University of Auckland

What you'll study

The MProfEng combines advanced coursework with a capstone project or design challenge to develop technical depth, practical skills and professional judgement. Core themes typically include engineering design and systems thinking, professional practice and ethics, advanced analysis and modelling, and project management.

• Core professional modules — professional engineering practice, engineering ethics, risk and reliability, and project management for engineers.
• Technical specialisation — a selection of advanced courses aligned with a chosen discipline (for example civil/structural, mechanical, electrical/electronic, chemical/process, or software/embedded systems). Typical topics include structural analysis and design, advanced materials and manufacturing, control systems and robotics, power systems, process engineering and advanced computational methods.
• Design/project — an individual or team-based capstone project that applies technical knowledge to a problem with real-world constraints. Projects often involve industry partners, multidisciplinary collaboration and deliverables such as design reports, prototypes or technical evaluations.
• Research and professional skills — technical communication, applied research methods, modelling and simulation, and tools relevant to contemporary engineering practice.

Study is delivered through lectures, laboratory and computer-based practicals, tutorials, industry-engaged projects and supervised project work. The programme can be taken full‑time or part‑time, with the option to tailor coursework to the chosen discipline and career goals.

Entry requirements

Admission normally requires a recognised bachelor’s degree with appropriate academic standing. Applicants with a prior engineering or closely related technical degree will be considered for direct entry; applicants from non-engineering backgrounds may be required to demonstrate relevant quantitative skills or complete prescriptive bridging courses.

Other typical requirements include:

• Evidence of academic preparation in mathematics and relevant basic engineering or science subjects (or completion of specified prerequisite courses).
• A personal statement outlining motivation and relevant experience; CV and academic transcripts.
• Where applicable, references from academic or professional referees and, for some applicants, an interview or portfolio of work.
• International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MProfEng are prepared for professional engineering careers across industry, consulting, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, transport, construction and technology sectors. Common roles include design engineer, project engineer, systems engineer, research and development engineer, technical consultant and engineering project manager.

The programme also establishes a pathway to professional registration and chartered status in New Zealand and internationally by developing the competencies expected of practising engineers, and by offering the technical and professional experience components employers and registration bodies require.

Why study at University of Auckland

The University of Auckland offers engineering programmes taught by staff engaged in applied research and industry collaboration, providing access to modern labs, computing facilities and links with regional engineering employers. Located in New Zealand’s largest city, the Faculty of Engineering has strong connections with construction, infrastructure, energy and technology sectors in Auckland and across the country, which supports project collaborations and graduate employment opportunities.

The programme’s emphasis on applied design, professional practice and discipline-specific advanced courses helps graduates translate technical knowledge into practical solutions for complex engineering challenges.