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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

Aotearoa’s space industry is expanding, as is its capacity for innovation in industry and research. Get a head start in your career in this exciting field with the MAerospaceEng. The programme is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge and expertise to be an effective employee in a field of increasing national and global economic significance.

Our courses in Aerospace Engineering are supported by Te Pūnaha Ātea Auckland Space Institute , which aims to enhance the growth of the New Zealand space sector. The institute is led by academics with deep expertise in the aerospace industry; and so the University of Auckland is ideally placed to deliver an excellent teaching and learning experience for our students. The MAerospaceEng programme has also received additional endorsements from the New Zealand Space Agency, Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck, and the Royal Aeronautical Society.

We also offer opportunities for practical projects with industry partners. This ensures that you’re prepared to fulfil your future workforce’s demands for complex problem solving, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Information pack

Learn more about the Master of Aerospace Engineering. (1 MB, PDF) 

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Aotearoa's aerospace industry is making a significant, growing contribution to our economy, employing a productive and highly skilled workforce. Pursuing a dedicated study option opens opportunities in aeronautics, astronautics, space systems and aerospace management, in technical or management roles, as well as pathways to employment in academia.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Launch Services Engineer
  • Payload Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • R&D Engineer
  • Space Mission Design & Operations
  • Space System Engineer
  • Technical Director, CTO

Further Study Options

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements


University of Auckland qualifications

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Taught (180-point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Taught (120-point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Research (180-point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Research (120-point)  - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

Taught 120 points

  • You must have completed either: A BE or BE(Hons) from this University and passed with a GPA of 5.0 in at least 60 points at Stage III.

Or

  • A BE or BE(Hons) from this University and passed 60 points toward a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.

Or

  • A relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II and at least three years of relevant professional experience approved by the Programme Director.

Or

  • A relevant Bachelors degree and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma from this University (or equivalent) with a GPA of 5.0 or higher

Whether a qualification is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed and the applicant’s intended specialisation. Qualifications in applied science, engineering or technology may be considered relevant.

Taught 180 points

A BE or BE(Hons) and passed 60 points toward a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.

Research 120 points

You must have completed either:

  • A BE or BE(Hons) from this University and passed with a GPA of 5.0 in at least 60 points at Stage III.

Or

  • A BE or BE(Hons) from this University and passed 60 points toward a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.

Or

  • A relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II and at least three years of relevant professional experience approved by the Programme Director.

Or

  • A relevant Bachelors degree and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma from this University (or equivalent) with a GPA of 5.0 or higher

Whether a qualification is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed and the applicant’s intended specialisation. Qualifications in applied science, engineering or technology may be considered relevant.

Research 180 points

Completed a relevant Bachelor's degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

If you do not meet the entry requirements, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points in the PGCertEng - Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering in a relevant subject or passing 60 points in the PGDipEng - Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering in a relevant subject with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

Or:

By passing 60 points in the PGCertAerospaceEng - Postgraduate Certificate in Aerospace Engineering or 60 points in the PGDipAerospaceEng - Postgraduate Diploma in Aerospace Engineering from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded. 

If you do not meet the above entry requirements but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply.

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III

or

c (i) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points towards a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher

or

d (i) (a) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

(b) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

and

(ii) at least three years of relevant professional experience approved by the Programme Director

or

e (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) completed the requirements for a relevant postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points towards a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher.

3 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the Associate Dean Postgraduate Research or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the Associate Dean Postgraduate Research or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Notes:

(i) This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Engineering and Design.

(ii) Whether a qualification is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed. Qualifications in applied science, engineering, information technology, science or technology may be considered relevant.

Duration and Total Points Value

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

7 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Aerospace Engineering Schedule.

8 A student who has previously passed any course the same as, or similar to, the courses required for this degree must substitute an alternative course as approved by the Programme Director or nominee.

9 A student who has to complete 180 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses taken for this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Aerospace Engineering cannot continue.

10 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

11 a The research project or thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b The topic of the research project or thesis must be approved by the Programme Director or nominee prior to enrolment.

c The research project or thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

12 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for this degree to the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering or Postgraduate Certificate in Aerospace Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Aerospace Engineering.

Transfer from Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma

13 A student who has passed courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering that are available in this degree may apply to reassign those courses to this degree provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

14 A student who has passed courses towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Aerospace Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Aerospace Engineering that are available in this degree may apply to reassign those courses to this degree provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

Distinction

15 This degree may be awarded with Honours in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

16 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

17 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 180 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism