Master of Earthquake Engineering MEqEng at University of Auckland

About

Earthquake engineers design new buildings and infrastructure to withstand disasters, and assess the vulnerability of existing buildings and infrastructure, drawing from expertise in structural and geotechnical engineering. The University of Auckland is internationally recognised for our strengths in these fields, putting us in the right position to deliver specialist professional capabilities to both New Zealand and internationally, where there are increasing population densities in seismic regions.

Recent earthquakes in Canterbury and Kaikoura have caused extensive damage to buildings, infrastructure and the natural environment. Investigations into the post-disaster repair and reconstruction efforts have increased our understanding and specialist expertise, but also revealed major demands for earthquake engineers. In this case, the demands have exceeded the capacity of our engineering profession; this need is also reflected in many countries around the world.

Beyond training a new generation of leading professionals, the MEqEng also aims to support current practitioners in the building industries: those who require skills to navigate increasingly complex building codes, policies and requirements in line with new innovations in research and industry.

Disciplines

Engineering

Requirements

Entry Requirements

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Study option

Taught 120 points

Grade required

GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Study option

Research 120 points

Grade required

GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Study option

Research 180 points

Grade required

GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

Bachelors degree in an approved subject

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

Taught 120 points Research 120 points Research 180 points

You must have completed either:

A BE or BE(Hons) and passed with a GPA of 5.0 in at least 60 points at Stage III.

Or

A relevant Bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II and at least three years of relevant professional experience approved by the Programme Director

Or

A BE or BE(Hons) and passed 60 points toward a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.

Or

A relevant Bachelors degree and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma (or equivalent) with a GPA of 5.0 or higher

Whether a qualification is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed and the applicant’s intended specialisation. Qualifications in applied science, engineering or technology may be considered relevant.

You must have completed either:

A BE or BE(Hons) and passed with a GPA of 5.0 in at least 60 points at Stage III.

Or

A relevant Bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II and at least three years of relevant professional experience approved by the Programme Director

Or

A BE or BE(Hons) and passed 60 points toward a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.

Or

A relevant Bachelors degree and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma (or equivalent) with a GPA of 5.0 or higher

Whether a qualification is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed and the applicant’s intended specialisation. Qualifications in applied science, engineering or technology may be considered relevant.

You must have completed either:

A relevant Bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

Or

Completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University and passed 60 points towards a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher.

Whether a qualification is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed and the applicant’s intended specialisation. Qualifications in applied science, engineering or technology may be considered relevant.

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you may still gain entry by passing 60 points towards one of the following with a GPA of 5.0:

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Study option

Taught 120 points

Grade required

GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

Four-year engineering degree
Study option

Research 120 points

Grade required

GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

Four-year engineering degree
Study option

Research 180 points

Grade required

GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

An approved undergraduate degree
Qualification

IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System

Score required

6.5

No bands less than 6.0.

See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

Taught 120 points Research 120 points Research 180 points

You need a four-year engineering degree with a GPE of 5.0 or a bachelors degree with a GPE of 4.0 in a relevant degree and three years of approved professional experience.

Your four-year bachelors degree in engineering at a recognised university (or similar institution) must include:

Broad coverage in your first year of the foundational science topics that underpin engineering disciplines: mathematical modelling, chemical and materials science, electrical engineering theory, mechanics, programming, and engineering design
One year of postgraduate-level study
A research project or dissertation comprising at least one-quarter of the final year

Relevant disciplines for the professional experience-driven entry pathway may include architecture, construction and science, or a three-year undergraduate engineering degree.

You need a four-year engineering degree with a GPE of 5.0 or a bachelors degree with a GPE of 4.0 in a relevant degree and three years of approved professional experience.

Your four-year bachelors degree in engineering at a recognised university (or similar institution) must include:

Broad coverage in your first year of the foundational science topics that underpin engineering disciplines: mathematical modelling, chemical and materials science, electrical engineering theory, mechanics, programming, and engineering design
One year of postgraduate-level study
A research project or dissertation comprising at least one-quarter of the final year

Relevant disciplines for the professional experience-driven entry pathway may include architecture, construction and science, or a three-year undergraduate engineering degree.

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in a field in a relevant discipline from a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 5.0.
Relevant disciplines may include architecture, construction and science, or a three-year undergraduate engineering degree.

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the GPE requirement, you may still gain entry by passing 60 points towards one of the following with a GPE of 5.0:

In exceptional circumstances, we will consider you for entry if you have completed a qualification equivalent to the entry requirements or have professional work experience in engineering.

Career

Where could this programme take you?

There is a growing need for civil engineers– specifically earthquake engineers – with capabilities in new construction, and the assessment and retrofit of existing buildings and infrastructure. Recent disasters in New Zealand alone dictate that highly skilled professionals will be in demand as investments in this field grow over the upcoming decades.

Jobs related to this programme

Earthquake engineer
Project manager
Seismic engineering consultant
Senior geotechnical engineer
Senior structural engineer
Technical director

Further study options

Doctor of Philosophy

See all study options