Go deeper with independent research in engineering
Investigate a topic you’re interested in with the Master of Engineering (ME). You’ll carry out independent research and develop your abilities to think critically and write effectively.
You’ll graduate with a qualification that is attractive to a range of employers in New Zealand and overseas. It’s also the ideal pathway to PhD study.
You’ll be taught by staff who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research at New Zealand’s number-1-ranked research university.
Who can study for this qualification
You can study for the ME if you have a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours.
What you’ll learn
Your study covers:
- advanced technical knowledge
- research and analysis
- complex system design
- communication
- management and leadership.
How you’ll study
There are two distinct pathways to study the Master of Engineering—research or coursework.
Research
In the research pathway you’ll complete a 120-point thesis. This is a good fit if you’ve already done advanced coursework in the area you want to focus on.
Finding a supervisor
Think about the topic you want to explore in your thesis and make contact with a potential supervisor before you enrol in the programme. You’ll need to work on a proposal together and submit it when you apply.
Coursework
This is a good fit if you don’t yet have enough background to do a thesis on your chosen topic. You’ll do 30 points of coursework in your area of interest, and then complete a 90-point thesis.
Part-time study options
Studying part time, you can complete the ME over a maximum of 2 years.
Qualification 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 through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the ME degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor of Engineering with First or Second Class Honours from this university or, at the discretion of the associate dean (postgraduate research) of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, another university; and
(ii) been accepted by the head of school as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the associate dean for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the ME
2. The course of study for the ME shall consist of either:
(a) a 120-point Master’s thesis (Thesis (ENGR 591)); or
(b) a 90-point Master’s thesis (Thesis (ENGR 592)), and 30 points of approved 400- or 500-level courses from the schedules to the BE(Hons) or ME.
3. The minimum and maximum periods of enrolment for a 120-point thesis or a 90-point thesis combined with 30 points of course work are specified in the Master’s Thesis Regulations.
Future careers
The ME gives you specialised knowledge in a particular area of engineering, making you a great candidate for specialist and senior roles.
There are a wide range of careers you could go into after your study, depending on what you choose to focus on in your thesis.
More career information
Find out more about careers in engineering.
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 postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science and Engineering
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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Applications are sought from those who are eligible at the time of application, or who will have become eligible by the start of Trimester 2 the following year, to enrol in a Master’s degree by thesis worth 90 points or more. Applicants undertaking a 180-point Master’s degree will not be eligible for this scholarship.
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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.
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.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science and Engineering
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The Shafi Family Scholarship was established to assist and encourage students, preferably from developing countries who are undertaking a PhD in Engineering. Its purpose is to recognise and assist in meeting their education costs. The scholarship is a contribution to tuition fees only.
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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 enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Academic staff research areas
Our academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
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.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.