Faculty of Engineering

Degree-BE

Bachelor of Engineering (BE)

Please note: Information on this page relates to the 2013 academic year unless otherwise specified.

On this page:

Contacts

Faculty of Engineering
Student Administration Office
Level 1, Cotton Building
Kelburn Campus
Wellington
New Zealand
Phone: +64 4 463 5101
Email: engineering@vuw.ac.nz

Overview

Behind the rapid innovation and development of the new technology are skilled engineering professionals applying scientific knowledge to the design and development of new or improved products, systems and processes. As electronic and computer-based systems contribute increasingly to our creativity, communications, entertainment and well-being, the demand for qualified engineering graduates is continuing to grow.

To help meet this demand, Victoria offers a four-year Bachelor of Engineering with Honours BE(Hons). There are three specialisations: Electronic and Computer System Engineering, Network Engineering and Software Engineering.

The BE focuses on the design and implementation of real-world systems and gives an essential grounding in business and management skills. A work placement in a relevant industry is part of the degree, typically taken in the summers after the second and third years of study. This, along with a group project in your third year and an industry-driven project in your fourth year, gives real-life experience with practical aspects of engineering design and development.

Victoria’s BE programme requires you to include three related courses that provide some knowledge and expertise in a field that complements your specialisation. Examples of subjects that you might choose would be Information Systems or Management to give your programme an entrepreneurial leaning, or Asian Studies to prepare yourself for overseas projects.

The BE will open a wide range of careers including electronics, robot design, systems development, hardware development, programming, systems management, and research. High-achieving students will be awarded the degree with Honours, enabling direct entry to Masters or PhD study.

Back to top ^

A BE at Victoria

A Bachelor of Engineering requires four years of full-time study. 480 points are required, of which at least 120 points must be from courses numbered 400-level or above. Honours is awarded based on achievement in the third and fourth years of study. See the Course Catalogue to find out the points value of courses.

Back to top ^

Admission and Enrolment

Admission

To enrol in a Bachelor of Engineering you must have a University Entrance Qualification and have met the Guaranteed Entry Score requirements for this degree. For more information, please see the admission pages for New Zealand students and International students.

It is useful (and strongly recommended) to have studied mathematics with calculus or statistics at school. While previous school studies in mathematics with calculus or statistics are preferable, there are multiple entry points for those lacking portions of the recommended preparation. In particular, students without a strong background in calculus should consider taking MATH141 (Calculus 1A) before MATH 142.

To obtain a BE, students are required to complete the required first year subjects with a B average. If you do not obtain a B average the subjects you have passed can be counted towards another degree, typically a Bachelor of Science (BSc) with a major in Computer Science or BSc with a major in Electronics and Computer Systems.

Enrolment

For more information about enrolling, see Guide to Enrolment.

Back to top ^

Fees

Fees are set each year and are worked out on a per point basis, so your total fees depend on the courses you choose.

You can use our fees calculator to help you work out your exact fees.

There are also compulsory fees for student services, student union membership and internet access.

Course fees for approved courses may be paid by student loan. If you choose to study part time, this may impact on your eligibility for a student allowance or the living component of a student loan.

Find out more from our Financial Advice site.

Back to top ^

BE Specialisations

Electronic and Computer System Engineering (ECEN):

Focuses on the combination of hardware and software techniques to develop innovative solutions to problems. Students learn techniques from digital and analogue electronics, power electronics, embedded controllers, software development, industrial design and artificial intelligence to arrive at the best designs and implementations.

Network Engineering (NWEN):

Focuses on the design of distributed and networked solutions. Graduates will understand modern communication technologies, network protocols, middleware, and software development. They will be able to design, build, and configure modern networks and networked systems. The programme emphasises the interaction between networked applications and their environment.

Software Engineering (SWEN):

Focuses on the design, implementation and maintenance of software systems that behave reliably and efficiently and are affordable to develop and maintain. The programme draws on technologies for both small- and large-scale development, emphasises both flexible and agile development, includes a range of methodologies and considers human factors.

Back to top ^

BE First Year

All students will take the following courses:

Students intending to specialise in Electronic and Computer System Engineering will also take the following courses:

Students intending to specialise in Network Engineering will also take the following courses:

Students intending to specialise in Software Engineering will also take the following courses:

Back to top ^

How To Find Out More

Contact the School of Engineering and Computer Science or Victoria'a Student Recruitment, Admission and Orientation Office to discuss your plans.

Back to top ^