Updating Results

New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil)

  • Diploma

Get a solid grounding in civil engineering to cleverly design, construct, operate and maintain infrastructure. Through applying mathematics and physics to civil engineering problems, you'll learn to develop the expertise needed to successfully manage civil engineering projects.

Key details

Degree Type
Diploma
Intake Months
Feb, Jul
Domestic Fees
$6,700 per year
International Fees
$30,377 per year

About this course

This qualification focuses on developing knowledge, skills, and attributes for meaningful civil engineering work.

As a graduate of this programme you'll be able to use your knowledge to make informed decisions and implement them, competently perform technical work using national and international standards, and apply civil engineering theory to design, contract administration, and construction practice. You'll gain a solid understanding of water, structural, geotechnical, and road engineering and develop invaluable civil and structural drawing skills.

This diploma allows you to specialise in any one of the following four areas:

Structures: the design and construction of simple buildings, bridges, retaining walls, and other structures

Water Resources: designing and constructing water, wastewater, and stormwater reticulation systems.

Roading: the design, construction, and maintenance of roads, pavements, and road drainage systems

Geotechnical: assessing soil and rock structures to support civil engineering structures, designing and constructing simple soil structures, and testing and monitoring earthworks.

Highlights
  • Unitec is the largest provider of civil engineering training in New Zealand at the diploma level.
  • Supported by the civil engineering industry, including Engineering New Zealand.
  • A step towards Engineering New Zealand membership: once you've gained suitable work experience as a qualified civil engineer at the diploma level, you'll be eligible for Associate Membership (AIPENZ).
  • It can serve as a pathway into graduate engineering qualifications.
  • Focus on real-world learning: observe the day-to-day activities of engineering sites and participate in lab work, land surveying, and workshops.
  • Undertake a project where you tackle an engineering problem.
  • Visiting industry experts who will give you a real feel for the career opportunities available in civil engineering.
  • Cross-credits towards the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil).

Prepare for success

Well-prepared students have the best chance of success in their studies, so we've put together a free online guide you can use to refresh and sharpen some of the skills you'll use on this programme.

Entry requirements

You will need the following:

1. Be at least 16 years of old when you start this programme:
2. A total of NCEA level 2 including a minimum of:

  • 10 literacy credits at level 1 or higher (for those who achieved NCEA Level 2 before 2013); and
  • 48 NCEA credits at level 2 in four subjects, including at least 12 credits in Mathematics (preferably achievement standards in algebra, calculus or trigonometry);

2. If English is not your first language, you will need one or more of the following:

  • Have achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University Entrance
  • Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency
  • Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years

Don't have NCEA? We also accept:

  • An equivalent qualification; or
  • Equivalent credits from appropriate trades training and/or demonstrated skills and experience; or
  • Provide sufficient evidence to be eligible for special or discretionary admission

For more information, download the programme regulations:

Programme Regulations

Study locations

Mt Albert

Career pathways

- Civil or structural engineering employment with a civil engineering consulting practice - Engineering laboratory operation and management - Civil or structural engineering employment with a civil engineering contractor - Site and project engineer