About the programme
The Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Mechanical) is an NZQF Level 7 programme at Whitireia & WelTec that prepares students for careers in mechanical engineering, manufacturing and related industries in New Zealand and worldwide over three years of full-time study (360 credits). Its graduate attributes follow the International Engineering Alliance exemplar and it is recognised under the Sydney Accord. Part-time options are available.
Core subjects include mechanics of machines, strength of materials, thermodynamics, and fluid power (hydraulics and pneumatics), together with asset management and project management. Students learn to apply engineering science to complex problems, design safe and sustainable solutions and use modern engineering tools to international standards, with ethics, teamwork, communication and project management running through the degree.
The final year includes a capstone project that prepares students for industry. Engineering tutors bring broad industry experience, and teaching is based at the Petone campus in Wellington. Holders of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) can complete the degree with 1.5 years of additional study, and incoming students can take a Summer Maths course in algebra, trigonometry and calculus.
Careers typically progress from supervised entry-level roles to independent practice as a registered Engineering Technology Practitioner and Chartered Member (Engineering Technologist), then to team leadership and possibly general management. The degree also leads on to four-year engineering degrees, graduate diplomas and postgraduate qualifications.
Entry requirements
- NZDE graduates can enter the degree and finish it with 1.5 years of additional study.
- A preparatory Summer Maths course (algebra, trigonometry, calculus) is available to enrolling students.
What you study
- Mechanics of machines
- Strength of materials
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid power — hydraulics and pneumatics
- Asset management
- Project management
- Capstone project
Careers after graduation
- Automation and control
- Mechanical design
- Product development and corporate R&D
- Energy and power generation, clean technology
- Asset management
- Roles in enterprise, government and the energy sector
- Engineering start-ups or independent consulting
Post-study work visa
Equal to the length of the programme, 3 years maximum
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Whitireia & WelTec website