BE(Hons) - Mechanical Engineering as a major
The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours is the basis for a professional career in engineering, and at Waikato you're provided with plenty of opportunities to apply what you’ve learnt in real-life work situations.
Mechanical engineering uses mechanics and energy principles to design, research, develop and manufacture tools, engines, motors and other devices. At the University of Waikato we align what you learn with what industry requires.
Apply to enrol
Key information
| Years: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Points: | 480 |
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
| Estimated Fees* (Domestic): | $8,170 per year |
| Estimated Fees* (International): | $41,760 per year (any of years 1-3) |
| Entry Requirements: | Undergraduate International |
| Area of Study: | |
| *Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. | |
Career opportunities
- Aeronautical Engineer
- Agricultural Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- Energy Engineer
- Equipment Prototype Engineer
- Materials Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Product Developer
- Project Manager
Degree Planner
Degree planner — BE(Hons) in Mechanical Engineering
If no point value is listed, papers are worth 15 points. This structure applies to study starting in 2021.
Year 4
Programme Elective
Programme Elective
- Stream
- Compulsory
- Elective
- Placement
Entry requirements
Entry into the BE(Hons) in the specified programme of Mechanical Engineering will be guaranteed to applicants who gain University Entrance, including a minimum of 16 credits in NCEA at Level 3 in Calculus. Applicants must also gain at least 14 credits in NCEA at Level 3 in Physics.
All other applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and pathways are available.
Papers
Papers available within Mechanical Engineering
The Mechanical Engineering programme combines papers in mechanical engineering, science and mathematics to give graduates a good balance between intellectual rigour and engineering practice. This typically prepares graduates for employment in industry and a wide range of other careers. During the first three years, the curriculum includes engineering design as a major theme, which integrates papers in engineering science. In the final year students specialise in areas such as advanced product development and undertake a major design or laboratory-based project.
Mechanical Engineering is available as a specified programme for the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)).
To complete the specified programme in Mechanical Engineering, students must complete the following programme.
Year 1
Students must take the following papers: ENGEN101, ENGEN102, ENGEN103, ENGEN110, ENGEN111, ENGEN112, ENGEN170 and ENGEN180.
Year 2
Students must take the following papers: ENGCB224, ENGEN201, ENGEN270, ENGEN271, ENGME221, ENGME251, ENGME280, ENGMP211 and ENGMP213.
If you are studying the Diploma in Engineering Management, concurrent with the BE(Hons), you must complete ENGEN272 (in place of ENGEN271).
Year 3
Students must take the following papers: ENGCB223, ENGEN301, ENGEN370, ENGEN371, ENGME352, ENGME353, ENGME380 and ENGMP313.
Plus ENGCB321 or ENGMP311 or ENGME554.
If you are studying the Diploma in Engineering Management, concurrent with the BE(Hons), you must complete ENGEN372 (in place of ENGEN371).
Year 4
Students must take the following papers: ENGEN570, ENGEN582, ENGME551 and ENGME580.
Plus 30 points of electives (with no more than one 300 level paper) from: ENGCB321, ENGEV341, ENGMP311, ENGCB521, ENGCB523, ENGEN583, ENGME540, ENGME554, ENGMP511, ENGMP512 and ENGMP513.
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGEN101 | Engineering Maths and Modelling 1A | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23A (Secondary School - Unistart), 23A (Tauranga) & 23B (Hamilton) |
| A study of the fundamental techniques of algebra and calculus with engineering applications. | |||
| ENGEN102 | Engineering Maths and Modelling 1B | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Secondary School - Unistart), 23B (Tauranga) & 23G (Hamilton) |
| A further study of the fundamental techniques of algebra and calculus with engineering applications. Includes an introduction to relevant statistical methods. | |||
| ENGEN103 | Engineering Computing | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23A (Tauranga) & 23G (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces computer programming in languages such as the MATLAB language. It provides the basis for the programming skills required in more advanced papers. | |||
| ENGEN110 | Engineering Mechanics | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Tauranga) & 23G (Hamilton) |
| Statics and dynamics of rigid bodies. Application of freebody diagrams and equations of equilibrium to calculate internal and external forces and moments on/in structures and mechanisms. Kinetics and kinematics of particles. Geometric properties of areas. | |||
| ENGEN111 | Electricity for Engineers | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Tauranga) & 23X (Hamilton) |
| Concepts underlying electricity such as current, voltage and power will be introduced, and apply these concepts to analyse electrical energy systems. | |||
| ENGEN112 | Materials Science and Engineering | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| Introduction to engineering materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, semiconductors and biomaterials) and their atomic structure and mechanical properties. Includes; elastic and plastic deformation, fracture mechanisms, failure in service, iron-carbon phase diagram, redox reactions in corrosion, production of polymers, ce... | |||
| ENGEN170 | Engineering and Society | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| Introduction to the role of engineering in society with a focus on sustainable development, data analysis, holistic systems thinking, and the future of work within a global and New Zealand context including an introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi. | |||
| ENGEN180 | Foundations of Engineering | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| Introduction to the engineering design process and computer aided design, fundamental principles of engineering analysis, open ended problem solving, engineering economics and the skills of a successful engineer. Includes a design-build-test experience. | |||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGCB223 | Fluid Mechanics | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This course covers the basic principles of fluid mechanics. Topics include fluid statics, fluid dynamics, Bernoulli and energy equations, momentum analysis of flow structures, flow measurement, dimensional analysis, internal flow in pipes and ducts, external flow over streamlined and bluffed bodies, pump sizing and selection, and a... | |||
