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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

Civil Engineers are responsible for the design and construction of infrastructure like buildings, transportation systems, water and wastewater facilities, ports, bridges and urban environments. This programme will teach you discipline-specific knowledge that will enable you to solve problems and improve people’s standard of living.

Programme Structure

The 120-point Master of Civil Engineering (unendorsed) is also available through University of Auckland Online. Learn about the 120-point Master of Civil Engineering Online.

The Master of Civil Engineering degree is available in both research and fully taught options. It can be awarded unendorsed or endorsed in one of our seven sub-disciplines. See Subjects tab for further details.

This programme offers two options to suit candidates’ existing qualifications and experience:

• 120 points for candidates with a four-year bachelors (honours) degree

• 180 points for candidates with a relevant three-year bachelors degree

The taught pathway for the MCivilEng primarily involves in-person learning. However, we recognise the need for flexibility and some courses are available for online study. You also have the option of undertaking a 30-point Research Project and will be eligible for the award of Honours and may be able to progress to the PhD.

The research pathways will incorporate either a 120-point or a 90-point thesis option. Students completing a research pathway will be eligible for the award of Honours and may be able to progress to the PhD.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Graduates from the programme will have advanced knowledge and be competent civil engineers able to undertake: design solutions for complex civil engineering problems and design systems, components or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, cultural, societal and environmental considerations; and understand and evaluate the sustainability and impact of civil engineering work in the solution of complex civil engineering problems in societal and environmental contexts.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Civil Engineer
  • Construction Engineer
  • Construction Project Manager
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Site Engineer

Further Study Options

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters .

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2025 Semester One08 December 202403 March 202530 June 2025
2025 Semester Two04 July 202521 July 202517 November 2025
2026 Semester One02 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two20 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III

or

c (i) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points towards a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher

or

d (i) (a) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

(b) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

and

(ii) at least three years of relevant professional experience approved by the Programme Director

or

e (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) completed the requirements for a relevant postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

c (ii) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points towards a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher.

3 Equivalence and relevance in Regulations 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 In order to be admitted to this degree, applicants must have completed courses relevant to their intended study, passed any prerequisite courses prior to enrolment in this degree, and satisfied any prerequisites specified in the Master of Civil Engineering Schedule for their intended study.

5 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the Associate Dean Postgraduate Research or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the Associate Dean Postgraduate Research or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Notes:

(i) Whether a qualification is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed and the applicant’s intended specialisation. Qualifications in applied science, engineering or technology may be considered relevant.

(ii) This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Engineering.

Duration and Total Points Value

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 5a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

7 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 5b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

8 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Civil Engineering Schedule, which may include the requirements for one of the specialisations listed.

9 A student who has previously passed any course the same as, or similar to, the courses required for this degree must substitute an alternative course as approved by the Programme Director or nominee.

10 A student who has to complete 180 points for this degree must achieve a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher in their first 60 points of taught courses taken for this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Civil Engineering cannot continue.

11 A student who has to complete 180 points for this degree must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in their first 60 points of taught courses taken for this degree to enrol in a thesis for this degree.

12 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

13 a The research project or thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b The topic of the research project or thesis must be approved by the Programme Director or nominee prior to enrolment.

c The research project or thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

14 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for this degree to the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering or Postgraduate Certificate in Civil Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering, providing this degree has not been awarded.

Transfer from Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma

15 A student who has passed courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering that are available in this degree may apply to reassign those courses to this degree provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

16 A student who has passed courses towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Civil Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering that are available in this degree may apply to reassign those courses to this degree provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded

Distinction

17 This degree may be awarded with either Honours, Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

18 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

19 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 180 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity

120 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

180 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Academic Integrity

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism