Specialisations

Chemical engineers draw on the chemical, physical and biological sciences to provide a systems approach to understand changes that take place in materials – from the molecular to the global scale. They also establish methods for required changes in composition, energy content, structure, or physical state. They often see engineering as a means towards useful outcomes. They can prioritise safety, loss prevention and environmental protection in their activities. Chemical engineers have a sound knowledge of energy, raw materials, process chemistry and dynamics to achieve products, processes, and designs of the highest quality and efficiency. 

Civil Engineering teaches you about the effective planning, design and construction of the built environment. This includes the working and living spaces people depend on, as well as critical infrastructure such as motorways, bridges, and water supply networks. The many and varied elective courses available within Civil Engineering encourage you to find a path that resonates with your own interests. This specialisation gives you the chance to see how you can shape the world we live in. In topics with an environmental focus, you will learn how to design, develop and evaluate structures, equipment and systems to provide practical solutions to problems caused by increasing consumption and waste.

Computer systems now pervade almost every aspect of our world. Computers are hidden within a vast number of electro-mechanical environments, and this ubiquity is only expected to increase. This specialisation is particularly known to affect the fields of robotics, autonomous vehicles, medical devices, industrial automation systems and smart technologies. Their practitioners are diverse, with understanding in areas that range from bioengineering to software development. Computer systems engineers solve problems by creating systems that possess a computer embedded within a large operation. With knowledge in hardware and software, they ensure that these products can make decisions and function in the real world. 

Electrical and Electronic Engineering is a well-established discipline that involves communications and control technology, the development and exploitation of electric power systems, the design and implementation of complex signal processing devices on computer platforms, robotics design, the application of modern instrumentation, and high-power electronics. This discipline is vital in ensuring the reliability and sustainability of upcoming generations of electricity transmission, industrial automation, communication infrastructure and electric vehicles. Many students pursue this specialisation for its adaptability – the fundamental theories it provides lead to broad applications. 

Engineering Science underpins all modern engineering practice, focusing on the development and use of computer models to understand, plan and control our world. This specialisation prompts students to answer complex questions using the power of computers, mathematics, and technology. You will use mathematical models and advanced computing to simulate real-world processes, systems, and solutions to solve the complex problems posed by industry and society. This creates versatile thinkers who are in high demand in many industries today.

The fundamental principles of energy, materials, and mechanics are vital to the field of Mechanical Engineering. Science and technology are applied to ensure that complex structures and systems such as yachts, robots, sawmills, space vehicles, airplanes and heating systems remain sustainable and in motion. Design Thinking is an especially distinctive focus within the field of Mechanical Engineering, with an emphasis on solving practical, real-world problems. Mechanical engineers have a strong capacity to build and implement innovative products and processes. This makes them employable in diverse environments, from large-scale commercial firms to niche markets and consultative roles.

Mechatronics blends the disciplines of Mechanical, Electronics, Computer, and Software Engineering; its interdisciplinary approach means that practitioners tend to be generalists who can apply their skills to many roles and industries. The realm of Mechatronics engineering encompases the design of economical, efficient systems. Mechatronics engineers develop select sensors and actuators, control algorithms, and advanced functional materials for mechanical systems in a variety of industries. These include anti-locking brakes and engine control units in transportation, surgical robots and artificial hearts for healthcare, and small smart components for cameras and mobile phones.

Software Engineering is behind many of the technologies we now take for granted. It is seen in virtually all sectors of today’s economy, from handheld smart devices to cloud services and large telecommunications networks. This specialisation covers software architecture, system performance, testing and quality assurance, requirements engineering, human-computer interaction, and documentation. Because it is largely project-oriented, software engineers also familiarise themselves with the ethical, social, legal, economical and safety issues relevant to users today. Software engineers often see their core skills as complementary to their personal interests, and demand for professionals in this field will continue to increase alongside the need to create and improve products for today’s technologically-savvy environments and users.

Structural engineers are essential to our built environments, covering domains of engineering from literally the ground up with their understanding of geotechnical site conditions, response to seismic action, materials for construction, and loading conditions. They work on the design, analysis, construction and maintenance of the structural elements in domestic, industrial and commercial buildings, including skyscrapers, as well as bridges and other infrastructure. Their specific technical knowledge – especially within Aotearoa – additionally enables structural engineers to conduct design for environments prone to seismic activity. As many parts of the world are prone to natural disasters, in particular earthquakes, the structural engineering profession becomes especially important to the safety of our people and communities.