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Civil Engineering

The world needs competent and trained Civil Engineering professionals to address the increasing challenges in urban and rural facilities and infrastructure.

Civil engineers design and construct the fundamental requirements of society in key areas such as earthquake proofing, energy recovery, water/waste management, power generation, road networks, transport management, agriculture and forestry development.

As a Civil Engineering graduate from the University of Waikato you will have the practical and theoretical skills to help create, improve and protect our built and natural environments.  You will be ready to meet the strong demand for your skills both in New Zealand and around the world.

You will gain the knowledge and expertise required to work as a professional civil engineer including skills in the following areas:

  • Construction Engineering
  • Structural Analysis
  • Geotechnics and Geotechnical Engineering
  • Water Engineering
  • Mathematics, Computing and Modelling
  • Project Management
  • Structural Design
  • Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Design
  • Transport Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering.

An important part of the Civil Engineering programme at the University of Waikato is supported work placements into relevant industries. This gives you the opportunity for paid work experience while exploring the field of Civil Engineering you could choose for your career, ie structural, water resources, transport, geotechnical or construction engineering.

You'll work on major research design projects, creating products with commercial applications, which are then showcased at our annual Oji Fibre Solutions Engineering Design Show.  Importantly, there is also a focus on developing well-honed communication skills that are such a vital part of the profession.

Facilities

Students can work in specialised laboratories including the Large Scale Lab complex that features a suite of workshops and laboratories dedicated to engineering teaching and research, such as 3D printing, a mechanical workshop and computer labs with engineering design software.

Build a successful career

Civil engineers work in many fields, including structures and infrastructures, dams, bridges, gas and water supply systems, sewerage systems, transportation systems and roads and construction sector. These crucial facilities provide people with a reliable, safe, sustainable and modern environment to live in.

Apply to enrol

Key information

Study Locations:Hamilton, Tauranga
Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info.
Area of Study:

Career opportunities

  • Civil Engineer
  • Geotechnical Engineer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Transport Engineer
  • Water Engineer
  • Construction Engineer and Manager

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: ENGCV212, ENGCV223, ENGCV231, ENGCV241, ENGCV251, ENGCV280, ENGEN201, ENGEN270 and ENGEN271.

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: ENGCV312, ENGCV323, ENGCV331, ENGCV351, ENGCV352, ENGCV380, ENGEN370, ENGEN371 and ENGEV341.

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: ENGCV581, ENGEN570 and ENGEN582.

Plus 45 points of electives from: ENGCV512, ENGCV513, ENGCV523, ENGCV531, ENGCV541, ENGCV551, ENGEN583, ENGEV541, ENGEV542 or ENGME540, of which at least 30 points must be from 500 level ENGCV coded papers.

100 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
ENGEN101Engineering Maths and Modelling 1A15.024A (Hamilton), 24A (Secondary School - Unistart), 24A (Tauranga) & 24B (Hamilton)
A study of the fundamental techniques of algebra and calculus with engineering applications.
ENGEN102Engineering Maths and Modelling 1B15.024B (Hamilton), 24B (Secondary School - Unistart), 24B (Tauranga) & 24G (Hamilton)
A further study of the fundamental techniques of algebra and calculus with engineering applications. Includes an introduction to relevant statistical methods.
ENGEN103Engineering Computing15.024A (Hamilton), 24A (Tauranga), 24G (Hamilton) & 24X (Hainan University, Haikou, China)
This paper introduces computer programming in languages such as the MATLAB and Python languages. It provides the basis for the programming skills required in more advanced papers.
ENGEN110Engineering Mechanics15.024B (Hamilton), 24B (Tauranga) & 24G (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.
ENGEN111Electricity for Engineers15.024B (Hamilton), 24B (Tauranga) & 24X (Hamilton)
Concepts underlying electricity such as current, voltage and power will be introduced, and apply these concepts to analyse electrical energy systems.
ENGEN112Materials Science and Engineering15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (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...
ENGEN170Engineering and Society15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (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.
ENGEN180Foundations of Engineering15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (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
ENGCV212Structural Engineering 115.024A (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 ...
ENGCV223Water Engineering 115.024B (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...
ENGCV231Geotechnical Engineering 115.024A (Hamilton)
An introduction to the basic principles and concepts of geotechnical engineering, which includes soil characterisation, soil mechanics, site investigation, and lateral earth pressures.
ENGCV241Highways and Surveying15.024B (Hamilton)
Introduces the principles and techniques of land surveying and the basic theories and design techniques in highway and pavement engineering.
ENGCV251Construction 115.024A (Hamilton)
An understanding of the properties, limitations, and selection of materials used in construction is fundamental for a practising civil engineer. This paper covers in more detail the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of common building materials such as timber, steel, ceramics, polymers, and composites. The paper also co...
ENGCV280Civil Design Challenge 115.024B (Hamilton)
An introduction to the concept of design thinking in terms of identifying the users needs, ideation, and evaluating prototypes within the field of civil engineering. Technical aspects of this course cover conceptual design, design calculations, engineering drawings, testing of structural elements, and the construction and testing o...
ENGEN201Engineering Maths and Modelling 215.024A (Hamilton) & 24H (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.
ENGEN270Engineering and Business15.024B (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...
ENGEN271Engineering Work Placement 10.024X (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.
ENGEN272Engineering Work Placement 130.024X (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...

