- 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 & research options available
Programme overview
Aotearoa’s space industry is growing, as is its capacity for innovation in industry and research. Get a head start in your career in this exciting field with the MAerospaceEng, designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge and expertise to be effective employees in a field with increasing national and global economic significance.
Our courses in Aerospace Engineering are supported by Te Pūnaha Ātea/Auckland Space Institute, which aims to enhance the growth of the New Zealand space sector. The institute is led by academics with deep expertise in the aerospace sector, making the University of Auckland ideally placed to deliver an excellent teaching and learning experience for our students. The MAerospaceEng programme has also received additional endorsements from the New Zealand Space Agency, Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck and the Royal Aeronautical Society.
We also offer opportunities for practical projects with industry partners. This ensures that you’re prepared to fulfill your future workforce’s demands for complex problem solving, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Information pack
Learn more about the Master of Aerospace Engineering. (1 MB, PDF)
Programme structure
There are four ways to complete a MAerospaceEng: Research (120 and 180 points) and Taught (120 and 180 points). Your selection will depend on your technical and educational background, and career goals.
Compulsory courses
In all cases, you will be required to complete the following:
- AEROSPCE 730 Aerospace Systems Design (Semester One)
- AEROSPCE 740 Aerospace Structures and Mechanisms (Semester Two)
Thesis or research project
A research component is necessary to the MAerospaceEng, regardless of your focus. This enables you to apply your technical knowledge to practical scenarios, and build your confidence in the field.
- If you choose a research programme, you’ll need to complete the 90-point AEROSPACE 792 or 793 Thesis.
- If you choose a taught programme, you’ll need to complete the 45-point AEROSPACE 791 Research Project.
Aerospace core courses
For the 180-point research and both taught options, you must complete at least two of the following courses:
- AEROSPCE 720 Space Dynamics and Missions (Semester Two)
- ENGGEN 769 Research Methods for Engineers (Semesters One and Two)
- MECHENG 711 Computational Fluid Dynamics (Semester Two)
- MECHENG 712 Aerohydrodynamics (Semester One)
- MECHENG 743 Composite Materials (Semester One)
You will also need to complete additional electives depending on your study track. Refer to the Electives tab for more information.
If you’re not ready to commit to a masters programme, we also offer the following.
Other options
These qualifications also serve as pathways towards the MAerospaceEng.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
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 optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
-
Study optionResearch 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
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 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 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 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
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.
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 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 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 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
Completed a relevant Bachelor's degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the entry requirements, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points a relevant postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher.
Whether a qualification is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed. Qualifications in applied science, engineering, information technology, 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 optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
-
Study optionResearch 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0.
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a relevant four-year Bachelor's degree 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 one year of relevant postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree.
Must have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area from a recognised university (or similar institution).
You must have completed a relevant four-year Bachelor's degree 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 one year of relevant postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree.
Must have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area from a recognised university (or similar institution).
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 Aerospace Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma in Aerospace Engineering from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded .
In exceptional circumstances, we will consider you for entry if you have completed a bachelor's degree and have three years of relevant professional work experience.
How much does a Master of Aerospace Engineering cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$11,334 – $12,127.20*
- International students
- NZ$52,842*
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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 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.
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 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
| Ends – 11 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Master of Aerospace Engineering (120, Taught)
Enrol 30 points (core courses) in:
Semester One
AEROSPCE 730 Aerospace Systems Design (15 points)
Semester Two
AEROSPCE 740 Aerospace Structures and Mechanisms (15 points)
Enrol total 45 points in research project: (Available in Semesters One and Two)
AEROSPCE 791 A/B Research Project (45 points)
Enrol at least 30 points from:
AEROSPCE 720 Space Dynamics and Missions (15 points) – Semester One
MECHENG 711 Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (15 points) – Semester Two
MECHENG 712 Aerohydrodynamics (15 points) – Semester One
MECHENG 743 Composite Materials (15 points) – Semester One
Enrol up to 15 points from:
COMPSYS 704 Advanced Embedded Systems (15 points) – Semester Two
ELECTENG 721 Radio Engineering (15 points) – Semester One
ELECTENG 722 Modern Control Systems (15 points) – Semester One
ENGGEN 731 Agile and Lean Project Management (15 points) – Semester One
GEOG 771 Spatial Analysis and Geocomputation – Semester One
MECHENG 722 Engineering Vibrations - Semester One
MECHENG 724 Multivariable Control Systems – Semester Two
MECHENG 747 Manufacturing and Industrial Processes - Semester Two
OPSMGT 760 Advanced Operations Systems - Semester Two
OPSMGT 766 Fundamentals of Supply Chain Coordination - Semester One
PHYSICS 753 The Dynamic Universe - Semester Two
SCIENT 701 Accounting and Finance for Scientists - Semester One
SCIENT 702 Marketing for Scientific and Technical Personnel - Semester One
SCIENT 704 Law and Intellectual Property - Semester One
Master of Aerospace Engineering (180 points, Taught)
Enrol 30 points (core courses) in:
Semester One
AEROSPCE 730 Aerospace Systems Design (15 points)
Semester Two
AEROSPCE 740 Aerospace Structures and Mechanisms (15 points)
Enrol total 45 points in research project: (Available in Semesters One and Two)
AEROSPCE 791 A/B Research Project (45 points)
Enrol at least 30 points from:
AEROSPCE 720 Space Dynamics and Missions (15 points) – Semester One
MECHENG 711 Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (15 points) – Semester Two
MECHENG 712 Aerohydrodynamics (15 points) – Semester One
MECHENG 743 Composite Materials (15 points) – Semester One
Enrol up to 75 points from:
COMPSYS 704 Advanced Embedded Systems (15 points) – Semester Two
ELECTENG 721 Radio Engineering (15 points) – Semester One
ELECTENG 722 Modern Control Systems (15 points) – Semester One
GEOG 771 Spatial Analysis and Geocomputation - Semester One
MECHENG 722 Engineering Vibrations - Semester One
MECHENG 724 Multivariable Control Systems - Semester Two
MECHENG 747 Manufacturing and Industrial Processes - Semester Two
PHYSICS 753 The Dynamic Universe - Semester Two
Enrol up to 30 points from:
ENGGEN 731 Agile and Lean Project Management (15 points) – Semester One
OPSMGT 760 Advanced Operations Systems - Semester Two
OPSMGT 766 Fundamentals of Supply Chain Coordination - Semester Two
SCIENT 701 Accounting and Finance for Scientists - Semester One
SCIENT 702 Marketing for Scientific and Technical Personnel - Semester One
SCIENT 704 Law and Intellectual Property - Semester One
Where could this programme take you?
Aotearoa's aerospace industry is making a significant, growing contribution to our economy, employing approximately 5,000 people in 2019. Pursuing a dedicated study option opens opportunities in aeronautics, astronautics, space systems and aerospace management, in technical or management roles, as well as pathways to employment in academia.
Jobs related to this programme
- Aerospace Engineer
- Launch Services Engineer
- Payload Engineer
- Project Manager
- R&D Engineer
- Space Mission Design & Operations
- Space System Engineer
- Technical Director, CTO
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Key Information for Students
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