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Engineering skills are in demand in New Zealand, according to the country’s immigration website.
With over 74,000 working as engineers or in related roles, it is estimated that New Zealand needs 1,500 more engineers annually to match economic growth within sunrise technologies such as additive manufacturing, medical devices, artificial intelligence, robotics, aerospace, as well as for delivering large infrastructure projects being rolled out across the country. .
In this, the University of Auckland is delivering a solution at attracting engineering graduates from abroad who are interested in a conversion master’s programme called Master of Professional Engineering (MProfEng) – a globally recognised Washington Accord-accredited programme and the first of its kind in the country. The programme is designed to convert a non-accredited degree into an accredited master’s programme with online and on-campus study options.
The MProfEng is the ideal postgraduate qualification for those seeking global mobility and recognition as a chartered engineer. “If you want to become a chartered engineer, it is really important that you have a Washington Accord-accredited degree, and a professional masters will provide that accreditation,” says Dr. Garry Miller, Associate Dean (Postgraduate Taught) and the Director of Graduate School of Enginering at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Auckland.
The Washington Accord is the global standard for accredited engineering degrees that provide pathways for engineers to practise as Chartered Professional Engineers (or similar) and also support the global mobility of professional engineers.
Designed with input from industry partners, the MProfEng aspires to develop graduates with well-rounded skills to make a safe, positive contribution to employers and society upon leaving university.
The MProfEng’s primary form is a 240-point two-year full-time master’s degree. Those who have already completed a four-year BE (Honours) degree can opt for the 180-point option, while those with a three-year bachelor’s degree, such as a three-year BE(Civil), can pursue the 240-point option.
The programme culminates in a 30-point Professional Capstone course, an integrated design experience that will develop the student’s multidisciplinary knowledge and allow them to work in teams of eight.
“There is also a research project which enables you to get into more depth with your topic of interest,” says Miller. This project caters towards those who thrive in practical assessments or students who would like to focus on traditional research.
Academically extraordinary
Founded in 1883, the University of Auckland is proud to be the best, showcasing its academic strength across all aspects.
It is the only university from New Zealand to be classified among the top 100 institutions across the globe, according to the QS World University Rankings 2023. Twelve of its subjects are ranked in the top 50, including accounting and finance, archaeology, education, engineering, linguistics, sports-related subjects and nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022).
All programmes are taught with rigour by experienced lecturers, informed by the university’s amazing research and allowing students to be the best they can be. Every student is given a chance to chase their interests and discover new ones along their educational journey across eight different faculties encompassing the arts, business, education, engineering, law, science and the medical sciences, among others.
At the Faculty of Engineering, students and staff are enabling an evolving technological landscape through teaching, research and service to improve the lives of the people of Aotearoa, and beyond.
All the while students are honing their skills to prepare for a wide range of jobs. Over 60 industry leaders from approximately 50 organisations employ many University of Auckland graduates. With this, MProfEng students can expect exciting career opportunities.
“You become designers or constructors who deliver the infrastructure. You might even work for consultants, contractors or for client organisations who own the assets,” shares Miller.
That’s not all. He adds: “The industries that employ civil engineers are very wide. Owners of infrastructure assets are everything – from the water sector to roading to airports. You name it, the whole infrastructure sector. Also, employers outside civil engineering like to employ engineers because we bring problem-solving skills [and] good analytical skills.”
Of course, no university experience is complete without a chance to become part of a community — and in this, the University of Auckland does not disappoint. Campus life is vibrant and welcoming. There are more than 200 clubs, societies and associations to choose from — including Boating and Canoeing, The Formula SAE team, the Debating Society, Video Gaming Club and Women in Engineering, among others.
Auckland is just as vibrant and diverse. Volcanoes and numerous picturesque islands surround the city — creating a unique setting for future engineers to discover innovative solutions from the get-go. Its residents consist of those from European descent, Asians, Pacific and New Zealand Māori.
If you want to pursue a postgraduate qualification that will set you apart in the future as a chartered engineer, click here to learn more.
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