Engineer a more sustainable future
Climate change and shifting demographics mean we need building science professionals who can engineer smarter, greener buildings.
Majoring in Sustainable Engineering Systems will give you the knowledge to evaluate and optimise the performance of buildings. Your study will cover areas like energy-efficient systems, materials science, lifecycle analysis, and energy performance modeling.
You’ll also consider the social and economic aspects of sustainable engineering—including the comfort, health, and wellbeing of those living in the built environment.
What you’ll learn
Over three years, the Sustainable Engineering Systems major includes these courses:
First year:
Two courses from our 100-level Architecture, Building Science, and Construction courses.
Second year:
Third year:
Choose your study path
You can study Sustainable Engineering Systems in one of two degrees: the Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc) or the Bachelor of Construction (BConst).
- In the BBSc, you can take this subject as your first or second major. You can also take it as a minor subject.
- In the BConst, you can take Sustainable Engineering Systems as a second major, along with one of the majors from the BConst.
Over the three years of your Bachelor’s degree, you’ll balance core courses with specialised courses in Sustainable Engineering Systems.
Two related degrees
We offer two closely related degrees: the Bachelor of Building Science (BBSc) and Bachelor of Construction (BConst). Which one is right for you?
If you want to focus on the science and technology of buildings—and the mechanics behind how buildings work and perform—then the BBSc will be a good match for you.
If you want to focus more on managing construction projects from start to finish—including safety, planning, and sustainability—then the BConst will be a better fit for you.
Conjoint degrees
You may be able to do a conjoint degree—combining your BBSc or BConst with another degree. This will take less time than completing two degrees separately. For instance, you might combine your BBSc with the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS).
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Sustainable Engineering Systems at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
A qualification in Sustainable Engineering Systems opens doors to a career in building design, engineering, and construction. You'll have the knowledge to focus on durability, health, energy efficiency, and low-carbon sustainability.
After you graduate, you could go into the construction, building, or engineering sectors. You could work with private companies, or work for a government department or city council.
More career information
Find out more about careers in building science.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Architecture
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Studio Pacific Architecture wish to support a student undertaking their first year of study at Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design.
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Architecture
-
This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Further study
After completing a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Sustainable Engineering Systems, you can continue your studies at a more advanced level through a Master of Building Science.
We also offer smaller postgraduate certificates and diplomas that allow you to study Sustainable Engineering Systems at an advanced level.
Find out more about our postgraduate study options at the School of Architecture:
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.