How do you get in to the BE(Hons) Programme?
There are many pathways into the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (BE(Hons)) programme depending on your academic background:
Current New Zealand High School student
You are currently studying, or have just completed Year 13, at a High School in New Zealand.New Zealand qualifications / courses
You have completed a qualification or courses at another New Zealand university or polytechnic and would like to enter the BE(Hons) programme.Overseas qualifications / courses
You have done your high school and/or university courses overseas and would like to enter the BE(Hons) programme.Not sure where you fit?
You are not sure which of the above categories you fit in to, or you fit into more than one category.
Current New Zealand High School Student
NCEA entrance requirements
You must achieve University Entrance with your NCEA credits to study at UC. Students entering the first year of the engineering programme (called the Intermediate Year) should aim to have:
18 credits in Level 3 Maths with Calculus,
14 credits in Level 3 Physics, and
9 credits in Level 3 Chemistry.Note that the Chemistry component is not required for the Electrical and Electronic or Computer Engineering specialisations. If you do not have this background in learning in some or all subjects but have University Entrance, you are able to study the Intermediate Year but will likely need to take some Introductory courses first. Visit the Intermediate Year page for more information.
Other entrance qualifications (IB, Cambridge)
You will need to take Maths with Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry at an equivalent level to NCEA Level 3, and achieve University Entrance.
High Achievers
If you have achieved highly in Maths with Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry, you may be offered the opportunity to study a Modified Intermediate Year. This involves taking some alternative (more advanced) courses to the standard Intermediate courses, and permission to do so is only offered by the Dean of Engineering and Forestry.
You would be expected to have achieved at least 20 credits, with at least 15 of an 'excellent' standard in each of Level 3 Maths with Calculus, Physics and Chemistry, plus other Level 3 credits to give a total of at least 80 Level 3 credits. Note that Chemistry is not required for pursuing the Electrical and Electronic or Computer Engineering streams. Good results in STAR courses are also considered.
If you think you may be eligible for studying a Modified Intermediate Year you should submit an Expression of Interest Form (PDF 121kB) to the Student Advisor.
For more information contact the Student Advisor.
Missing subjects or credits
If you have University Entrance but have not studied NCEA Level 3 Maths with Calculus, Chemistry, or Physics (or equivalent), or do not have enough credits in these subjects, you may be required to take some catch-up courses in relevant subjects. Sometimes this involves taking an extra year of study. Students in this situation are considered on a case-by-case basis. Refer to the Intermediate Year page for more information.
New Zealand qualifications / courses
If you have studied at another New Zealand university or polytechnic (eg towards a BSc, B.Eng.Tech, NZCE, or Diploma) the College will assess the most appropriate entry level for you to the BE(Hons) programme on the basis of your academic history (and relevant work experience). Each case is treated on an individual basis.
You will need to complete and submit a Prior Learning Application Form (PDF 75Kb), including a certified copy of your academic transcript(s) and details of any relevant work experience to the College Office. Refer to Guidelines (PDF 48 kB) for more information.
Overseas qualifications / courses
If you have completed High School or a university qualification overseas, you will need to make an application through the UC International Office to have your prior learning recognised.
Not sure where you fit in?
If you are not sure which of the above categories you fit in to, contact our Student Advisor to establish how you might enter the BE(Hons) programme.