Level 7

Mechanical strand

Take the next step as mechanical engineer

The Graduate Diploma in Engineering - Mechanical, caters for engineering graduates and working engineering professionals who wish to gain further specialist knowledge in a discipline area.
Overview

Programme highlights

This qualification is your chance to strengthen your skills in Mechanical Engineering. You'll graduate at the same level as degree students.

Graduates of this qualification will be ready for jobs in the field of Mechanical Engineering.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the following entry requirements:
Academic

A 3 year bachelor's degree in an civil/electrical/mechanical engineering discipline (excluding a Mechatronics specialisation);

Or

Equivalent practical, professional or educational experience of an appropriate kind;

Or

Special entry may be granted by the Head of School responsible for the programme to an applicant who does not meet all entry criteria, where the Head of School is satisfied the applicant is capable of undertaking the programme of study.

English language entry requirements

Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake this programme, which is taught and assessed in English.

Any applicant whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of their English language competency.

International students: English language entry requirements

For the minimum English language requirements refer to the requirements set out in the NZQF Programme and Accreditation Rules
https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/qa-system-for-teos/english-international-students/

Other entry requirements

Applicants must be physically capable of completing the practical aspects of the programme, by being able to work effectively, efficiently and safely.

Special & discretionary admission

Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. Te Pūkenga works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme. Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme may be eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.

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Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?

Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.

Programme structure

Programme structure

You will need to complete the below courses related to this strand (120 credits):
Compulsory courses

Level 6

241.609 Applied Computational Modelling (15 credits)

Metro Group course code: MG6039
The aim is to enable students to analyse engineering components and systems and to solve engineering problems using various computerised tools.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Use and apply mathematical software packages to solve problems.
  • Use and apply a computer-aided design and analysis software package for stress analysis and computational fluid dynamics and compare with real-world measurement.
  • Use spreadsheets and databases for advanced engineering computations.

Level 7

115.719 Engineering Development Project (30 credits)

Metro Group course code: MG7101
*This is a year-long course

The aim is to enable students to investigate an engineering problem; to propose, specify, design and develop a solution and where feasible, to construct and test a prototype.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Synthesise a solution for an engineering problem.
  • Complete a project to a specified standard.
  • Design, project manage and evaluate a concept/model/product.
  • Use software application packages as an engineering tool, if required.
  • Communicate effectively with customers, peers, technicians and engineers.

243.703 Energy Engineering (15 credits)

Metro Group course code: MG7022

The aim is to enable students to undertake a critical evaluation of energy use, energy efficiency and alternative sources of energy for specific engineering applications.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Discuss and compare various types of energy resources and the principles for converting from one form to another.
  • Analyse and evaluate energy use over the lifecycle of a product or project.
  • Collect data from thermodynamic systems and evaluate the performance of the system.
  • Evaluate the global considerations of energy production, management and conservation including the environmental and economic impact of common fuels.

271.701 Fluids Power and Advanced Fluid Mechanics (15 credits)

Metro Group course code: MG7101
The aim is to enable students to analyse specific problems, design solutions and evaluate fluid power systems in industrial engineering applications.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Analyse and design hydrostatic and hydrodynamic fluid systems.
  • Analyse and design fluid power systems.
  • Evaluate the performance of fluid power systems.
Elective courses

You will need to complete three elective courses from the below.

Level 6

114.610 Design (15 credits)

Metro Group course code: MG6136
The aim is to enable students to determine and apply the processes required to analyse engineering design problems and identify possible solutions.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Evaluate and produce design alternatives from a supplied design concept.
  • Develop design parameters considering functionality, safety, environmental, cultural and, ethical issues.
  • Produce a practicable detailed design.
  • Prepare documentation for a design.

142.602 Mathematics 2 (15 credits)

Metro Group course code: MG6190
The aim is to enable students to understand advanced calculus and develop the ability to formulate and solve models of complex engineering and scientific systems.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Use and apply vectors, vector calculus and advanced calculus.
  • Use and apply mathematical transforms including Fourier series and Laplace transforms.
  • Use and apply probability and statistical techniques.
  • Use and apply numerical methods.

241.612 Manufacturing Processes & Production (15 credits)

Metro Group course code: MG6044
The aim is to enable students to apply engineering knowledge to common manufacturing processes, including quality control, inventory control, and scheduling and queuing.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Select mechanical engineering manufacturing processes for products.
  • Select equipment and tooling to support mechanical engineering manufacturing processes.
  • Articulate the importance of quality control.
  • Apply knowledge of inventory control, scheduling and queuing and simulation of the manufacturing environment.
  • Analyse an existing manufacturing process.

243.620 Mechanics of Machines (15 credits)

Metro Group course code: MG6033
The aim is to enable students to apply problem-solving skills to the dynamics of machines, in particular, power transmission systems.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Analyse the principles of the mechanics of machines and their application in practice.
  • Solve problems involving mechanisms, balancing, vibration, noise, power transmission through clutches, chains, belts, and gears.
  • Select and justify the use of suitable mechanisms for various applications including, balancing, vibration, noise, gears, bearings and lubrication systems.
  • Provide and justify solutions for machine mechanisms problems.

243.627 Fluids Mechanics (15 credits)

Metro Group course code: MG6032
The aim is to enable students to understand and apply the principles of fluid statics and dynamics to common engineering problems.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Analyse principles of fluid mechanics.
  • Analyse hydrostatic fluid applications.
  • Analyse hydrodynamic fluid applications.
  • Define and specify requirements for fluid machinery.
  • Design fluid power systems (pneumatic and hydraulic) to match operational requirements.

243.634 Strengths of Materials 2 (15 credits)

Metro Group course code: MG6038
The aim is to enable students to apply problem-solving skills to strength of materials.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Apply advanced knowledge of components in terms of principles of strength of materials.
  • Apply appropriate design standards for engineering problems.
  • Test and analyse systems under load.

251.602 Advanced Thermodynamics (15 credits)

Metro Group course code: MG6037
The aim is to enable students to apply knowledge of thermodynamics to industrial processes.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Analyse heat engines and their cycles.
  • Analyse steam cycles and describe the equipment in a steam plant.
  • Analyse refrigeration/heat pump cycles.
  • Examine the effect of thermodynamic processes on the environment.

Level 7

115.720 Professional Engineering Practice (15 credits)

Metro Group course code: MG7121
The aim is to enable students to critically apply knowledge and understanding of professional practice for engineers, professional engineering roles and activities and their interactions with society and the environment.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Appraise the professional role of engineers in society and industry
  • Evaluate and apply laws within the engineering practice area.
  • Critique moral and ethical issues related to the environment in an engineering context.
  • Critically explore issues relating to behavioural management in the practice of engineering.
  • Critically apply knowledge of Māori cultural concepts and perspectives to those of the Crown and project management development.

527.702 Robotics (15 credits)

Metro Group course code: MG7017
The aim is to enable students to become familiar with modern industrial robot concepts, applications and programming.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Critique the concept, type and use of industrial robots and their axes of motion.
  • Critique the use of robot manipulators for a range of typical applications.
  • Analyse an industrial application and design a robot system to suit.
  • Programme a robot system to fulfil a specified task taking cognisance of safety.
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?

Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.

Careers and pathways

Career opportunities

Graduates of this qualification will be qualified Technology Engineers and will be able to gain employment in their specialisation. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.

Free study for the first year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the government’s fees-free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must be eligible to study as a domestic student. All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.

Information is correct as at 29 November 2023. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. To provide you with an indication of costs, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2024 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2024 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2024 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2024 are based on the 2023 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2024. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.