Master of Engineering

Build on your BE(Hons), hone your skills and improve your career prospects with advanced study in modern, high-tech engineering.

Go deeper into the world of engineering and investigate a topic of interest with the thesis-based Master of Engineering (ME). You'll learn to carry out independent research and further develop your abilities to think critically and creatively and write effectively. Graduate with a professional qualification that will be attractive to a range of employers both in New Zealand and overseas.

If you have a BE(Hons) degree with First or Second Class Honours or the equivalent, and want to carry out significant research that contributes to knowledge in the field, then the Master of Engineering is right for you.

Learn from the best

Work with and learn from experts in the field who are constantly extending the boundaries of modern engineering knowledge. You'll be taught by staff who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research at New Zealand’s number one ranked research university.

Find a supervisor for your research project:

• In the School of Engineering and Computer Science—topics in electronics, network, renewable energy systems, and software engineering.
• At the Paihau—Robinson Research Institute, recognised worldwide as a leader in high temperature superconductivity—topics across mechanical, mechatronic, and electrical engineering, as well as physics and materials science.

Study details

The ME is a one-year full-time programme but you can study it part time. You can choose to complete it by doing a 120-point thesis or by doing a 90-point thesis and 30 points of coursework.

Depending on the topic of your research thesis, your ME may be endorsed with one of three subjects:

• Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering
• Network Engineering
• Software Engineering

Study details

The ME is a one-year full-time programme. You can choose to complete it by doing a 120-point thesis or by doing a 90-point thesis and 30 points of coursework.

Depending on the topic of your research thesis, your ME may be endorsed with one of three subjects:

• Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering
• Network Engineering
• Software Engineering

Get the Postgraduate Handbook

Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook.

Download the handbook

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Duration and workload

The ME must normally be completed in 12 months of full-time study, or in two years if you're studying part time.

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.

Duration and workload

The ME must normally be completed in 12 months of full-time study. Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year.

Study for a PhD

If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you’ll be able to apply to do a PhD. Full-time PhD candidates usually complete the degree within three to four years.

You’ll carry out original research that makes a significant contrubution to knowledge in the field, under supervision from world-class academics in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.

Community

Postgraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff and future colleagues. You'll have opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops and social functions.

The Postgraduate Students' Association can also give you information on study at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.

Careers

The technological know-how, problem solving and creativity you gain from the Master of Engineering will open up new opportunities for you in your career. You might find work in electronics, robot design or systems development. Other career options include hardware development, programming, software engineering, systems management or research.

Scholarships

You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.