Professional engineering is the creative application of scientific principles to design, develop or model physical systems, such as structures, machines, processes, and devices.
Professional engineers lead the way in innovation by developing better infrastructure, creating smarter technologies, discovering renewable energy sources, and designing more environmentally friendly materials and practices.
If you enjoy problem-solving, thrive in science and mathematics, and want to make a positive difference to the world, engineering at Waikato is your home.
At Waikato, we offer the BE(Hons) accredited based on the Washington Accord - the gold standard of engineering.
Find out the difference between different "engineering" degrees and where they can lead.
| Professional Engineer | Engineering Technologist | Engineering Technician | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree | BE(Hons) | BEngTech | DipEng |
| Length | 4-years | 3-years | 2-years |
| Typical entry requirement |
University Entry + 16 credits in Level 3 Calculus + 14 credits in Level 3 Physics |
University Entry (inc. Level 3 Maths as a subject) + 14 Level 2 credits in Physics |
No University Entry NCEA Level 2 (inc. maths as a subject) |
| Accreditation | Washington Accord | Sydney Accord | Dublin Accord |
| Meets requirement for CPEng (Chartered Professional Engineer) in NZ | Yes | No | No |
| Problems able to be solved | Complex problems with no obvious solution, requiring in-depth analysis and thinking | Standard problems solved by application of well-proven analysis techniques | Well-known problems solved in standardised ways |
| Level of innovation | Creative use of engineering principles and research-based knowledge in novel ways |
Use of new materials, techniques or processes in non-standard ways | Use of existing materials techniques, or processes in modified ways |
Professional engineers enjoy competitive salaries. An Engineering New Zealand survey found that in 2019 the median salary for new graduates is $60,000 and with 4 years’ experience is $71,000. For full-time Chartered Engineers (CPEng), the median salary was $110,000.