Bachelor of Engineering Technology
Other Engineering
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Accredited by Engineering New Zealand, this degree prepares you for a career as an Engineering Technologist, with options to specialise in Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. It is highly respected nationally and internationally, with strong focus on management, problem-solving, practical application, and an industry-based project.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 3 years
Core skills this course teaches
Apply engineering knowledge and skills
Apply mathematics, natural science, engineering fundamentals, and specialisation-specific skills to engineering procedures and systems.
Analyse and solve engineering problems
Identify, research, and analyse broadly defined engineering problems using discipline-appropriate analytical tools.
Design solutions for engineering problems
Contribute to designing systems, components, or processes considering public health, safety, societal, and environmental factors.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Engineering Technology at Otago Polytechnic is a hands-on, three-year degree accredited by Engineering New Zealand and recognised under the Dublin and Sydney international accords. It is designed for those interested in combining practical skills and theoretical understanding in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering. You'll develop highly valued skills in management, critical thinking, economics, communication, and problem solving, and will take part in an industry-based project in your final year. Graduates are prepared for roles in project management, consultancy, or as practising engineering technologists. The qualification includes core and elective courses tailored to your specialisation.
Course Content
- Core courses: Engineering Computing, Engineering Mechanics, Engineering Communication, Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Design and Drawing, Engineering Management Principles, Professional Engineering Practice, Engineering Development Project
- Civil Engineering compulsory and elective courses: Civil Materials, Engineering Site Investigation, Land Surveying, Basic Structures, Fluid Mechanics, Highway Engineering, Civil Engineering Detailing & Modelling, Civil Engineering Construction Practices, specialisations in Structural, Water and Water Waste, Transportation and Geotechnical
- Mechanical Engineering compulsory and elective courses: Electrical Fundamentals, Materials Science, Strength of Materials 1 & 2, Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanics of Machines, Mechanical Design, Energy Engineering, Manufacturing Processes and Production
- Electrical Engineering compulsory and elective courses: Electrical and Electronic Principles 1 & 2, PLC Programming 1 & 2, Instrumentation & Control 1 & 2, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanics of Machines, Power Distribution, Sustainable Energy & Power Electronics, Automation, Robotics, Electrical Machine Dynamics, Power Systems; specialisations in Power or Mechatronics
- Industry-based project in the final year
- Electives available vary by specialisation (e.g., Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Principles, Project Management, Robotics)
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 3 with Physics (14 credits), Calculus (14 credits), and one other subject (14 credits), plus 10 literacy credits at Level 2 or above, and 10 numeracy credits at Level 1 or above.
Equivalent qualifications or relevant experience considered.
English language IELTS 6.0 (with no band below specified scores) or other recognised evidence (for non-English speakers).
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Engineering
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Future employment opportunities might be
Engineering Technologist (Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical)
Project Manager
Engineering Consultant
Team leader or technical manager
Technical support and application roles
Research and development
Local authority or government engineering roles
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.