New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical Engineering)

Location

Dunedin

Duration
Two years full-time; four years part-time (but this can be flexible)
Delivery

On campus (this programme is very practical and you will learn using real-life scenarios)

Credits
240
Level
6
Start
February
July (part-time only)
Apply
Now
  • Location
    Intake
    Study breaks
  • Dunedin
    22 February 2021
    5 July 2021 - 23 July 2021
    19 April 2021 - 30 April 2021
    27 September 2021 - 8 October 2021
  • Dunedin
    22 February 2021
  • Dunedin
    21 February 2022
    27 June 2022 - 15 July 2022
    18 April 2022 - 29 April 2022
    3 October 2022 - 14 October 2022

Get a career as an Electrical Engineering Technician.

Electrical engineers undertake a wide variety of work ranging from the design and programming of PLC's in industrial applications to the design and commissioning of complex building services or electrical distribution installations. Study electrical engineering and look forward to future career roles such as project management, maintenance management and contract management as well as general hands-on electrical engineering problem-solving. There is presently a significant shortage of trained engineers and qualified technicians are in high demand for their skills and experience.

Use this qualification to gain the necessary expertise and supply the demand; New Zealand-trained engineering graduates have a good reputation worldwide for their work-readiness and high calibre and with this Dublin accord-accredited qualification, international employment opportunities are available. Gain a sound knowledge, understanding and practical appreciation of electrical engineering processes and theory, and develop your ability to apply learning in a practical and innovative way. 

Places are limited across all disciplines so early application is advisable.

Skills needed for studying this programme
  • Analytical and problem-solving
  • Good computer ability
  • The ability to plan, organise and adapt
  • To enjoy working with groups or on your own.
Entry requirements
  • 48 NCEA credits at Level 2 in four subjects including at least 12 in mathematics* OR equivalent qualifications/skills/experience.
  • 8 NCEA literacy credits at Level 1 or higher, including 4 credits in reading and 4 in writing.
  • International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet diploma-level entry requirements.

*Please note: Statistics and probability credits are not categorised under "Mathematics credits" within the NCEA framework and therefore cannot count towards 12 required Mathematics credits.  

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.  

Don't meet the entry criteria? Don't worry! 

If you don't meet any of the entry requirements for this qualification, or have been out of learning for a while, enrol in our great New Zealand Diploma in Engineering preparation programme. Successful completion will give you a Certificate in Foundation Studies (Level 3) and direct entry into this Diploma.  

If you don't meet the maths entry requirement for this qualification but meet all of the other criteria, enrol in our great Engineering Maths summer school and upskill so you can apply. 

Want your existing skills recognised?

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, enquire about our recognition of prior learning process at Capable NZ. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification.

Additional documentation

You must supply certified copies of proof of identify, academic records and proof of residency (where appropriate).

Selection process

Applicants are accepted using the entry criteria on a first-come, first-in basis with places limited to no more than 30 per year. Should the number of applicants exceed the available places, applicants will be placed on a waiting list in order of the date they applied. All applicants will be interviewed. 

Programme structure

Options: Power, Automation & Control and Illumination & Building Services

Course Code

Course Title

Level

Credit

Pre-requisite

YEAR ONE

 

 

 

 

Semester One

COMPULSORY COURSES

 

 

 

DE4101

Engineering Fundamentals

4

15

 

DE4102

Engineering Mathematics 1 - FULL YEAR

4

15

 

DE4103

Technical Literacy

4

15

 

DE4401

Electrical Principles

4

15

 

DE4402

Electrical and Electronic Applications

4

15

 DE4401

DE5401

Power Engineering

5

15

 DE4401

DE5403

Electronic Principles

5

15

 

DE5423

Computer Aided Electrical Drawing

5

15

 

 

Year 1 Total Credits

 

120

 

YEAR TWO

 

 

 

 

Semester One

COMMON COMPULSORY COURSES

Level

Credit

 

DE5402

PLC Programming 1

5

15

 

DE5404

Electrical Machines

5

15

 DE4401, DE5403

DE6101

 Engineering Management  6 15  

DE6102

 Engineering Project (Electrical)  6 15  

 

ELECTIVES (choose two)

 

 

 

 

Automation and Control option

   

 Pre-requisite

DE5417

Instrumentation and Controls 1

5

15

DE4101 & DE5403

DE5418

Engineering Mathematics 2

5

15

 DE4102

DE6411

PLC Programming 2

6


 15 

 DE5402

DE6409

Electrical Building Services 6  15  

DE6419

Maintenance Engineering Management (Required)


 6

 15
 
 

Power option

   

 Pre-requisite

DE5418

Engineering Mathematics 2

5

15

 
DE4102

DE6401

Power Systems 1 (Required)

6

15

 DE4401

DE6411

PLC Programming 2

6

15


 DE5402

DE6420

Protection

6

15

 DE4401

DE6409

Electrical Building Services

6

15

 

DE6421

Sustainable Energy and Power Electronics

6

15

 DE4401, DE5403

 

Year 2 Total Credits

 

120

 

 

Programme Total Credits

 

240

 

Note: In addition, CISCO Networking 1 and 2 courses are available. These courses are useful if you are likely to be engaged in employment where networking of computers would be undertaken. Additional fees would apply.

An Electrical Service Person course is also available and is recommended for Diploma students. This is administrated by the EWRB. Please visit www.ewrb.govt.nz for more information.

You will study

The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering has been designed to provide skilled and competent engineering technicians who:

  • Apply engineering theory to practice and competently perform technical operations to the standards, ethical and professional responsibilities required by the engineering profession
  • Have a knowledge sufficient to permit informed, rational decision making in a specialist field of engineering and to implement these decisions
  • Will work collaboratively with construction workers, clients, authorities, agencies, industry and other professionals to provide a comprehensive engineering service in the relevant specialist area
  • Have an understanding of all cultures and, in particular, an awareness and clear understanding of the tangata whenua and the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi and the Resource Management Act.

As these courses have a high practical content, relevant work experience would be an advantage. You will also learn through theoretical study, project work and laboratory sessions.

Please note: An Electrical Service Person course is also available from 2016 and is recommended for diploma students. This is administrated by the EWRB. Please visit www.ewrb.govt.nz for more information.

Your workload

Your workload will be significant as assessment is continuous throughout the year with assignments issued regularly and end of semester exams. If you are studying full-time, you will be expected to undertake approximately 40 hours per week which consists of formal lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials and your own study time.

Programme specific risks

You are alerted to the requirement that you must be able to demonstrate an ability to work safely in all practical situations. 

Further study options

Upon successful completion of this qualification, there are opportunities for you to move in to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology at Otago Polytechnic or degree programmes at either Canterbury or Auckland Universities. Completion of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering can reduce the length of these engineering degrees by a year, or with appropriate experience, two years on application. NZDE forms part of the pathway to become registered as an Electrical Engineer with EWRB (www.ewrb.govt.nz). 

Additional costs

Hand tools and test equipment are included in the programme fee but these tools will remain the property of Otago Polytechnic. 

Please click here for a full programme equipment list.

Student loans and allowances
Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw from your programme application or if it is unsuccessful. 
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