Specialising in power
Take the next step as an electrical engineer
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 1 year (34 teaching weeks), part-time available.
The maximum time to complete this programme part-time is 4 years. -
Start dates
February, July
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Qualification
Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) (Level 7)Programme code: MN4559 -
Credits
120 -
Locations
MIT TechPark
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Domestic fees
$7,900 (approx.)
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International fees
NZD $31,200 (approx.)
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Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
Programme highlights
Get ahead in your career with practical skills in electrical engineering.
This qualification is for engineering graduates and experienced engineers looking to broaden their skill set.
You'll graduate at the same level as a degree student.
Entry requirements
Academic
A 3-year bachelor’s degree in an Electrical or Electronic engineering discipline;
Or
Equivalent practical, professional or educational experience of an appropriate kind;
Or
Special entry may be granted by the Head of School responsible for the programme to an applicant who does not meet all entry criteria, where the Head of School is satisfied the applicant is capable of undertaking the programme of study.
English language entry requirements
Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake this programme, which is taught and assessed in English.
Any applicant whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of their English language competency.
International students: English language entry requirements
For the minimum English language requirements refer to the requirements set out in the NZQF Programme and Accreditation Rules https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/qa-system-for-teos/english-international-students/
Other entry requirements
Applicants must be physically capable of completing the practical aspects of the programme, by being able to work effectively, efficiently and safely.
Special & discretionary admission
Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. Te Pūkenga works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme. Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme may be eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.
Need IELTS?
Book your British Council IELTS test with us.
You will complete your test in one day, plus get free online tuition to help you succeed. We offer paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS. Choose computer-delivered IELTS and get your results in 3-5 days.
Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?
Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below courses from the power strand (120 credits):
Power
Compulsory courses
Level 6
533.624 Sustainable Energy and Power Electronics (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6118
The aim is to enable students to develop an understanding of the concepts and applications of power electronics including basic converter types and applications involving small scale renewable energy systems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Describe power switching devices.
- Describe power conversion systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge of AC to DC conversion.
- Demonstrate knowledge of DC to AC and DC to DC conversion.
- Demonstrate knowledge of AC to AC conversion.
- Describe knowledge of Power Control Applications.
- Demonstrate knowledge of small to medium scale renewable energy systems covering up to 100kW.
Level 7
115.719 Engineering Development Project (30 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7101
*This is a year-long course
The aim is to enable students to investigate an engineering problem; to propose, specify, design and develop a solution and where feasible, to construct and test a prototype.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Synthesise a solution for an engineering problem.
- Complete a project to a specified standard.
- Design, project manage and evaluate a concept/model/product.
- Use software application packages as an engineering tool, if required.
- Communicate effectively with customers, peers, technicians and engineers.
524.708 Systems and Control (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7018
The aim is to enable students to predict and implement the desired behaviour of industrial control systems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Model and evaluate the behaviour of simple industrial control systems.
- Apply common analytical and design methods for control systems.
- Evaluate the use of controller tuning methods to control systems, under varying load and set-point conditions.
525.706 Power Systems (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7110
The aim is to enable students to gain an understanding of three-phase power generation and transmission systems with an emphasis on generation, transmission and distribution systems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Evaluate aspects of the New Zealand Power System.
- Evaluate the types of generation systems in use in New Zealand (large scale >1000kW – hydro, geothermal, thermal and co-generation)
- Evaluate key aspects of transmission and distribution systems MV and HV networks.
- Apply power transformers in an MV and HV environment.
- Apply earthing systems and switchgear to MV and HV networks.
- Develop and apply an SLD for a simple network.
Elective courses
Level 6
523.613 Engineering Project (15 Credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6136
The aim is to enable students to apply knowledge and problem-solving skills to plan and complete an engineering project relevant to the strand studied (mechanical, electrical or electronics) to accepted practice and standards from a given specification.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Develop preliminary design(s), based on a given specification, for an engineering project relevant to their strand (mechanical, electrical, electronics).
- Develop a plan or design parameters considering functionality, safety, environmental, cultural and ethical issues.
- Undertake well-defined planning and produce as project output.
- Produce supporting documentation relevant to project output.
- Evaluate compliance of the project output against specification.
- Present findings to an audience in a professional manner.
115.618 Protection (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6047
The aim is to enable the students to gain an understanding of electrical power system fault protection concepts for both MV & HV systems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate and understand operating principles of CTs and VTs in terms of various connection types and industry practice.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of protection concepts for generators, aerial conductors, power cables, transformers, busbars and motors.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various fault types that occur in electrical power systems both LV, MV and HV.
- Describe operation and application of the different power system protection equipment types under common protection scenarios.
- Demonstrate awareness of safety considerations and safe working practices in relation to power protection equipment.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of digital protection and control systems and basic substation design.
142.603 Mathematics Level 6 (15 Credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6190
The aim is to enable students to understand advanced calculus and develop the ability to formulate and solve models of complex engineering and scientific systems.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Use and apply vectors, vector calculus and advanced calculus.
- Use and apply mathematical transforms including Fourier series and Laplace transforms.
- Use and apply probability and statistical techniques.
- . Use and apply numerical methods.
527.612 PLC Programming 2 (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6019
The aim is to develop an understanding of, and an advanced knowledge of PLC systems, applications, and programming methods.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Apply advanced PLC programming techniques.
- Apply PID (Proportional, Integral, and Derivative) control.
- Apply data communication concepts to a range of fieldbus systems.
- Integrate commonly used sensors and Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) to a PLC.
527.613 Automation (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG6020
The aim is to enable the student to learn modern advanced automation systems and practice used in the industry.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Select, interface, program and operate typical industrial networks.
- Apply a SCADA/HMI software package.
- Analyse peer to peer communication between PLCs.
- Interpret and apply IEC 61131-3.
Level 7
115.720 Professional Engineering Practice (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7121
The aim is to enable students to critically apply knowledge and understanding of professional practice for engineers, professional engineering roles and activities and their interactions with society and the environment.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Appraise the professional role of engineers in society and industry.
- Evaluate and apply laws within the engineering practice area.
- Critique moral and ethical issues related to the environment in an engineering context.
- Critically explore issues relating to behavioural management in the practice of engineering.
- Critically apply knowledge of Māori cultural concepts and perspectives to those of the Crown and project management development.
523.703 Electrical Machine Dynamics (15 credits)
Metro Group course code: MG7011
The aim is to enable students to gain an understanding of AC electrical machine dynamics and control and power transformers.
The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:
- Apply transformer theory to three-phase power transformers.
- Analyse fault currents in a power transformer and failure modes of power transformers and basic differential protection.
- Evaluate the theory of machine dynamics to induction motor starting, speed control, braking, and protection.
- Interpret the parameters used in the selection of motors.
- Explain the operation of fractional horsepower motors.
- Compare recent developments in machine design, control, and application.
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?
Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this qualification will be qualified Technology Engineers and will be able to gain employment in the power field. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
Fees Free scheme: Free study for the first or final year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the Government’s Fees Free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must be eligible to study as a domestic student. Note: The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, starting from January 2025. Learners who have already used Fees Free in their first year of study won’t be able to access Fees Free under the new final-year policy. However, from now until the end of 2025, first-year Fees Free will operate under ‘first-year transition rules’. For more information, visit feesfree.govt.nz/2025. All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.
Information is correct as at 24 September 2024. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. To provide you with an indication of costs, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2025 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2025 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2025 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2025 are based on the 2024 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2025. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.