Course Overview
The construction industry is crying out for more civil engineering technicians, with some local companies offering generous scholarships to encourage more people to study this highly regarded diploma.
If you’re detail orientated, love maths and physics, and like thinking outside the square to solve problems, this is the place for you. It’s more than a course – it’s your chance to change the framework of our nation!
You’ll develop a range of skills, techniques and personal qualities that will equip you to work in civil engineering and its related fields as a technician, with knowledge of engineering sciences, materials and processes as well as management skills.
Using specialised equipment in our teaching labs, you'll learn computer aided design techniques, conduct materials and failure testing, and demonstrate practical applications of engineering theories. Three topics in year one and one topic in year two are also common to the electrical and mechanical disciplines.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil) (Level 6)
| Locations | Tauranga |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Feb 2025 View more details |
| Study options |
2 years full-time, including holidays (if applicable) Part-time study available |
| Total credits | 240 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | $7,471 per year for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
- Engineering Technician in Roading/Bridges/Design Office
- Civil Project Management
- Technical Support Engineer
- Supervising Technician Engineer
New Zealand needs more diploma level civil engineering technicians to create roads, bridges, buildings and infrastructure as part of the Christchurch rebuild. The Government is also investing heavily into other infrastructure projects around the country - in areas like rail, roads, bridges, irrigation and waste water management - which is further driving the need for more technicians.
Graduates can work in civil project management, as a technical support engineer, or as a supervising technician engineer.
Potential employers include:
- Private Engineering Consultancies
- Construction Companies
- Government Agencies e.g. NZTA
- Infrastructure and Utility Companies e.g. Railway and Electricity Companies
- Regional Councils
Topics you'll cover
During the course you'll cover a broad range of topics and select electives that will assist you 'in the real world' including; highway, traffic and geotechnical engineering, land surveying, technical literacy, structural drawings, hydraulics, and project management.
Classes include plenty of time in our high-spec engineering labs where you'll get the chance to put theory into practice, studying computer-aided design techniques and conducting materials and failure testing.
Year 1
- Engineering Fundamentals
- Engineering Mathematics 1
- Technical Literacy
- Materials (Civil)
- Land Surveying 1
- Geotechnical Engineering 1
- Civil and Structural Drawing
- Structures 1
Year 2
- Engineering Project (Civil)
- Engineering Management
- Highway Engineering 1
- Hydraulics (Civil)
Plus FOUR of the following:
- Engineering Surveying
- Structures 2
- Geotechnical Engineering 2
- Highway Engineering 2
- Traffic Engineering
- Structures 3
- Water and Wastewater Systems
- Water and Waste Management
- Land Surveying 2
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | $7,471 per year for domestic students |
|---|
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
- A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
To gain entry into this course, you are required to have:
- NCEA Level 2, including a minimum of 10 literacy credits at Level 1 or higher (for those who achieved NCEA Level 2 before 2013), AND
- a minimum total of 48 credits at Level 2 in four subjects including at least 12 credits in mathematics (preferably achievement standards in algebra, calculus or trigonometry), OR
- equivalent qualifications (e.g. International Baccalaureate or Cambridge), OR
- equivalent credits from appropriate trades training and/or demonstrated skills and experience
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4 with the Academic Endorsement or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
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Course Locations and Intake Information
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 17 Feb 2025 |
Study options
- 2 years full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
- Part-time study available
Important dates
Further Study Options
Courses Currently Under Development at Toi Ohomai, or Offered at Other Institutions
- New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Practice (for those working in industry)
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology
- Bachelor of Engineering