| ENGCB224 | Heat and Mass Transfer | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers the fundamentals of heat and mass transfer analysis, including conduction, heat convection, radiation, molecular diffusion and mass convection. Finned surfaces and heat exchangers are also covered. | |||
| ENGEN201 | Engineering Maths and Modelling 2 | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23H (Online) |
| Calculus of Several Variables and its Applications. Vector calculus (Green's, Gauss' and Stokes' theorems). Taylor's Theorem in n dimensions. Introduction to ordinary differential equations and methods to solve them. | |||
| ENGEN270 | Engineering and Business | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on empowering students to become “business savvy” and prepared to enter the workplace and solve real-world problems. Topics covered include; team formation, design thinking, Lean Canvas, project management, Agile, risk management, project finance, professional ethics, preparing for the workplace, and business... | |||
| ENGEN271 | Engineering Work Placement 1 | 0.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| This paper is taken by students undertaking their first work placement for the BE(Hons). It involves 400 hours of engineering-related work experience. The paper is typically undertaken during the November to February window after completing the two years of engineering study. | |||
| ENGEN272 | Engineering Work Placement 1 | 30.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| This paper is taken by students undertaking their first work placement for the BE(Hons) concurrent with the Diploma in Engineering Management or Certificate in Professional Engineering Practice. It involves 400 hours of engineering-related work experience. The paper is typically undertaken during the November to February window aft... | |||
| ENGME221 | Engineering Thermodynamics | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers the fundamental concepts and laws of thermodynamics, including thermodynamics properties of substances, first and second law analysis, power cycles, refrigeration cycles and simple combustion analysis of engines. | |||
| ENGME251 | Dynamics and Vibration | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers dynamics of rigid bodies and fundamentals of vibration. Topics in rigid body dynamics are planar kinematics, mass moment of inertia, and planar kinetics including force, acceleration, work, energy, impulse and momentum. Vibration topics include equation of motion for a single degree of freedom vibration systems, u... | |||
| ENGME280 | Design and Manufacturing 1 | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| The paper focuses on the principles of fundamental manufacturing processes and engineering design methods. Practical aspects of selected major manufacturing processes via workshop and practical sessions give students the opportunities to build up their practical skills and apply their theoretical knowledge to solving practical prob... | |||
| ENGMP211 | Materials 1 | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper will provide a foundation for understanding the relationship between material structure, processing and behaviour to support engineering of materials and engineering with materials. | |||
| ENGMP213 | Mechanics of Materials 1 | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| Analysis of skeletal structural members, supports and connections subject to single and combined loading. Calculation of displacements (translations or rotations) and stresses both normal (direct) and shear stresses, in bars, beams and shafts and bearing stress. Use of Mohr's circle for stress transformation and its use in failure ... | |||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGCB321 | Thermal Engineering | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| Application of engineering thermodynamics to steady and unsteady industrial processes, including, steam boiler systems, advanced power and refrigeration cycles, cooling towers and plant utility systems | |||
| ENGEN301 | Engineering Maths and Modelling 3 | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| Introduces numerical methods and statistical ideas relevant to Engineering. | |||
| ENGEN370 | Engineering and the Environment | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers sustainability in engineering design and renewable energy generation through the critical lens of environmental impact assessment, risk and resilience, sustainable infrastructure and development, material and energy flow analysis, emissions, carbon accounting and life cycle analysis. | |||
| ENGEN371 | Engineering Work Placement 2 | 0.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| This paper is taken by students undertaking their second work placement for the BE(Hons). It involves 400 hours of engineering-related work experience. The paper is typically undertaken during the November to February window after completing the three years of engineering study. | |||
| ENGEN372 | Engineering Work Placement 2 | 30.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| This paper is taken by students undertaking their second work placement for the BE(Hons) concurrent with the Diploma in Engineering Management or Certificate in Professional Engineering Practice. It involves 400 hours of engineering-related work experience. The paper is typically undertaken during the November to February window af... | |||
| ENGEN390 | Special Topics in Engineering 1 | 15.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff. | |||
| ENGEN391 | Special Topics in Engineering 2 | 15.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff. | |||
| ENGEV341 | Environmental Engineering 2 | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers the design, operation and management of unit processes used in environmental engineering including air, water, wastewater, storm water, waste, soils and noise treatment and control systems. | |||
| ENGME352 | Control and Applications | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper teaches students the theory and application of control in mechanical and electrical systems. This paper covers the introduction of s-domain and plane, open and closed-loop control, PID control, digital control, root locus and frequency response analysis. | |||
| ENGME353 | Mechanical and Electrical Machines | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper builds on the fundamentals taught in ENGEN110, ENGEN111 and ENGEN180; it covers application of electromechanical machine characteristics in drive design, selecting suitable power sources and matching transmission components. Problem-based learning is used in conjunction with experimentation to compare theory to real mach... | |||
