Course Overview
Mechanical engineering provides an opportunity to change the world, using practical skills and innovative thinking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
This is the place where your ideas turn into reality. You’ll learn to produce safer, cheaper and more efficient machines and mechanical systems. Mechanical engineering skills are required for virtually everything that can be made so the opportunities are endless, and with a recognised shortage of technicians in this country the job prospects and pay rates are high.
Graduates of engineering diplomas enter careers in industries as diverse as aerospace, defence and energy, and the manufacturing of industrial and domestic products. You'll gain a broad knowledge base in technologies where skills are highly sought after by employers and in year two, you'll specialise in mechanical or metallurgy technologies.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical) (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
New Zealand is crying out for more engineering technicians and the pay rates are excellent. Graduates can work in a diverse range of industries such as aviation, biotechnology, automotive, air-conditioning and refrigeration, robotics, defence and energy, and the manufacturing of industrial and domestic products.
Research and development is a logical destination for graduates, working as technical support engineers, supervising technicians, technical and production engineers, and production or production maintenance managers. Tasks include:
- Completing feasibility studies on existing systems
- Researching different energy, machinery and material options
- Preparing plans and drawings of machines or machine parts
- Preparing cost estimates
- Supervising the building and installation, or the repair and replacement of systems
- Reviewing and testing new systems.
Potential Employers
- Manufacturers
- Building and Construction
Companies
- Product Research
Development Companies
- Aviation
- Boat Building
Automotive Industries
- Agriculture Sector
- Power, Thermal and Alternative
Energy Companies
- Mining Industry
Topics you'll cover
You'll cover topics like advanced maths, mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, fluids, engineering science and electricity, and use computer-aided engineering tools (CAD). Our well-equipped labs let you complete practical experiments, field trips give you valuable insights into local workplaces, and the small class sizes ensure you'll get all the support you need to succeed.
You'll develop a range of skills, techniques and personal qualities that will equip you to work in mechanical engineering and its related fields as a technician. You'll gain knowledge of engineering sciences, materials and processes as well as management skills. Using specialised equipment in our teaching labs, learn computer aided design techniques, conduct materials and failure testing, and demonstrate practical applications of engineering theories.
Year 1 topics include:
- Engineering Fundamentals
- Engineering Mathematics 1
- Technical Literacy
- Engineering Practice
- Material Properties
- Mechanics
- Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
- Engineering CAD
Year 2 topics include:
- Electrical Fundamentals
- Strength of Materials 1
- Manufacturing Processes
- Fluid Mechanics
- Engineering Management
- Engineering Project
Plus:
For the Mechanical Specialisation:
- Strength Of Materials 2
- Mechanics of Machines
For the Metallurgy Specialisation:
- Advanced Materials
- Particulate Material Dynamics
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
