Engineer your career
The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) gives you a solid grounding in engineering and science through the design and implementation of real-world systems. Gain the knowledge and skills to design and build exciting technology like autonomous robots, renewable energy systems, smartphone applications, computer games, or secure systems.
Get the chance to put your skills into practice through research and development projects, and have opportunities to work with industry. You’ll also get training in project management and entrepreneurship and consider ethics and sustainability in your work.
When you graduate with your BE(Hons), you’ll have a degree that is recognised all over the world and has full accreditation from Engineering New Zealand.
Meet Janel: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
What you’ll learn
Build your degree
You can major in one of four subjects for the BE(Hons):
- Cybersecurity Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Software Engineering
If you don't know which major you want to do yet, talk to one of our Future Student Advisers about choosing courses that will keep your options open.
Year breakdown
First year
In your first year of the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, you’ll learn about:
- computer program design
- data structures and algorithms
- engineering mathematics and modelling
- cybersecurity
- computer games
- artificial intelligence
- engineering technology.
You’ll get a general introduction to engineering practice, covering the basics of software, hardware, and network systems.
And you’ll apply this knowledge to complete a project—the Autonomous Vehicle Challenge. On this project, you'll work in a team to build a vehicle that has a processing board, a motor driver, and a network link to communicate its progress back to a central computer.
Second, third, and fourth years
In your second, third, and fourth years of the degree, you’ll study 200-, 300-, and 400-level courses covering topics specific to your major. You’ll also learn about professional practice and do 800 hours of approved work experience.
To add breadth to your BE(Hons) degree, you’ll be able to take some elective courses.
In your third and fourth years of study, you’ll work on industry projects and complete specialist and core courses. You’ll graduate ready to start your career.
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.
How our degrees work
Flexible, or structured? Learn more about the different types of undergraduate degrees at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed secondary school 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:
A New Zealand university entrance qualification, or equivalent, with physics and mathematics (calculus and statistics) to NCEA level three strongly recommended.
Degree requirements
Extract from the regulations for the BE(Hons)
For this degree, you'll need to complete 480 points, of which at least 120 points must be from courses at 400 level or above in the BE(Hons) schedule.
In Part 1, complete:
- Engineering Technology (ENGR 101)
- Introduction to Computer Program Design (COMP 102)
- The required Part 1 courses for at least one major.
You need to get at least a B average in your Part 1 courses to proceed.
In Part 2, complete:
- Engineering in Context (ENGR 201)
- Professional Practice (ENGR 401)
- Engineering Project (ENGR 489)
- the remaining courses to meet the requirements of your major
- one (or more) elective course as needed, to bring your points total to 480.
After your second year of study, you need to complete at least 800 hours of employment or work experience in a position approved by the Associate Dean.
Major subjects
Majors are the subjects you focus your degree on.
Major subjects and requirements
Explore your major options below.
BE(Hons) subjects
Cybersecurity Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Mechatronics
Software Engineering
No matching majors found.
I have always felt drawn to both practical and abstract challenges. Electrical and Electronic Engineering seemed to be the best path for me to nurture this lifelong fascination and to build a career for myself in a future-focused, exciting, and high-demand industry.
Future careers
As a BE(Hons) graduate, you’ll have the technical knowledge and practical experience to forge a career in a range of high-growth fields.
With international accreditation, you can be confident knowing your degree will be recognised both in New Zealand and overseas.
Roles
Your study may lead to a career as a:
- software engineer
- electrical power engineer
- robotics engineer
- space engineer
- product engineer
- data analyst
- information security analyst
- business analyst
- systems architect.
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 first-year and school-leaver 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.
Available scholarships
- Infratec Scholarship for Māori, Pasifika and Women in Renewable Energy Systems Engineering
- T.J.A. Ballinger Scholarships
- InPhySec Cyber Security Scholarships
- Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Māori Undergraduate Scholarship
- Trimble Karahipi Hangarau / Technology Scholarship
- The Graham Kelly Engineering and Computer Science Scholarships for Pasifika Students.
Scholarships for engineering
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This scholarship will support a student studying an undergraduate degree in Architecture, Design Innovation, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Design Technology, Electric & Computer System Engineering, Software Engineering or Cybersecurity Engineering. The scholarship may also be awarded in conjunction with a Trimble Internship.
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These scholarships are for students of Pasifika ethnicity from Porirua or surrounding areas who are enrolling or intending to enrol in an undergraduate course in the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Scholarships
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 have specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for engineering
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These scholarships are for students of Pasifika ethnicity from Porirua or surrounding areas who are enrolling or intending to enrol in an undergraduate course in the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate study
The School of Engineering and Computer Science offers a range of postgraduate degrees and qualifications designed to prepare you for your future career.
Our postgraduate study options are suitable for new graduates, professional engineers, and those who are looking for a change of career.
Find out more about postgraduate study at our school.
Accommodation
Live in accommodation close to campus at one of our:
- catered halls of residence
- self-catered apartments or flats
- self-catered studios.
We provide care and support across our halls and flatting communities.
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.
And if you're ever having trouble with money, talk with us. You could be eligible for government or community support, and we have a hardship fund for financial emergencies.
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.
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.