Master of Engineering Practice
Course details
| NZQF Level | 9 |
|---|
About the course
Fast-track your career in engineering with a one-year programme that will give you solid practical and industry experience.
Get up to date with engineering practice
The 180-point Master of Engineering Practice is a one-year (three trimester) programme that helps you build a strong technical foundation.
It’s the perfect choice if you want to specialise in a particular area of engineering. You’ll have the chance to develop niche knowledge that will open doors to specialist and senior roles.
If you’re an international student, the MEP will get you up to speed with engineering practice in New Zealand and make you a strong candidate for jobs here.
How you’ll study
The programme combines taught courses and an industry placement, giving you the chance to apply your learning in a real-life context.
Past industry placements have included companies like:
- Xero
- Datacom
- Wētā FX
- Microsoft
- IBM
- Trade Me
- Fisher & Paykel
- 2degrees.
Through the programme, you’ll develop problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and research skills to complement your technical knowledge. You’ll gain a competitive edge as you prepare for a career in one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing industries.
Tailor your study
For the coursework component of the Master of Engineering Practice, you can specialise by choosing courses in your area of interest. These could include:
- mechatronics
- renewable energy
- software engineering
- electronics
- networked applications.
Potential fast track
If you already have a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours or equivalent, you may be able to credit some of your Honours-level courses towards the MEP. This way, you may be able to gain a Master’s degree in as little as two trimesters of study.
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.
Part-time study options
You can choose to study the coursework component of the MEP part time, but you will usually need to study full time to complete the Industry Project (ENGR 589).
If you do the coursework component of the MEP part time, you will need about 20 hours per week if you take two courses per trimester. You can complete your MEP in up to three years.
Make sure you take these timeframes into account if you are working or balancing other commitments.
Future careers
Your study might lead to specialist or senior roles in areas such as:
- software engineering
- electrical engineering
- renewable energy engineering
- cybersecurity
- artificial intelligence
- mechatronics.
Potential employers
Recent Engineering graduates work for employers such as:
- tech companies—Trade Me, Datacom, Atlassian, Catalyst IT, Xero, Google, IBM, Wētā FX, Apple, Microsoft, Eagle Technology, DXC Technology, Palantir, Pik Pok, RedShield
- engineering firms and electricity companies—Beca, Transpower, Wellington Electricity, Radiola, Infratec, Aurora Energy, Eight360, Fisher & Paykel, Foundry Lab
- consulting firms—PwC, Ernst & Young, KPMG, Deloitte
- insurance companies
- government and public sector organisations.
Paid industry or research project
All international students in the Master of Engineering Practice programme undertake an industry or research project in their final trimester of study. The project involves either working in an industry setting or conducting industry-focused research at the University.
Why Wellington
Wellington has the highest concentration of web-based and digital technology companies in New Zealand. Our ICT sector is the largest contributor to the city’s GDP, and a significant employer of talent in the region.
Your study can include a placement at a wide range of Wellington-based, industry-leading companies.
Learn about how you'll study for the Master of Engineering Practice.
How you’ll study
The Master of Engineering Practice has two parts.
Part 1
In Part 1 you’ll focus on developing your research, communication and practise skills through taught courses and a project.
You’ll take four core courses, and choose four additional approved courses from electronics, networking, renewable energy, software or computer science.
You’ll complete a major group project to design, implement and evaluate a solution to an industry-based engineering problem. Through this project you’ll apply your technical and professional skill set to address a range of topics related to the project, including legal and IP issues, business contexts, social and environmental issues.
Part 2
Entry into Part 2 of the course requires at least a B-average in Part 1 (or special permission from the Head of School). In this final trimester of study, you’ll either undertake a large University-based research project or an industry-based project.
Students may be paid by companies in which they are placed, but this is not guaranteed.
- Read the full requirements for the Master of Engineering Practice
If you don't complete the Master of Engineering Practice you may be able to graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate of Engineering Practice or Postgraduate Diploma of Engineering Practice.
Duration and workload
The Master of Engineering Practice will take you three trimesters (one year) of full-time study, or up to three years if you are 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.
If you're a part-time student, you can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you'll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10 to 12 hours of work.
Duration and workload
The Master of Engineering Practice will take you three trimesters (one year) of full-time study. Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year.
You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you’ll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10 to 12 hours of work.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor's degree with at least a B+ average in a relevant subject.
International entry requirements
Bachelor's degree with at least a B+ average in a relevant subject.
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.