Master of Engineering
This research-focused degree is designed for graduates who wish to do further research & develop an innovative solution to an engineering question.
120 points, 1 year
Hamilton
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Why study the Master of Engineering?
The ME is a research degree which normally takes 12 months and 120 points to complete full-time. It builds on prior study at undergraduate level, such as the four-year BE(Hons). If you are interested in a taught Masters programme we would recommend exploring our Master of Engineering Practice instead.
Subjects:
You can choose an endorsement from a wide range of study areas such as:
- Chemical and Process Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Materials and Process Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Robotics
- Software Engineering
- Structural Engineering
The School of Engineering fosters collaborative relationships between science, engineering, industry and management. The School has developed a very strong research base to support its aims of providing you with in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, innovative ideas, and techniques to translate science into technology in the real world.
You will have the opportunity to undertake research with staff who are leaders in their field and will have the use of world-class laboratory facilities. Past ME students have worked on projects such as a ‘snake robot’ for disaster rescue and a brain-controlled electro-mechanical prosthetic hand.
Career Opportunities
- Automotive Engineer
- Biotechnologist
- Civil engineer
- Computer-aided Engineer
- Engineering Geologist
- Food Processing Engineer
- Mechanical engineer
- Medical Sciences Technician
- Pharmaceutical Engineer
- Quality Assurance Officer
- Research Assistant
120 points, 1 year
Hamilton
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Degree information
Select a tile for more information. 
Admission requires a relevant Bachelors level qualification or equivalent. Once you have applied to study with us you are welcome to speak with one of our senior academics who will help advise you on your studies based on your goals and previous experience. This will ensure you have all the support and advice you need to succeed in your studies.
Please refer to the relevant regulations in the University of Waikato Calendar for official details of admission and degree requirements, available subjects, honours eligibility and more.
If you do not hold the appropriate qualifications required for direct entry, you may be eligible to apply for a pathway via a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma. Contact the School of Study for advice on the possibilities.
Estimated fees
$8,773 - $9,850 per year
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costsScholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
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Relevant as of 14 March 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Master of Engineering graduates have advanced technical ability and advanced competencies in their area of specialisation beyond what is expected of a graduate professional engineer. They should:
Possess advanced knowledge of engineering science and mathematics in an area of specialty.
Be able to communicate clearly and effectively in a professional, technical and research and development context, using appropriate media, with their colleagues and clients.
Have appropriate intellectual and advanced evaluation skills to critically analyse methodologies and complex problems and be able to develop appropriate solutions.
Have appropriate practical engineering skills for their specialization and be able to apply these skills to complex problems.
Be able to systematically and creatively design systems that provide appropriate practical solutions to complex engineering problems, including being able to define needs and source appropriate data to service those needs.
Be committed to life-long learning so they are up-to-date on current technologies, practices, methods and ethical and legal issues.
A capacity to think innovatively and to solve complex problems.
Be able to work independently as well as co-operatively in interdisciplinary teams.
Be aware of social, ethical, economic, environmental, cultural and legal issues and act with responsibility and integrity at all times.
Have intellectual flexibility and adaptability to be able to be productive and professional in new environments.
Be aware of other professions and engineering disciplines and able to take an integrated approach to providing engineering solutions.
Practical experience
Many ME theses are in collaboration with industry. The School of Engineering has excellent industry collaborations with companies such as Fonterra, Gallagher Group, Oji Fibre Solutions, Tetra Pak and ArborGen Australasia. These strong relationships generate numerous research projects for engineering students, so you will be able to work on real issues with real clients.
Build a successful career
Depending on the thesis topic studied, graduates of this degree may find employment in the research and development department in a range of engineering industries, including energy companies, environmental agencies, government departments, biomedical/pharmaceutical industries, private research companies, universities, food and dairy industries, electronics, agriculture, forestry and more. The ME can also be a stepping stone to doctoral studies.
Facilities
The University of Waikato School of Engineering’s specialised laboratories includes the Large Scale Lab complex that features a suite of workshops and laboratories dedicated to engineering teaching and research. These include 3D printing, a mechanical workshop and computer labs with engineering design software.
The computing facilities at the University of Waikato are among the best in New Zealand, ranging from phones and tablets for mobile application development to cluster computers for massively parallel processing. Software engineering students will have 24 hour access to computer labs equipped with all the latest computer software.
What our students are saying
I loved my time at Waikato; I thoroughly enjoyed both the academic environment and the lifestyle, which led me to continue my studies here.Jingnan MaBachelor of Science