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Mechanical Engineering

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.

Our Mechanical Engineering programme is strongly based on project-based learning.  It combines mechanical engineering, science and mathematics papers to give you a good understanding of engineering theory and practice.

You will study topics such as mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science, structural analysis and electricity.  In your second and third years you can choose papers to focus on either a Mechatronics Stream or a Manufacturing and Energy Stream.

Mechanical Engineering students have unique, hands-on learning opportunities at Waikato:

  • You could be part of the Waikato Formula SAE team, where students design and build their own race car, and compete in the Formula SAE Australasia competition, usually held in Australia.
  • In your third year, you will work in groups to design, manufacture and test a machine to meet a real-world design brief and specifications.  Students in the past have designed a pin-collecting machine for ArborGen Australasia.

An important part of the Mechanical Engineering programme at the University of Waikato has supported work placements in relevant industries. This gives you the opportunity for paid work experience while further exploring the field of Mechanical Engineering you could choose for your career.

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.  And 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.

As a mechanical engineering student, you will learn computer-aided engineering (CAE) software such as SolidWorks and ANSYS which will set you up for a career in today’s technology-driven society.

Build a successful career

There is currently a shortage of mechanical engineers, and Waikato graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects. There are opportunities in the machine design, agricultural engineering, manufacturing and robotics sectors, among many others.

Accreditation

The Mechanical Engineering programme is fully accredited under the Washington Accord.

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

  • Aeronautical Engineer
  • Agricultural Engineer
  • Automation Engineer
  • Energy Engineer
  • Equipment Prototype Engineer
  • Materials Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  • Product Developer
  • Project 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: 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
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
ENGCB223Fluid Mechanics15.024B (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...
ENGCB224Heat and Mass Transfer15.024B (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.
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...
ENGME221Engineering Thermodynamics15.024A (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.
ENGME251Dynamics and Vibration15.024B (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...
ENGME280Design and Manufacturing 115.024B (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...
ENGMP211Materials 115.024A (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.
ENGMP213Mechanics of Materials 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 ...

300 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
ENGCB321Thermal Engineering15.024B (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
ENGEN301Engineering Maths and Modelling 315.024A (Hamilton)
Introduces numerical methods and statistical ideas relevant to Engineering.
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.
ENGME352Control and Applications15.024A (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.
ENGME353Mechanical and Electrical Machines15.024A (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...
ENGME380Design and Manufacturing 215.024B (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.
ENGMP311Materials 215.024B (Hamilton)
It will develop understanding of the relationship between material structure, processing and behaviour to support engineering of materials and engineering with materials.
ENGMP313Mechanics of Materials 215.024B (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
ENGCB521Advanced Process Control15.024A (Hamilton)
This paper covers the fundamentals of process control, and introduces advanced process control strategies.
ENGCB523Advanced Energy Engineering15.024B (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.
ENGEE523Sensors, Instrumentation and Measurement15.024A (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).
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.
ENGEN582Honours Research and Development Project45.024X (Hamilton) & 24X (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...
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.
ENGME506Mechanical and Mechatronics Systems Analysis30.024A (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.
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...
ENGME551Mechanics of Vibration15.024A (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.
ENGME554Inspection, Monitoring and Evaluation15.024B (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.
ENGME580Product Innovation and Development15.024A (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'.
ENGMP512Advanced Materials Manufacture15.024A (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.

Scholarships and prizes

New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.

Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships

Find your scholarship


Work placements are a major feature of the Mechanical 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/