300 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
ENGCV312Structural Engineering 215.024A (Hamilton)
Analysis of statically indeterminate structures including trusses, beams, and frames. Calculating building loads, load paths and resulting internal forces. Structural analysis methods including energy, displacement, force, and stiffness. Non-linear analysis considering inelastic material behaviour and structural stability.
ENGCV323Water Engineering 215.024A (Hamilton)
Application of hydraulics and hydrology in water engineering such as design of water distribution systems, fundamentals of flow in open channels, design of hydraulic structures, fundamentals of surface water hydrology, rainfall-runoff models, analysis and modelling of hydrological processes, fundamentals of groundwater hydrology, d...
ENGCV331Geotechnical Engineering 215.024B (Hamilton)
A course in geotechnical engineering, which covers the analysis of seepage, consolidation, settlement, induced stresses, stability of slopes, as well as the analysis and design of foundations.
ENGCV351Structural Steel Design15.024B (Hamilton)
In this paper, students learn how to carry out structural analysis and design of structural and cold formed steel structures. Lectures will furnish the theoretical background needed to analyse and design typical structural systems. Examples of design compliant to AS/NZS codes will be reviewed and discussed in class. The students wi...
ENGCV352Reinforced Concrete Design15.024A (Hamilton)
This paper will teach methods for designing reinforced concrete structures to meet New Zealand Standards.
ENGCV380Civil Design Challenge 215.024B (Hamilton)
In this paper, the students are tasked with the completion of an open-ended Civil Engineering project. Lectures will discuss different aspects of the design process from writing a project brief, generating and selecting ideas and developing the design. The final design will give students the opportunity to apply knowledge gained fr...
ENGEN370Engineering and the Environment15.024A (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.
ENGEN371Engineering Work Placement 20.024X (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.
ENGEN372Engineering Work Placement 230.024X (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...
ENGEN390Special Topics in Engineering 115.024X (Hamilton)
An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff.
ENGEN391Special Topics in Engineering 215.024X (Hamilton)
An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff.
ENGEV341Environmental Engineering 215.024B (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.

500 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
ENGCV506Civil Engineering Systems Analysis30.024A (Hamilton) & 24B (Hamilton)
This paper reviews the knowledge students gained during their undergraduate degree. It covers the essentials of structures, water engineering, geotechnics, engineering mathematics, design and construction.
ENGCV512Advanced Structural Analysis and Earthquake Engineering15.024A (Hamilton)
This paper covers topics related to advanced structural analysis and design. The paper will have a specific focus on lateral and dynamic loading, specifically as applied to buildings under seismic loads. Structural dynamics will be covered considering single and multiple degrees of freedom structures under free and seismic loading....
ENGCV523Advanced Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering15.024B (Hamilton)
This paper covers advanced hydrology and hydraulics for civil engineering and modelling techniques, including methodologies of hydrological data analysis, rainfall-run off modelling, hydrologic and hydraulic flood routing, flood plain analysis and planning, and loose boundary hydraulics from river engineering perspective.
ENGCV531Advanced Geotechnical Engineering15.024B (Hamilton)
This paper provides a more advanced understanding of Geotechnical Engineering from the perspective of the mechanical behaviour of soils, stress-path testing of soils, determining soil profiles, selecting design parameters, and designing complex foundations and embedded retaining walls
ENGCV551Advanced Construction Technologies15.024B (Hamilton)
This paper provides knowledge of acquisition, management, manipulation and analysis of data and its' application for civil engineering project management. Specific applications include AR/VR technologies, 3D laser scanning, Building Information Modelling, 3D printing technology, life cycle assessment, circular economy, construction...
ENGCV581Advanced Civil Engineering Design Challenge15.024A (Hamilton)
This paper is an exercise in project based experiential learning applying the engineering design process. Students will work together in teams to design a solution to a specified yet complex open-ended civil design problem.
ENGEN508Master's Capstone Project60.024X (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.
ENGEN570Engineering and the Profession15.024D (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.
ENGEN583Special Topics in Engineering 315.024X (Hamilton)
An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff.
ENGEN584Special Topics in Engineering 415.024X (Hamilton)
An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff.
ENGEN585Special Topics in Engineering 515.024X (Hamilton)
An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff.
ENGEN586Special Topics in Engineering 615.024X (Hamilton)
An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff.
ENGEN587Directed Study 130.024X (Hamilton)
Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.
ENGEN588Directed Study 230.024X (Hamilton)
Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.
ENGEV541Advanced Water and Wastewater Engineering15.024A (Hamilton)
This course covers advanced aspects of design and operation of unit processes in water and waste water treatment, and process modelling and simulation tools such as Sumo19 and Superpro Designer.
ENGEV542Waste Minimisation Engineering15.024A (Hamilton)
Design of processes for the handling, recycling, reuse, treatment and disposal of domestic and industrial solid wastes including treatment plant sludges, assessment and modeling of gaseous emissions, odour, particulates, and air pollution control systems.
ENGME540Finite Element Analysis15.024A (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...

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Work placements are a major feature of the Civil Engineering programme and you will complete 800 hours of relevant work experience during your degree.

Our Work-Integrated Learning team actively seeks and oversees your work placement, ensuring a good fit for your area of study and career goals, and supporting you throughout your work experience.

By the time you graduate you will have the credibility of paid experience to take with you as you start your career.


Contacts

School of Engineering
Phone: +64 7 838 4322
Email: [email protected]
Website: eng.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUEngineering/