University of Auckland

What you'll study

The programme blends core management subjects with engineering-focused electives and a research or project component. Core themes typically cover project and programme management, engineering economics and finance, operations and systems engineering, technology and innovation management, and leadership for technical teams.

• Core management topics: project management methodologies, engineering economics, strategic management for technology organisations, and leadership and organisational behaviour.
• Engineering systems and operations: systems engineering, operations and supply chain management, quality and reliability engineering, and risk management for engineering projects.
• Technology and innovation: technology commercialisation, product development, innovation management and intellectual property considerations in engineering contexts.
• Research and project work: students complete a substantial individual research thesis or an industry-aligned project/capstone that applies management principles to a real engineering challenge.
• Electives: depending on availability, electives allow specialisation in areas such as infrastructure planning, sustainable engineering management, data analytics for operations, or entrepreneurial practice.

Teaching methods include lectures, case studies, group projects, industry guest seminars and a supervised research or project component. Assessment typically combines exams, coursework, project reports and presentations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related technical discipline. Candidates with a degree in another discipline plus substantial relevant professional engineering or technical experience may also be considered. Admission generally requires a strong academic record; some applicants may be asked to submit a statement of purpose, curriculum vitae and references.

For international applicants whose previous study was not in English, an acceptable English language proficiency test result is required. Specific documentary requirements and any prerequisite coursework will be detailed on the University of Auckland’s admissions pages.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Engineering Management move into roles that bridge technical expertise and organisational leadership. Typical career paths include:

• Engineering manager or technical director within manufacturing, construction, infrastructure or utilities
• Project manager and programme lead for large-scale engineering and infrastructure projects
• Operations manager, supply chain or logistics manager overseeing technical operations
• Product manager or commercialisation manager in technology and R&D-intensive firms
• Consultant in engineering management, systems integration, or risk and quality management

Graduates are suited to roles in industry, consulting firms, government agencies regulating infrastructure and utilities, and technology start-ups.

Why study at University of Auckland

The University of Auckland’s Faculty of Engineering is located in New Zealand’s largest urban and industrial centre, providing close links with regional industry, infrastructure projects and technology companies. Students benefit from academic staff who combine research expertise with industry experience, access to interdisciplinary research centres, and opportunities for industry projects and internships.

The programme emphasises practical application of management principles to technical problems, preparing graduates to lead engineering teams and manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects. The university’s network across business and public sectors in Auckland and beyond supports transition into professional roles and continuing career development.