Duration
Full-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City
Points
120 or 180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught options available

Programme overview

As the world of work evolves, we see a growing need for expertise in the robotics and automation field – in Aotearoa and globally. This is based on their widespread applicability in many industries, including healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing. The MRobotEng aims to produce graduates with the knowledge to develop, deploy and support these technologies at advanced levels, for years to come.

Many of our teaching staff are well-recognised experts in the field, and are a part of the University’s Centre for Automation and Robotic Engineering Science, who boast collaborations with industry and researchers at a global scale. This ensures that our courses are kept up-to-date with recent real-world applications, as well as containing direct insights into the emerging technologies available here in New Zealand.

Our history of interdisciplinary collaborations also means that you will have opportunities to participate in projects with a variety of industry partners. While this is a primarily taught programme, there is a valuable, distinctive research component that will let you demonstrate your ability to apply theoretical principles to applicable real-life scenarios. You will also be exposed to hands-on work to gain the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to thrive in this sector.

Information pack

Learn more about the Master of Robotics and Automation Engineering. (1017 KB, PDF) 

Programme structure

The MRobotEng is a taught programme, with 120 and 180-point options. You may want to base your selection on your educational background and career interests.

Compulsory courses
The following are compulsory for both the 120 and 180-point MRobotEng:

  • Semester One: COMPSYS 726 Robotics and Intelligent Systems (15 points)
  • Semester Two: COMPSYS 730 Robotics and Society (15 points) 
  • Semesters One and Two: COMPSYS 792 Research Project (45 points)

Non-technical elective courses
For both the 120 and 180-point MRobotEng, you will need to select one (15 points) of the following:

Semester One:

  • ENGGEN 730 Management Skills for Project Professionals (15 points)
  • ENGGEN 731 Agile and Lean Project Management (15 points)

Semester Two:

  • ENGGEN 730 Management Skills for Project Professionals (15 points)

Technical elective courses
Your options will be based on whether you choose a 120 or 180-point programme. Please refer to the Electives tab for the full details.

Other options
If you’re not ready to commit to a masters programme, we also offer the following:

These qualifications also serve as pathways towards a MRobotEng.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2024 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 4.0
  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 4.0

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed a BE or BE(Hons) in a relevant subject with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 in 120 points above Stage III.

Or

Completed the Degree of Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University; and, passed 60 points in the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering in a relevant subject or (b) passed 60 points in the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering in a relevant subject or Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering in a relevant subject or Postgraduate Certificate in Robotics and Automation or Postgraduate Diploma in Robotics and Automation from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

Or

Completed a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 75 points above Stage II; and, at least three years of relevant professional experience approved by the Dean of Faculty of Engineering.

Note: Whether a degree is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed. Degrees or subjects in applied science, bioengineering, computer science, data science, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information technology, mechatronics, science, or technology may be considered relevant.

You must have completed a relevant bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 75 points above Stage II.

Or

Completed a relevant Bachelors degree and, passed 60 points in the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering in a relevant subject or Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering in a relevant subject or Postgraduate Certificate in Robotics and Automation or Postgraduate Diploma in Robotics and Automation from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points in the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering in a relevant subject or Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering in a relevant subject or Postgraduate Certificate in Robotics and Automation Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Robotics and Automation Engineering from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

In exceptional circumstances, we may approve the admission of a student who has extensive, relevant, practical, professional or scholarly experience in engineering.

Note: Whether a degree is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed. Degrees or subjects in applied science, bioengineering, computer science, data science, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information technology, mechatronics, science, or technology, may be considered relevant.

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 4.0
  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed a four-year bachelors degree in engineering at a recognised university (or similar institution) that includes:

  • One year of postgraduate-level study
  • A research project or dissertation comprising at least one-quarter of the final year

OR

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject at a recognised university (or similar institution) AND have at least three years of relevant professional experience.

If you do not meet the GPE requirement, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points in the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering in a relevant subject or Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering in a relevant subject or Postgraduate Certificate in Robotics and Automation Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Robotics and Automation Engineering from this University with a GPA of 4.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

In exceptional circumstances, we may approve the admission of a student who has extensive, relevant, practical, professional or scholarly experience in engineering.

Note: Whether a degree is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed. Degrees or subjects in applied science, bioengineering, computer science, data science, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information technology, mechatronics, science, or technology, may be considered relevant.

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject at a recognised university (or similar institution).

If you do not meet the GPE requirement, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points in the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering in a relevant subject or Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering in a relevant subject or Postgraduate Certificate in Robotics Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Robotics Engineering from this University with a GPA of 4.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

In exceptional circumstances, we may approve the admission of a student who has extensive, relevant, practical, professional or scholarly experience in engineering.

Note: Whether a degree is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed. Degrees or subjects in applied science, bioengineering, computer science, data science, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information technology, mechatronics, science, or technology, may be considered relevant.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Robotics and Automation Engineering cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$12,127.20*
International students
NZ$50,810*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
8 December 2024
Semester Two 2024
4 July 2024

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Technical elective Courses
For the 120 point option, select at least one (15 points) of the following:
For the 180 point option, select at least three (45 points) of the following:

Semester One

  • MECHENG 709 Industrial Automation (15 points)

Semester Two

  • COMPSYS 731 Human-Robot Interaction (15 points) 
  • COMPSYS 732 Mobile Autonomous Robotics (15 points) 
  • ELECTENG 704 Advanced Control Systems (15 points) 
  • MECHENG 724 Multivariable Control Systems (15 points) 
  • MECHENG 736 Biomechatronic Systems (15 points) 
  • SOFTENG 762 Robotics Process Automation (15 points) 

For the 120 point option, select up to one (15 points) of the following:
For the 180 point option, select up to three (45 points) of the following:

Semester One

  • COMPSCI 765 Interactive Cognitive Systems (15 points)
  • COMPSCI 773 Intelligent Vision Systems (15 points)
  • ENGGEN 769 Research Methods for Engineers (15 points)
  • ENGSCI 760 Algorithms for Optimisation (15 points)

Semester Two

  • COMPSIC 760 Machine Learning (15 points)
  • COMPSIC 761 Advanced Topics in Artificial Intelligence (15 points)
  • ENGGEN 769 Research Methods for Engineers (15 points)
     
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

There is a rising demand for expertise in automation and robotics to align with established firms increasingly evolving to adopt 'smart' technologies. More employees now recognise the need for skilled people who understand the best use of technologies and their added value, so career possibilities are also growing in many industries.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Automation engineer
  • Automation design engineer
  • Automation systems engineer
  • Mechatronics Engineer
  • Robotics engineer
  • Robotic Process Automation developer
  • Robotics software engineer

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