Which degree should I study at the University of Waikato to become a blockchain engineer?

Our Bachelor of Computer Science or Software Engineering in our Bachelor of Engineering with Honours both suit this career, building strong programming and systems skills. If you're in Tauranga, our Bachelor of Applied Computing is another strong option, with a focus on cyber security and data management.

Blockchain is a shared digital record of transactions that's copied across many computers, making it very hard to change or tamper with. It's best known for powering cryptocurrency, but it's also used for payments, tracking goods through supply chains and sharing documents securely.

Is blockchain only used for cryptocurrency?

No. Blockchain is also used to process payments, share and verify documents, track products from farm to shop, and manage digital identities. That means blockchain engineers can work in banking, government, health, logistics and agriculture, not just crypto.

Why does cyber security matter for blockchain engineers?

Blockchain systems often handle money and sensitive information, so they're a target for attacks. Blockchain engineers need a strong understanding of cryptography and security to protect them. Our Master of Cyber Security covers secure application engineering, malware analysis and how to detect breaches.

What programming skills will I need?

You'll need strong software development skills, including designing systems, writing code and building databases. Many blockchain roles also use languages such as Solidity, JavaScript or Python. Our computing degrees give you the programming foundation to pick up new languages as the technology changes.

Can I combine finance and technology for this career?

Yes. Our Bachelor of Banking, Finance and Technology covers digital finance and cyber security alongside traditional banking, which suits blockchain roles in payments and financial services.

Blockchain engineer career

Kaipūhanga pātengi porohono

Blockchain engineers design and develop blockchain technology like cryptocurrency, payment processing and document sharing systems.

$54,867 – $159,000 per year

Blockchain developer, blockchain architect

Where our data comes from

What would you do as a Blockchain engineer?

Blockchain engineers

usually work regular business hours
usually work in offices and may travel nationally or internationally
need to be methodical, accurate and identify and solve problems

Tasks

create blockchain applications
design networks, systems and databases
encrypt data and systems
develop cryptocurrency and online payment systems
analyse network security
research new technology
develop ways to manage data
test networks and systems

How can you become a Blockchain engineer?

You usually need experience and a qualification to become a blockchain engineer.

You may need

experience in similar work
a relevant tertiary qualification in computer science, information systems or similar area
a relevant industry-based certification
to pass a police check

If you're in school

You usually need NCEA Level 3 to do the study or training for this job.

Build your programming and systems skills with our Bachelor of Computer Science, or choose Software Engineering in our Bachelor of Engineering with Honours for a stronger engineering foundation. If you're studying in Tauranga, our Bachelor of Applied Computing covers cyber security, data management and software architecture. Like all our undergraduate degrees, these include work-integrated learning.

For the finance side of blockchain, our Bachelor of Banking, Finance and Technology covers digital finance and cyber security alongside banking. To specialise in security, our Master of Cyber Security covers secure application engineering and detecting security breaches.

BE(Hons)

Blockchain engineer FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

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Australian Computer Society Accreditations

Australian Computer Society accredited

Accredited by the Australian Computer Society under the Seoul Accord, recognising Waikato computing qualifications against global ICT standards.

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School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences

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Blockchain engineer career