Bachelor of Engineering with Honours BE(Hons)

at University of Canterbury

The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours includes introductory courses in engineering mathematics, computer science, and physics, and advanced courses and work placements in an engineering specialisation.
 

See ‘How do I plan my degree?’ above for an example degree structure diagram.
 

Compulsory courses

The first year of the degree includes the following compulsory courses:

• ENGR100 Engineering Academic Skills
• ENGR101 Foundations of Engineering
• EMTH118 Engineering Mathematics 1A
• EMTH119 Engineering Mathematics 1B
• PHYS101 Engineering Physics A: Mechanics, Waves, Electromagnetism and Thermal Physics
• COSC131 Introduction to Programming for Engineers
• Three 100-level courses based on your intended discipline choice
   

At the second year of the degree you will also take the following compulsory course:

• ENGR200 Engineering Work Experience
• Engineering disciplines
   

UC offers nine disciplines within the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours:
 

• Chemical and Process Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Forest Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Natural Resources Engineering
• Software Engineering
   

If you are undecided on which discipline you wish to pursue it is possible to keep your options open for more than one discipline (and is encouraged given the popularity of some professional programmes). Find guidance online to structuring your first year.
 

Engineering minors
 

Some of the Engineering disciplines have a minor subject available that you can also choose to complete:
 

• Aerospace Engineering within Mechanical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering within Mechanical Engineering
• Bioprocess Engineering within Chemical and Process Engineering
• Energy Processing Technologies within Chemical and Process Engineering
• Communications and Network Engineering within Computer Engineering
• Power Engineering within Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Environmental Process Engineering within Chemical and Process Engineering
• Structural Engineering within Civil Engineering
• Water and Environmental Systems Engineering within Civil Engineering
• Diploma in Global Humanitarian Engineering
   

See also the Diploma in Global Humanitarian Engineering which can be studied alongside the BE(Hons) and be completed in the same time it takes to complete the four-year degree.

NCEA

You should aim to have at least:

• 14 credits in Level 3 maths or calculus including both differentiation and integration
• 14 credits in Level 3 physics
• 14 credits in Level 3 chemistry
   

Note: Achievement standards 91578 — 'Apply differentiation methods in solving problems' and 91579 — 'Apply integration methods in solving problems', must be included.

Credits in chemistry are not required for students taking Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Software Engineering.
 

18 credits are strongly recommended in all subjects.
 

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

You will need to have:
 

• Minimum of 4 HL (or 5 SL) in maths (HL is recommended)
• Minimum of 4 HL (or 6 SL) in physics (HL is recommended)
• Minimum of 4 HL (or 6 SL) in chemistry.
   

Chemistry is not required for students taking Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Software Engineering.
 

Cambridge International Examination (CIE)

You will need to have:

• Maths and physics — D grade or better at A level or A in AS level
• Chemistry — D grade or better at A level or A in AS level.
• Chemistry is not required for students taking Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Software Engineering.

Alternatively the first year can be completed in more than one year (maximum of two years) with a minimum requirement of:

• CIE Score of 140 Points
• D Grade at A-Level or C Grade at AS-Level in Mathematics
• D Grade at A-Level or C Grade at AS-Level in Physics
• preferably C Grade at AS-Level in Chemistry (discipline specific).
   

Top achievers

Students who have achieved excellent results in all relevant subjects may be able to get direct entry into the second year.

Alternatively, a Modified First Year is offered to students who have taken the MATH199 or relevant STAR Science courses, and/or have achieved excellent results in some subjects. You may be exempt from taking some of the required courses in the first year and offered advanced/interest courses in their place.
 

For more information, please refer to the Engineering First Year page.
 

Introductory pathway

If you did not achieve enough credits, you can take introductory courses in specific subjects to start with (eg, MATH101, PHYS111, and CHEM114). You could then take the first year courses in Semester 2 and over summer, or do an extra year of study.

First Year (Intermediate Year) indicative fee - $ 40,750

You will spend around 100 days (800 hours) on practical work placements as part of your degree.

Gain skills in communication and report writing, ethics, sustainability, safety, and interacting with clients and customers.

Graduates work in private companies and consultancies through to government agencies, with many progressing into management.

All UC engineering degrees are accredited by Engineering New Zealand and will qualify you for student membership.