| ENGME380 | Design and Manufacturing 2 | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper uses problem and project based learning methods to help students gain knowledge and skills in design and manufacturing. Students will be taught how to apply dirty prototyping to a design project, and use modern manufacturing methods to design and produce a complex machine. | |||
| ENGMP311 | Materials 2 | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| It will develop understanding of the relationship between material structure, processing and behaviour to support engineering of materials and engineering with materials. | |||
| ENGMP313 | Mechanics of Materials 2 | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| Advanced level knowledge on mechanics and performance of materials, covering stress and strain transformations, failure criteria, unsymmetrical bending, torsion of non-circular sections, fatigue, materials selection and materials testing. | |||
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGCB521 | Advanced Process Control | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers the fundamentals of process control, and introduces advanced process control strategies. | |||
| ENGCB523 | Advanced Energy Engineering | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| Application of engineering thermodynamics, process integration and pinch analysis to energy systems including renewable energy systems and energy storage, small and large industrial utility systems with and without cogeneration, distributed and smart energy systems, and green buildings. | |||
| ENGEE523 | Sensors, Instrumentation and Measurement | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| An overview of instruments used by engineers, including sensor fundamentals and measurement uncertainties for discussions leading to measurement system development with technical procedures (characterisation, calibration, accreditation, documentary standards and accreditation). | |||
| ENGEN508 | Master's Capstone Project | 60.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| This paper requires students to carry out a theoretical or empirical investigation in a relevant subject/engineering discipline and write a report on the findings of the investigation. | |||
| ENGEN570 | Engineering and the Profession | 15.0 | 23D (Hamilton) |
| The roles and responsibilities of professional engineers are examined. Topics include; project management, leadership, negotiation, ethical responsibilities, legal duties, Treaty of Waitangi, intellectual property and professional communication. | |||
| ENGEN582 | Honours Research and Development Project | 45.0 | 23X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga) |
| This paper provides the "capstone" project required to complete an accredited engineering degree. The paper builds on the knowledge and skills students have gained in the first three years of their professional engineering degree and reinforces the multidisciplinary aspect of engineering. Students will learn how to carry out a Res... | |||
| ENGEN583 | Special Topics in Engineering 3 | 15.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff. | |||
| ENGEN584 | Special Topics in Engineering 4 | 15.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff. | |||
| ENGEN585 | Special Topics in Engineering 5 | 15.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff. | |||
| ENGEN586 | Special Topics in Engineering 6 | 15.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff. | |||
| ENGEN587 | Directed Study 1 | 30.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. | |||
| ENGEN588 | Directed Study 2 | 30.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. | |||
| ENGME506 | Mechanical and Mechatronics Systems Analysis | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers the principles of mechanical and mechatronics engineering analysis that is divided into design, control and mechanics of materials. Students will learn design processes, PID control, root locus and frequency response analysis, failure theory, unsymmetrical bending and thick pressure vessel theory. | |||
| ENGME540 | Finite Element Analysis | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| Theory of finite elements analysis using variational methods. Numerical modelling for finding the stresses and displacements of bars, beams and plates, and the temperature distribution in 1D heat transfer. Matlab code development assignment for simpler problems and assignments using commercial software to solve more complicated pro... | |||
| ENGME551 | Mechanics of Vibration | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers vibrations of two and multiple degree of freedom systems, modelling and analysis for design improvements, vibration control. Students will learn how to calculate natural frequencies and dynamic response of machines and machine components. | |||
| ENGME554 | Inspection, Monitoring and Evaluation | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| Inspection and monitoring are techniques used to provide evaluation of the current health of a component or system. This paper covers the underpinning fundamentals of inspection techniques along with methodologies for defect quantification, assessment and reporting. | |||
| ENGME580 | Product Innovation and Development | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| ENGME580 teaches students the innovation and product development process; levels of innovation, how to screen ideas, Intellectual Property and how to develop a Business Plan. Students will be required to start with a basic product brief, produce a product idea, design and develop a prototype and 'pitch' it to 'investors'. | |||
| ENGMP512 | Advanced Materials Manufacture | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper deals with advanced materials science knowledge and principles underlying materials engineering. It focuses on the relationships between processing conditions and microstructures of materials and major materials processing technologies. | |||
| ENGMP513 | Materials Performance in Service | 15.0 | No occurrences |
| This paper covers advanced aspects of the mechanical behaviour of materials and mechanical metallurgy including fracture mechanics, plasticity, fatigue, and creep behaviour. | |||
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Practical experience
Expand to read Practical experience
Study years 1 and 4 in Tauranga
Year 1 of the BE(Hons) in Mechanical Engineering can be completed in Tauranga. Years 2 and 3 of the degree need to be completed in Hamilton. Year 4 will be taught in Tauranga from 2023.
Contacts
School of Engineering
Phone: +64 7 838 4322
Email: [email protected]
Website: eng.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUEngineering/