Postgraduate study in Geotechnical Engineering

Our Master of Civil Engineering in Geotechnical Engineering is designed for students with an academic engineering background who intend to advance their understanding of soil mechanics and rock mechanics in relation to geotechnical challenges.

New Zealand is a stimulating country in which to practise geotechnical engineering, with its young and varied geology, seismic activity and diverse rainfall patterns. Many unique problems occur here as a result, and these present challenges that require innovative and novel solutions.

Some of the research areas and course topics include:

• Computational geotechnical engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering in Professional Practice
• Ground Improvements and Geosynthetics Engineering
• Engineering seismology and dynamic site response
• Advanced mathematical modelling
• Foundational Engineering

This programme aims to enhance your ability to practice in New Zealand’s challenging geotechnical engineering environment. By familiarising you with the unique challenges presented in the New Zealand industry, the courses will prepare you for roles in planning, constructing, maintaining, and managing the country’s geotechnical infrastructure. The course also provides valuable background expertise if you wish to pursue careers in asset management or in research and development fields.

You will be taught principles of soil and rock mechanics, which could lead to roles where you:

• Investigate subsurface conditions and materials
• Determine the relevant physical/mechanical and chemical properties of these materials and evaluate the stability of natural slopes and man-made soil deposits
• Assess risks posed by site conditions
• Design earthworks and structure foundations

• Before applying for this programme, please ensure that you meet the entry requirements for the Master of Civil Engineering.
• To be admitted to this programme, you should have completed the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Civil & Environmental Engineering with a knowledge of geomechanics to the level of CIVIL 324 - Geomechanics 3.

Important requirements for international students

• All international applicants should ensure that they meet all the programme’s entry requirements. You should only proceed with your application if your GPA matches or exceeds the requirements for your country listed in the engineering programme of your choice. Please do not apply if your GPA is below the minimum entry requirements, but consider the alternative study options that may be offered as a pathway into your preferred programme.
• You are strongly advised to consider visa application times. Please be aware of the student visa processing times in your home country and submit the documentation needed well ahead of the Faculty of Engineering's programme application deadlines. For processing times, contact the New Zealand High Commission/Embassy or your education agent.
• Applicants for a second masters degree need to be aware that additional assessment requirements will take extra time. The Faculty of Engineering must assess your previous masters degree courses to ensure that they do not overlap with courses in the University of Auckland programme that you have expressed interest in. You must therefore allow more time for your application to be processed, and be aware that further documentation may be required. Submit your application well in advance of the deadline if this is your situation, as you may also need to take visa application times into account.

Post-study Work Rights
Are you an international applicant considering applying for a student visa and post-study work rights after completing your masters?

In that case, you must be aware that international students must be enrolled in at least 45 points (three courses) in an on-campus delivery mode each consecutive semester to comply with your student visa requirements.

Online courses do not meet the Immigration NZ requirements for on-campus study.

Masters students must complete a minimum of 30 weeks of on-campus study full-time to be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa.

For information on Student Visas and the Post-Study Work Visa, visit the Immigration NZ website.

“My Programme Requirements” is a feature in Student Services Online that tells you what the academic requirements are for your programme.

It shows you what courses you are enrolled in, what courses you have passed and what courses you can take to complete your degree. For more information, see How to view your programme requirements.

Postgraduate Certificate in Civil Engineering

This is a flexible programme that can be structured around your interests in geotechnical engineering. Find out more

Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering

This is a 120-point fully taught programme. You will need to complete a minimum of 45 points of core courses and 75 points from the electives listed under the Master of Civil Engineering (excludes research projects). Find out more

Master of Civil Engineering in Geotechnical Engineering

The Master of Civil Engineering is available in 120-points and 180-points and in both research and taught options. If undertaking a 30-point Research Project in the taught programme, then all options will be eligible for the award of Honours and may be able to progress to the PhD.

TAUGHT

Core courses (120-points):

Semester One

• ENVENG 702 Engineering Decision Making in Aotearoa Online (15 points)
• ENGGEN 730 Management Skills for Project Professionals (15 points)

Semester Two

• ENVENG 702 Engineering Decision Making in Aotearoa (15 points)
• ENGGEN 730 Management Skills for Project Professionals (15 points)

Core courses (180-points):

In addition to ENVENG 702 and ENGGEN 730, you are required to enrol in ENGGEN 742 and ENGGEN 769:

Semester One

• ENGGEN 742 Project Management (15 points)
• ENGGEN 742 Project Management Online (15 points)
• ENGGEN 769 Research Methods for Engineers Online (15 points)

Semester Two

• ENGGEN 742 Project Management Online (15 points)
• ENGGEN 769 Research Methods for Engineers (15 points)
   

For the 120-point and 180-point programme, select at least 30 points from the following:

Semester Two

• CIVIL 702 Design of Earthquake Resistant Foundations Online (15 points)
• CIVIL 725 Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering (15 points)

Available in Semester One and Semester Two

• CIVIL 788 Part A and B Research Project (30 points – completed over 2 semesters)
   

For the 120-point programme you can select a further 60 points including the following courses. For the 180-point programme you can select up to a further 90 points:

Semester One

• CIVIL 700 Geotechnical Analysis (15 points)
• CIVIL 720 Earthquake Engineering (15 points)
• CIVIL 722 Slope Engineering (15 points)

Semester Two

• CIVIL 741 Ground Improvements and Geosynthetics Engineering (15 points)

Note: Students in the 120-point programme may select up to 30 points from EARTHSCI 770-771;or other relevant courses from this university; subject to approval from the Course Director and Programme Director.

Students in the 180-point programme may select up to 45 points from EARTHSCI 770-771;other relevant courses from this university; subject to approval from the Course Director and Programme Director.

RESEARCH
This degree aims to provide a research-focused learning environment in which you can develop your independent problem-solving skills through supervised research. The programme is offered in two options to suit the existing qualifications and experience of candidates. This degree may be awarded with Honours and you may be able to progress to the PhD.

120-point option:

• CIVIL 796A/B Research Thesis (120-points)
  or
• ENVENG 702
• 15 points from: CIVIL 700, 702, 720–722, 724, 725, 728, 741, 754, and;
• CIVIL 793A/B Research Thesis (90 points)

180-point option:

• ENGGEN 769, ENVENG 702
• 30 points from: CIVIL 700, 702, 720–722, 724, 725, 728, 741, 754
• CIVIL 796A/B Research Thesis (120-points)
  or
• ENGGEN 769, ENVENG 702
• 60 points from: CIVIL 700, 702, 720–722, 724, 725, 728, 741, 754
• CIVIL 793A/B Research Thesis (90 points)

Not offered in 2025:

• CIVIL 721 Foundation Engineering (15 points)
• CIVIL 724 Soil Behaviour (15 points)
• CIVIL 728 Geotechnical Engineering in Professional Practice (15 points)
• CIVIL 754 Geotechnical Modelling (15 points)

For general student enquiries, please contact the Student Hubs.

If you would like further academic information, you can contact a Postgraduate Adviser.