Auckland University of Technology

What you'll study

This programme combines advanced project management theory with applied engineering practice. Core topics typically include project planning and control, advanced scheduling and earned value management, risk identification and mitigation, procurement and contract management, engineering economics and financial decision making, and leadership and stakeholder engagement in technical projects.

Students usually complete a mix of taught courses and a substantial research‑or practice‑based project or dissertation. Typical modules you can expect include:

• Project Management Principles – frameworks, life cycles and methodologies for engineering projects.
• Advanced Project Planning and Control – scheduling techniques, resource levelling, critical path and programme integration.
• Risk and Quality Management – quantitative and qualitative risk assessment, mitigation strategies and quality assurance for engineering delivery.
• Procurement, Contracts and Commercial Management – contract forms, tendering, claims management and commercial decision making.
• Engineering Economics and Finance – cost estimation, cash flow analysis, investment appraisal and life‑cycle costing.
• Leadership, Ethics and Professional Practice – team leadership, communication, governance and ethical issues in engineering projects.
• Research Methods and Project – research design, applied methods and a substantial project or dissertation that applies skills to a real or simulated engineering challenge.

Entry requirements

Applicants are generally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related technical discipline, with satisfactory academic performance. Applicants with significant professional experience in engineering or project delivery but without an engineering degree may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis and could be required to demonstrate prior learning or complete bridging study.

International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. The university may also require a curriculum vitae and references; some applicants are invited to an interview or provide evidence of professional experience in project roles.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in the planning and delivery of engineering and infrastructure projects. Typical career destinations include:

• Project manager or programme manager across construction, infrastructure, utilities and manufacturing sectors
• Project controls or planning specialist (scheduling, cost control, earned value)
• Contracts and commercial manager or procurement specialist
• Delivery manager, site or construction manager for major engineering projects
• Consultant in engineering project management, risk advisory or project assurance
• Roles in project management offices (PMOs), clients and government infrastructure agencies

Why study at Auckland University of Technology

AUT is known for a practical, applied approach to postgraduate study with strong links to industry in New Zealand’s largest city. The programme emphasises work‑relevant skills, using case studies and project work that reflect the complexity of contemporary engineering delivery. Students benefit from access to AUT’s teaching staff who combine academic expertise with industry experience, collaborative projects with employers, and campus facilities that support applied research and professional development.

Studying in Auckland also provides exposure to major infrastructure programmes and a wide network of engineering firms and public sector clients, supporting opportunities for industry engagement, internships and career progression after graduation.