Bachelor of Engineering Technology

• Research and development
• Technical support and application
• Education and communication
• Quality and general management
• Technocratic roles in local authorities and government.

These graduate attributes are developed by the International Engineering Alliance and adopted under the Sydney Accord.

Upon successful completion of this degree, all graduates will be able to: 

1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, engineering fundamentals and an engineering specialization as specified in SK1 to SK4 respectively to defined and applied engineering procedures, processes, systems or methodologies.
2. Identify, formulate, research literature and analyse broadly defined engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using analytical tools appropriate to the discipline or areas of specialization (SK1-SK4).
3. Design solutions for broadly-defined engineering technology problems and contribute to the design of systems, components or processes to meet specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations (SK5).
4. Conduct investigations of broadly-defined problems; locate, search and select relevant data from codes, databases and literature (SK8), design and conduct experiments to provide valid conclusions.
5. Select and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering and IT tools, including prediction and modelling, to broadly-defined engineering problems, with an understanding of the limitations (SK6).
6. Demonstrate understanding of the societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities relevant to engineering technology practice and solutions to broadly defined engineering problems (SK7).
7. Understand and evaluate the sustainability and impact of engineering technology work in the solution of broadly defined engineering problems in societal and engineering contexts (SK7).
8. Understand and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of engineering technology practice (SK7).
9. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader in diverse teams.
10. Communicate effectively on broadly-defined engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large, by being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear instructions.
11. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and apply these to one’s own work, as a member or leader in a team and to manage projects in multidisciplinary environments.
12. Recognise the need for, and have the ability to engage in independent and life-long learning in specialist technologies.  

This programme is made up of core and elective courses. Each will focus on the design and implementation of engineering technology and will concentrate on the development of advanced critical thinking and problem solving activities for effective troubleshooting.

YEAR ONE

Develop skills in communication, management, mathematics, engineering science, basic electrical/electronic principles and basic engineering practices. Elective courses may be selected according to your area of specialty.

YEAR TWO

Continue to build on your selected major. 

YEAR THREE

Undertake an industry-based project in order to gain experience within the engineering profession.

Upon successful completion of this qualification, enter industry practice and then develop, demonstrate and maintain practical skills and professional competence. Your graduate career has the potential to develop as follows:

Development stage - Enter initial employment and develop competence for independent practice under supervision.

Independent practice - Practice independently as a competent engineering technologist benchmarked against the competence standard for registration as an Engineering Technology Practitioner (ETPract). You are now able to progress to Technical Membership of Engineering New Zealand (ENZ).

Team leadership - Take overall responsibility for the work of a team in which you are the most expert.

Technical management - Supervise the work of others who may have greater or wider competence.

General management - Become involved in management at an organisational level. You may no longer be directly involved with technical engineering technology activities.

Qualification structure

Common compulsory courses 

Civil Engineering compulsory courses

Specialisations: Structural, Water and Water Waste, Transportation and Geotechnical.

Electives available: Geotechnical Engineering A, Highway Design & Maintenance, Traffic Engineering, Structural Principles, Special Topic, Water & Waste Engineering, Water Waste Treatment, Urban Transport Planning, Resource and Environmental Management, Project Management and Risk Management.

Mechanical Engineering compulsory courses

The Mechanical major is not constructed with specialisations but can be tailored to meet particular needs through the choice of suitable electives. 

Electives available: Engineering Management Principles, Project Management, Manufacturing Processes and Production, Engineering Mathematics 2, Energy Engineering, Mechanical Design 2, Fluids Power and Advanced Fluid Mechanics, Risk Management and Special Topic.    

Electrical Engineering compulsory courses

Electrical Engineering compulsory courses for Mechatronics specialisation

Electrical Engineering compulsory courses for Power specialisation

Specialisations: Power or Mechatronics

Electives avaliable: Project Management Principles, Special Topic, Engineering Mathematics 2, Project Management, Risk Management, Energy Engineering and Fluid Power & Advanced Fluid Mechanics.

Note: Otago Polytechnic Engineering uses RoboDK (https://robodk.com) for simulation and offline programming of industrial robots

During this practical and theoretical programme, you should expect to contribute time towards both directed and self-directed study. The number of hours will vary according to the chosen specialisation and route through the qualification.

• NCEA Level 3
  • Three subjects at Level 3 including:
    • Physics with a minimum of 14 credits
    • Calculus with a minimum of 14 credits, and
    • one other subject with a minimum of 14 credits from the list of NZQA-approved subjects, and
  •  10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of: 
    • 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing, and 
  • 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
    • specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects OR
    • package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required)

• OR equivalent qualifications (may include University Bursary with 45% or more in both Physics and Calculus or Algebra, equivalent Cambridge score or equivalent International Baccalaureate).  
• If you are a school leaver or adult applicant with equivalent experience who does not meet all of the entry criteria, you may be given provisional entry at the discretion of the Head of College where it is considered that you have a reasonable chance of succeeding in this qualification.
• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years)
    • Writing band 6.0
    • Speaking band 6.0
    • Reading band 5.5
    • Listening band 5.5, OR   
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Selection procedure

Eligible applicants will be selected using the entry criteria. If the number of applications exceeds the number of places, applicants will be placed on to a waiting list in the order that they applied.     

Our Infrastructure Asset Management apprenticeship pathway offers you the opportunity to learn while you earn! A first in New Zealand, this apprenticeship degree has been developed with industry to combat the looming skills shortage in this area. Offered in partnership with Weltec, you’ll gain experience in industry projects within your chosen specialty – Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Aimed at all levels of experience, the beauty of this pathway is that you will learn by doing and will develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills related to a real-world environment.

Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful.