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.
Key information
| Study Locations: | Hamilton, Tauranga Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info. |
|---|---|
| Faculty: |
Study Civil Engineering in these qualifications
Study Civil Engineering as a specialisation of
Career opportunities
- Civil Engineer
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Transport Engineer
- Water Engineer
- Construction Engineer and Manager
Study in Tauranga
From 2019, year 1 of the BE(Hons) in Civil 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.
Papers
Available Civil Engineering papers
Year 1
Students must take the following papers: ENGEN101, ENGEN102, ENGEN103, ENGEN110, ENGEN112, ENGEN170 and ENGEN180.
Plus 15 points of electives from: CHEMY100, CHEMY101, EARTH102 or ENGEN111.
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 Professional Practice, 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, ENGCV380, ENGEN301, ENGEN370, ENGEN371 and ENGEV341.
If you are studying the Diploma in Engineering Professional Practice, concurrent with the BE(Hons), you must complete ENGEN372 (in place of ENGEN371).
Year 4
Students must take the following papers: ENGCV580, ENGEN570 and ENGEN581.
Plus 45 points of electives from: ENGCV512, ENGCV513, ENGCV531, ENGCV541, ENGEN583, ENGEV541, ENGEV542 or ENGME540.
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| CHEMY100 | Chemistry in Context | 20A (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) |
| This is an introductory paper for students with a limited background in chemistry. There is a strong emphasis on teaching chemical concepts through real-world examples relevant to different science and engineering disciplines. | ||
| CHEMY101 | Structure and Spectroscopy | 20A (Hamilton) & 20C (Hamilton) |
| A theoretical and practical course covering aspects of analytical and inorganic chemistry. This course is required for the chemistry major. | ||
| EARTH102 | Discovering Planet Earth | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper explores the Earth's interior and its dynamic interaction with the crust, including: the major rocks and minerals; interpreting the rock record and geologic maps; the geological time scale and fossils; plate tectonics; volcanism; earthquakes. | ||
| ENGEN101 | Engineering Mathematics 1A | 20A (Hamilton), 20A (Tauranga) & 20B (Hamilton) |
| A study of the fundamental techniques of algebra and calculus with engineering applications. | ||
| ENGEN102 | Engineering Mathematics 1B | 20B (Hamilton), 20B (Tauranga) & 20C (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 | 20A (Hamilton), 20A (Tauranga) & 20G (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces computer programming in languages such as Python. It provides the basis for the programming skills required in more advanced papers. | ||
| ENGEN110 | Engineering Mechanics | 20A (Tauranga), 20B (Hamilton), 20B (Tauranga) & 20X (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 and Electronics | 20A (Hamilton), 20A (Tauranga), 20B (Tauranga) & 20X (Hamilton) |
| Students are introduced to underlying concepts in electricity such as current, voltage and power, and apply these concepts in a laboratory by making circuits and measuring them with common laboratory instruments. | ||
| ENGEN112 | Materials Science and Engineering | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (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 | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) |
| Introduction to the role of engineering in society in particular understanding of Treaty of Waitangi, history of science, engineering and technology, philosophy and ethics and public participation, participatory design, sustainability. | ||
| ENGEN180 | Foundations of Engineering | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (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 | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| ENGCV212 | Structural Engineering 1 | 20A (Hamilton) |
| Calculation of displacements (translations or rotations) and stresses in skeletal structural members (bars, beams and shafts). Stresses in structural connections. Critical loads of struts under standard boundary conditions. Transformation of normal and shear stresses through use of Mohr's circle. | ||
| ENGCV223 | Water Engineering 1 | 20B (Hamilton) |
| Basic principles of fluid statics and dynamics, including fluid viscosity, Bernoulli and mechanical energy equation, dimensional analysis, flow in pipes and channels and introduction to hydrology. | ||
| ENGCV231 | Geotechnical Engineering 1 | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers basic concepts and principles governing the mechanical behaviour of soils, rocks and slopes, including the effective stress concept, shear strength of soils, and stability concepts. Field and laboratory work provide opportunity to learn practical skills and apply the knowledge gained. | ||
| ENGCV241 | Highways and Surveying | 20B (Hamilton) |
| Introduces the principles and techniques of land surveying and the basic theories and design techniques in highway and pavement engineering. | ||
| ENGCV251 | Construction 1 | 20A (Hamilton) |
| Underlying principles of crystalline structures and imperfections, diffusional processes, fracture, and binary phase diagrams related to material selection and construction needs are covered in this paper. It also covers in more detail the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of construction materials such as concrete, asp... | ||
| ENGCV280 | Civil Design Challenge 1 | 20B (Hamilton) |
| Civil design principles are applied to an open-ended design challenge. Design standards and calculations for timber structures are introduced, along with engineering drawings, construction and testing of structures. | ||
| ENGEN201 | Engineering Mathematics 2 | 20B (Hamilton) |
| 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 | 20A (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 | 20X (Hamilton) |
| First work placement involving 400 hours of work experience at an approved engineering organisation relevant to your studies. Typically undertaken during the summer semesters at the end of second year. | ||
| ENGEN272 | Engineering Work Placement 1 | 20X (Hamilton) |
| First work placement for the DipEPP involving 400 hours of work experience at an approved engineering organisation relevant to your studies. Typically undertaken during the summer semesters at the end of second year. | ||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| ENGCV312 | Structural Engineering 2 | 20A (Hamilton) |
| Analysis of statically determinate and indeterminate structures including cables, arches, trusses and portal frames. Calculating load paths and influence line diagrams. Structural analysis methods including energy, displacement, force, and stiffness. Introduction to plastic theory and assumed mechanisms. | ||
| ENGCV323 | Water Engineering 2 | 20A (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... | ||
| ENGCV331 | Geotechnical Engineering 2 | 20B (Hamilton) |
| Advanced course in geotechnical engineering including analysis and design of shallow and deep foundations, and retaining structures under a variety of conditions, includes a project based learning activity that reinforces threshold concepts and theory. | ||
| ENGCV351 | Construction 2 | 20B (Hamilton) |
| Construction processes and building technology including surveying, site preparation, earthworks, foundations, Building Information Modelling (BIM), risk assessment, site health and safety, construction project management, demolition and site remediation. | ||
| ENGCV380 | Civil Design Challenge 2 | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers the structural design and analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. Topics covered include the design and analysis of singly- and doubly-reinforced beams, short and slender columns, joint connections, detailing and bending schedule, and understanding the performance of concrete and steel as structural materi... | ||
| ENGEN301 | Engineering Mathematics 3 | 20A (Hamilton) |
| Introduces numerical methods and statistical ideas relevant to Engineering. | ||
| ENGEN370 | Engineering and Environment | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers sustainability in engineering design within the context of environmental impact, risk and resilience, emissions and standards, carbon accounting and life cycle analysis. | ||
| ENGEN371 | Engineering Work Placement 2 | 20X (Hamilton) |
| Second work placement involving 400 hours of work experience at an approved engineering organisation relevant to your studies. Typically undertaken during the summer semesters at the end of third year. | ||
| ENGEN372 | Engineering Work Placement 2 | 20X (Hamilton) |
| Second work placement for the DipEPP involving 400 hours of work experience at an approved engineering organisation relevant to your studies. Typically undertaken during the summer semesters at the end of second year. | ||
| ENGEN390 | Special Topics in Engineering 1 | 20X (Hamilton) |
| An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff. | ||
| ENGEN391 | Special Topics in Engineering 2 | 20X (Hamilton) |
| An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff. | ||
| ENGEV341 | Environmental Engineering 2 | 20B (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 | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| ENGCV512 | Advanced Structural Analysis and Design | 20A (Hamilton) |
| Introduction to nonlinear methods of structural analysis including structural stability and structural dynamics. The paper will also cover the analysis and design of historical structures. | ||
| ENGCV513 | Earthquake Engineering and Design | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers the design of civil engineering structures to withstand seismic events, including geology and geotechnical considerations, influence of foundations and soil structure interaction, structural typology for single and multi-level systems. | ||
| ENGCV580 | Civil Design Challenge 3 | 20D (Hamilton) |
| Engineering design principles applied to a complex civil design challenge. Detailed considerations in the project to include using design standards, materials selection, life cycle costs, environmental impact, health and safety and risk assesssment. | ||
| ENGEN570 | Engineering and the Profession | 20D (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. | ||
| ENGEN581 | Honours Research Project | 20D (Hamilton) & 20X (Hamilton) |
| Final year honours research project carried out on a topic assigned and supervised by a member of staff. | ||
| ENGEN583 | Special Topics in Engineering 3 | 20X (Hamilton) |
| An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff. | ||
| ENGEN584 | Special Topics in Engineering 4 | 20X (Hamilton) |
| An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff. | ||
| ENGEN585 | Special Topics in Engineering 5 | 20X (Hamilton) |
| An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff. | ||
| ENGEN586 | Special Topics in Engineering 6 | 20X (Hamilton) |
| An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff. | ||
| ENGEN587 | Directed Study 1 | 20X (Hamilton) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. | ||
| ENGEN588 | Directed Study 2 | 20X (Hamilton) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. | ||
| ENGEV541 | Advanced Water and Wastewater Engineering | 20A (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 Biowin and Superpro Designer. | ||
| ENGEV542 | Waste Minimisation Engineering | 20A (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. | ||
| ENGME540 | Finite Element Analysis | 20A (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 of 1D heat transfer. Matlab code development assignment for simpler problems and assignments using commercial software to solve more complicated pro... | ||
Scholarships and Prizes
Selected scholarships for Civil Engineering students.
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Brian Perry Charitable Trust Undergraduate Scholarship in Science & Engineering Closed
For students who are enrolled in the second year of full-time study towards an undergraduate degree, in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Waikato. The scholarship will have a value of up to $3,000.
Looking for more scholarships?
Practical experience
Expand to read practical experience
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 Cooperative Education Unit actively seeks and oversees your industrial work placement, ensuring a good fit for your area of study and career goals, and monitoring the quality of your work experience. They are the leader in New Zealand for co-operative education programmes, with an average 250 students placed in industry every year.
By the time you graduate you will have the credibility of paid experience to take to your interviews.
Contacts
Faculty of Science & Engineering
Phone: +64 7 838 4625 or 0800 438 254
Email: contact-hecs@waikato.ac.nz
Website: sci.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoScienceEngineering