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Quick Facts

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Overview

Programme Overview

Civil Engineers are responsible for the design and construction of infrastructure like buildings, transportation systems, water and wastewater facilities, ports, bridges and urban environments. This programme will teach you discipline-specific knowledge that will enable you to solve problems and improve people’s standard of living.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering has a focus on preparation for practice as a civil engineer. Graduates do not have an option to proceed to PhD study directly from the postgraduate diploma, as the PGDipCivilEng doesn’t incorporate a Research Project. However, students can use it to progress to the Master of Civil Engineering if they achieve the required GPA.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

The PGDipCivilEng aims to provide the knowledge, skills and competencies aligned to the roles and responsibilities of civil engineers who design, construct, and deliver physical infrastructure systems. The focus is on preparation for practice as a civil engineer.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Civil Engineer
  • Construction Engineer
  • Construction Project Manager
  • Design Engineer
  • Engineering Manager
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Geotechnical Engineer
  • Site Engineer

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 (120 point) - 2.5 Grade Point Average 

Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

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

You must have completed either:

  • a BE or BE(Hons) from this University with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in 60 points above Stage III

Or

  • A bachelors degree from this University in a relevant field, such as applied science or technology, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in 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 diploma 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 diploma, 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.

Note: Whether a qualification is considered relevant will depend on the courses taken in that degree and the specialisation a student intends to complete. As well as qualifications in Engineering, qualifications in applied science or technology, for example, may be considered relevant.

Duration and Total Points Value

4 A student admitted to this postgraduate diploma must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

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

5 The total enrolment for this postgraduate diploma must not exceed 160 points.

Structure and Content

6 Of the 120 points required for this postgraduate diploma, a student must pass:

either

a (i) 45 points: ENGGEN 730, 742, ENVENG 702

and

(ii) 75 points from other courses listed in the Master of Civil Engineering Schedule, excluding dissertation, research portfolio and research project courses

or

b (i) 45 points: ENGGEN 730, 742, ENVENG 702

and

(ii) 75 points from other courses in one of the specialisations listed in the Master of Civil Engineering Schedule, excluding dissertation, research portfolio and research project courses.

7 This postgraduate diploma will be conferred with an endorsement in a specialisation only if the requirements in Regulation 6b are satisfied.

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

9 With the prior approval of the Programme Director or nominee, up to 30 points may be replaced by other appropriate 600 and 700 level courses offered at this or another university.

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.

Distinction

11 This postgraduate diploma may be awarded with Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

Variations

12 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

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

Schedule

Schedule Notes

With the prior approval of the Programme Director or nominee, up to 30 points may be replaced by other appropriate 600 and 700 level courses offered at this or another university.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 120 points for Courses from the Master of Civil Engineering Schedule, or
  • 120 points for one Specialisation from Specialisations, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Courses from the Master of Civil Engineering Schedule

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 45 points for all Compulsory Courses, and
  • 75 points from Elective Courses

Compulsory Courses

Complete 45 points for ALL of the following:

Elective Courses

Complete exactly 75 points from the following:

No credit will be given for CIVIL 788, CIVIL 788A, or CIVIL 788B.

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