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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

As the world of work evolves, we see a growing need for expertise in robotics and automation – in Aotearoa and globally. This is based on the field's widespread applicability in many industries, including healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing. The MRobotEng aims to produce graduates with the knowledge to develop, deploy and support these technologies at advanced levels for years to come.

Many of our teaching staff are well-recognised experts in the field, and are a part of the University’s Centre for Automation and Robotic Engineering Science, which collaborates with industry and researchers on a global scale. This ensures that our courses are kept up-to-date with recent real-world applications, as well as offering direct insights into the emerging technologies available here in New Zealand.

Our interdisciplinary collaborations also create opportunities to participate in projects with a variety of industry partners. While this is a primarily taught programme, there is a valuable, distinctive research component that will let you demonstrate your ability to apply theoretical principles to real-life scenarios. You will also be exposed to hands-on work to gain the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to thrive in this sector.

Programme Structure

The MRobotEng is a taught programme, with 120 and 180-point options. You may want to base your selection on your educational background and career interests.

The programme includes a compulsory Research Project, completed over two semesters. Students have the flexibility to develop their own research project or contribute to ongoing research within other existing research groups, such as the Centre for Automation and Robotic Engineering Science (CARES)—a hub for cutting-edge innovation in robotics, AI, and automation technologies.

Other options

If you’re not ready to commit to a masters programme, we also offer the following:

These qualifications also serve as pathways towards a MRobotEng.

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

Potential Careers

There is a rising demand for expertise in automation and robotics as established firms increasingly evolve to adopt 'smart' technologies. More employers now recognise the need for skilled people who understand the best use of technologies and their added value, so career possibilities are also growing in many industries.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Automation engineer
  • Automation design engineer
  • Automation systems engineer
  • Mechatronics Engineer
  • Robotics engineer
  • Robotic Process Automation developer
  • Robotics software engineer

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

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.

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
2027 Semester One08 December 202601 March 202728 June 2027
2027 Semester Two04 July 202719 July 202715 November 2027

Other Important Dates

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

Additional Information on Key Dates

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.

Entry Requirements

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 Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 in the University Calendar and the related Programme and Course Limitations and selection criteria.

My highest qualification is from the University of Auckland

Programme Entry Requirements

University of Auckland Qualification

These are the minimum grades required to be considered for entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. A higher grade may also be required to be offered a place.

4.0 - Grade Point Average

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Taught 120 points:

You must have completed either:

  • A Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University and passed with a GPA of 4.0 in at least 60 points at Stage III. OR
  • A relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a GPA of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II and at least three years of relevant professional experience approved by the Programme Director OR
  • A Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University and passed 60 points toward a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma with a GPA of 4.0 or higher. OR
  • A relevant Bachelors degree and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma (or equivalent) with a GPA of 4.0 or higher

Taught 180 points:

You must have completed either:

  • a relevant bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II. OR
  • a relevant Bachelors degree and, passed 60 points in the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering in a relevant subject or Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering in a relevant subject or Postgraduate Certificate in Robotics and Automation or Postgraduate Diploma in Robotics and Automation from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

Relevant degree or subject

Whether a degree is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed. Degrees or subjects in applied science, bioengineering, computer science, data science, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information technology, mechatronics, science, or technology, may be considered relevant.

Other Pathways to Study

If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points in the

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.

Postgraduate Requirements

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

My highest qualification is from another tertiary institution

English Language Entry Requirements

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.

If you are a domestic applicant, you will generally be considered proficient in English.

6.5 - IELTS Academic score required

No bands less than - 6.0

See alternative English language requirements

For more information about the requirements and English proficiency tests, please see Postgraduate English language requirements.

Programme Entry Requirements External

Qualification from another tertiary institution

These are the minimum grades required to be considered for entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. A higher grade may also be required to be offered a place.

4.0 - Grade Point Equivalent

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further Programme Entry Requirements External

Taught 120 points

You must have completed a four-year bachelors degree in engineering at a recognised university (or similar institution) that includes:

  • One year of postgraduate-level study
  • A research project or dissertation comprising at least one-quarter of the final year

OR

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject at a recognised university (or similar institution) AND have at least three years of relevant professional experience.

Taught 180 points

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject at a recognised university (or similar institution).

Relevant degree or subject

Whether a degree is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed. Degrees or subjects in applied science, bioengineering, computer science, data science, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information technology, mechatronics, science, or technology, may be considered relevant.

Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information see External transfer of credit.

If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.

Other Pathways to Study External

If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points in the

provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

In exceptional circumstances, we may approve the admission of a student who has extensive, relevant, practical, professional or scholarly experience in engineering.

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.

Regulations

Disclaimer

Please note that while regulations and course outlines for future academic years may be displayed or made available in advance, they remain subject to change. Official, final approved programme regulations for the upcoming academic year will be available when the University Calendar is published in late October of the preceding year. Any information available prior to Calendar publication should be treated as provisional.

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 a relevant Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 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 4.0 or higher

or

d (i) (a) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 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 4.0 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 from this University, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) completed the requirements for a relevant postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 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 4.0 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 4.0 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 4.0 or higher.

3 Equivalence and relevance in Regulations 1 and 2 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 or subject is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed. Qualifications or subjects in applied science, bioengineering, computer science, data science, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information technology, mechatronics, 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 Robotics and Automation 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 Robotics and Automation 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 is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

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

c The research project 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 Diploma in Engineering or Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering or Postgraduate Certificate in Robotics and Automation Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Robotics and Automation 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 the Postgraduate Certificate in Robotics and Automation Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Robotics and Automation 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.

Honours

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 Rules

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

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