Master of Engineering Studies specialisation in Mechanical Engineering

The fundamental principles of energy, materials, and mechanics are vital to the field of Mechanical Engineering. Science and technology are applied to ensure that complex structures and systems such as yachts, robots, sawmills, space vehicles, airplanes and heating systems remain sustainable and in motion.

Design Thinking is an especially distinctive focus within the field of Mechanical Engineering, with an emphasis on solving practical, real-world problems. This puts many graduates in the right position to contribute to future technological innovations.

Our department is affiliated with many of the University’s well-known research areas, groups, labs and experts, such as the Centre for Advanced Composite Materials, the Innovative Manufacturing and Materials Programme, the Laboratory for Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing Systems.

Mechanical engineers play a pivotal role in the drive for greater efficiency. They have a strong capacity to build and implement innovative products and processes. This makes them employable in diverse environments, from large-scale commercial firms to niche markets and consultative roles.

MEngSt - Master of Engineering Studies

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has enjoyed a long history of research excellence. Embarking on postgraduate study with us gives you the opportunity to tackle projects with real-life relevance within theoretical frameworks that remain applicable for the future.

Major topics include:

Acoustics: We offer access to a world-class laboratory, which attracts interdisciplinary work from across University and includes three reverberation rooms, an anechoic chamber and a listening room. We study building acoustics, aeroacoustics, vibroacoustics, sound field synthesis, and more.
Advanced composite materials: Alongside the internationally-recognised Centre for Advanced Composite Materials, we engage with the design, manufacture, characterisation and modelling of composite materials for a variety of real-world applications.
Computational fluid dynamics and visualisation: We develop algorithms to map three-dimensional flows for applications such as modelling arteries and entropy production.
Dynamics and control: This field encompasses a wide range of areas, from Artificial Intelligence to vehicle vibration control.
Energy and Fuels: We develop energy efficient systems in appliances and heating systems to minimise environmental impact.
Manufacturing systems: We conduct fundamental and application-oriented research relevant to this essential industry, with emphasis on Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing, intelligent systems, STEP-NC, technological management, and more.
Wind engineering: Our involvement in this field has been prominent since the 1970s, and focused not just on environmental effects, but also design and aerodynamics in relation to human movements. We also boast purpose-built facilities, including the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel, the largest facility in its class in New Zealand.
Yacht research: This field capitalises on our Yacht Research Unit (YRU) and our successful involvement in the America’s Cup, which began in 1995 and is still visible in today.

The key characteristics of the mechanical engineering profession are its breadth, flexibility and individuality. This means that your career path will be largely influenced by personal interests, and ideas about where you see yourself in a world that’s increasingly driven by technology. Many graduates have found work in the medical field, manufacturing plants, sales, engineering management, and other contexts. Our curriculum provides the foundation for work in many sectors, and in new technologies that may create industries that are yet to exist – we educate our graduates not only to adapt, but also to define and direct change.

Campus Experience

Complete 120 points comprising:

At least 45 points from Group 1 Elective Courses, and
0 to 75 points from Group 2 Elective Courses

Group 1 Elective Courses

Complete at least 45 points from the following:

MECHENG 711 - Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics - Level 9 (15 points)

MECHENG 714 - Wind Engineering - Level 9 (15 points)

MECHENG 719 - Advanced Engineering Vibrations - Level 9 (15 points)

MECHENG 728 - Advanced MEMS and Microsystems - Level 9 (15 points)

MECHENG 742 - Advanced Materials Manufacturing - Level 9 (15 points)

MECHENG 751 - Advanced CAD/CAM/CNC - Level 9 (15 points)

MECHENG 753 - Advanced Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing - Level 9 (15 points)

MECHENG 788 - Research Project - Level 9 (30 points)

MECHENG 788A - Research Project - Level 9 (15 points)

MECHENG 788B - Research Project - Level 9 (15 points)

Group 2 Elective Courses

Complete 0 to 75 points from the following:

AEROSPCE 720 - Space Dynamics and Missions (15 points)

AEROSPCE 730 - Aerospace Systems Design (15 points)

AEROSPCE 740 - Aerospace Structures and Mechanisms (15 points)

ENGGEN 705 - Engineering Product Development (15 points)

ENGGEN 769 - Research Methods for Engineers (15 points)

MECHENG 701 - Directed Study (15 points)

MECHENG 712 - Aerohydrodynamics (15 points)

MECHENG 713 - Energy Technology (15 points)

MECHENG 715 - Building Services (15 points)

MECHENG 718 - Computational Fluid Dynamics (15 points)

MECHENG 722 - Engineering Vibrations (15 points)

MECHENG 724 - Multivariable Control Systems (15 points)

MECHENG 726 - Acoustics for Engineers (15 points)

MECHENG 735 - MEMS and Microsystems (15 points)

MECHENG 736 - Biomechatronic Systems (15 points)

MECHENG 743 - Composite Materials (15 points)

MECHENG 747 - Manufacturing and Industrial Processes (15 points)

MECHENG 752 - Technology Management (15 points)

MECHENG 754 - Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing (15 points)

MECHENG 755 - Design for Additive Manufacturing (15 points)

Up to 30 points may be substituted from appropriate 600 and 700 level courses offered at this University, subject to approval by the Head of Department.

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