities

The University of Waikato School of Engineering’s specialised laboratories includes the Large Scale Lab complex that features a suite of workshops and laboratories dedicated to engineering teaching and research.  These include 3D printing, a mechanical workshop and computer labs with engineering design software.

The computing facilities at the University of Waikato are among the best in New Zealand, ranging from phones and tablets for mobile application development to cluster computers for massively parallel processing. Software engineering students will have 24 hour access to computer labs equipped with all the latest computer software.

Build a successful career

Depending on the thesis topic studied, graduates of this degree may find employment in the research and development department in a range of engineering industries, including energy companies, environmental agencies, government departments, biomedical/pharmaceutical industries, private research companies, universities, food and dairy industries, electronics, agriculture, forestry and more. The ME can also be a stepping stone to doctoral studies.

Apply to enrol

Key information

Years: 1
Points: 120
Study Locations:Hamilton
Start Dates: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Estimated Fees* (Domestic): $8,050 - $9,039 per year
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year
Estimated Fees* (International): $42,310 (120 points) per year
Entry Requirements: Postgraduate International
Area of Study:
*Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.

Degree Planner

Career opportunities

  • Aeronautical Engineer
  • Automotive Engineer
  • Biotechnologist
  • Computer-aided Engineer
  • Engineering Geologist
  • Food and Drink Technologist
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Medical Sciences Technician
  • Patent Attorney
  • Pharmaceutical Engineer
  • Quality Assurance Officer
  • Research Assistant
  • Theoretical Physics Research

Admission requires a relevant Bachelors level qualification or equivalent. Once you have applied to study with us you are welcome to speak with one of our senior academics who will help advise you on your studies based on your goals and previous experience.  This will ensure you have all the support and advice you need to succeed in your studies.

Please refer to the relevant regulations in the University of Waikato Calendar for official details of admission and degree requirements, available subjects, honours eligibility and more.

If you do not hold the appropriate qualifications required for direct entry, you may be eligible to apply for a pathway via a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma. Contact the School of Study for advice on the possibilities.


New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.

Freemasons Postgraduate Scholarship  Not currently accepting applications

For students who, in the year following application, will be enrolled full-time in Postgraduate Diploma, Masters degree or Doctoral degree.The scholarship will have a value of $10,000.

University of Waikato Research Masters Scholarship  Accepting applications

For students enrolled, or intending to enrol, in a 500-level thesis of 90-or 120-points as part of their first master's degree. International students must have completed at least 120-points of study at a New Zealand university in order to be eligible for this Scholarship.
Closing Date: 30 April 2023

University of Waikato Summer Research Scholarship  Not currently accepting applications

For students who are enrolled at a NZ University in an undergraduate degree, final year honours degree or a first-year master's degree (taught papers only). The scholarship provides students with opportunities to experience the challenges and rewards of research. The scholarship will have a value of $6,000 and will include enrolment in a credit bearing paper at no cost to the student.

University of Waikato Taught Postgraduate Scholarship  Accepting applications

For students enrolling in at least one 500-level taught paper (some 400-level taught papers are also eligible - see regulations for further info). Applications must be submitted prior to the commencement of the papers for which funding is being sought. A minimum GPA of A- is required. International students must have completed at least 120-points of study at a NZ university to be eligible.
Closing Date: 30 April 2023

Looking for more scholarships?

Visit our Scholarship Finder


Many ME theses are in collaboration with industry. The School of Engineering has excellent industry collaborations with companies such as Fonterra, Gallagher Group, Oji Fibre Solutions, Tetra Pak and ArborGen Australasia. These strong relationships generate numerous research projects for engineering students, so you will be able to work on real issues with real clients.


Contacts

School of Engineering
Phone: +64 7 838 4322
Email: [email protected]
Website: eng.a-loan-calculator.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WUEngineering

School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Phone: 0800 924 528 or +64 7 838 4625
Email: [email protected]
Website: cms.a-loan-calculator.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WUcms

Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.

Phone: +64 7 838 4610
Email: [email protected]

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