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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

Earthquake engineers design new buildings and infrastructure to withstand disasters and also assess the vulnerability of existing buildings and infrastructure. They draw from expertise in structural and geotechnical engineering.

The University of Auckland is internationally recognised for strengths in these fields. This puts us in the right position to deliver specialist professional capabilities both locally and internationally where population densities are increasing in seismic regions.

The PGCertEqEng provides an introduction to postgraduate study in this field. Students will take a total of four taught courses that they can pursue further at masters-level if they wish. This programme is a particularly good option for those with a civil engineering background who want a taste of postgraduate study without committing to it long-term.

This qualification also allows for part-time study, with classes offered outside of work hours and as block courses. It is therefore convenient for practising industry professionals who wish to further their knowledge and career.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

The PGCertEqEng is designed specifically as an entry pathway towards a Master of Earthquake Engineering degree, though advanced knowledge in earthquake engineering will boost your employability in a field with increasing need for expertise.

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 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 (60 point) - a relevant Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University with a minimum 2.5 Grade Point Average, or equivalent prior study (relevant subjects include applied science, engineering, information technology, science or technology).

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.

Other Pathways to Study

Completion of the requirements for a relevant Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University with an overall minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5, or a minimum GPA of 2.5 in 60 points above Stage III (relevant subjects include applied science, engineering, information technology, science or technology).

Bachelor's degrees in relevant fields such as applied science and technology may be considered with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0, or a GPA of 3.0 in at least 60 points above Stage II.

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. 

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
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 postgraduate certificate 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 postgraduate certificate, an applicant must have:

a (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

(ii) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage III

or

b (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

(ii) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

2 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.

3 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 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.

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

Duration and Total Points Value

4 A student admitted to this postgraduate certificate must:

a pass courses with a total value of 60 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Certificates.

5 The total enrolment for this postgraduate certificate must not exceed 90 points.

Structure and Content

6 Of the 60 points required for this postgraduate certificate, a student must pass:

a 15 points: CIVIL 720

and

b a further 45 points from courses listed in the Master of Earthquake Engineering Schedule, excluding CIVIL 793 and 794.

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

8 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.

Variations

9 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

10 These regulations have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 60 points comprising:

  • 15 points for all Compulsory Course, and
  • 45 points from Master of Earthquake Engineering Schedule Courses, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Compulsory Course

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Master of Earthquake Engineering Schedule Courses

Complete exactly 45 points from the following:

No credit will be given for CIVIL 793A, CIVIL 793B, CIVIL 794A, or CIVIL 794B.

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map