Study electrical engineering

New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) (Level 6)

Programme highlights

Get qualified to work as an engineering technician – an area critical to the economy in New Zealand and overseas.

You'll learn broad skills in electrical engineering and develop specialist knowledge in power.

This qualification meets New Zealand and international benchmarks for engineering technicians.

Graduates can work at a technician level as outlined by the Dublin Accord (International Engineering Alliance, 2002).

PLC short courses

Key facts

Start month(s)

February, July
Study location(s)

MIT TechPark
Level 6
Domestic fees

$7,200 (approx.) per year

Click here to see individual course fees
Youth Guarantee (fees-free*)

Not available

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Programme code NZ2612
Duration

Full-time for 2 years (34 teaching weeks per year), part-time available.
The maximum time to complete this programme part-time is 10 years.
Study method

Full-time, Part-time
Credits 240
International fees NZD$25,600 (approx.) per year
Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Scholarship (fees-free*)

Not available

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Qualification leads to

New Zealand Diploma in Engineering

with strands in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering and Mechanical Engineering 

(Level 6)

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

Academic

NCEA Level 2

  • Including a minimum of 10 literacy credits at Level 1 or above (for those who achieved NCEA Level 2 before 2013);

And

  • A minimum total of 48 credits at level 2 in four subjects including at least 12 credits in mathematics (preferably achievement standards in algebra, calculus or trigonometry);

Or

  • Equivalent qualifications (e.g. International Baccalaureate or Cambridge);

Or

  • Equivalent credits from appropriate trades training and/or demonstrated skills and experience.

English language entry requirements

In addition to meeting the minimum entry criteria, those applicants for whom English is a second language (including International students) must meet the IELTS overall language requirement: Overall Band Score (Academic) of 6.0 IELTS, with no individual score less than 5.5, or equivalent.

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.

Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements will be counselled to an appropriate Foundation programme.

Provisional entry

Students who have attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the minimum entry requirements for a programme or training scheme may be eligible to be enrolled. Such decisions must consider any applicable pre-requisites and will be made by the Head of School. Students who have not attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the required minimum entry requirements may also be eligible to be enrolled in exceptional circumstances where they can demonstrate capability for study at the required level. Such decisions must consider any applicable pre-requisites and will be made by the Head of School.

International students

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Programme structure

You will need to complete nine compulsory courses and seven additional courses related to your specialisation (240 credits):
Compulsory courses:

NZDE compulsory

Level 4

141.417 Engineering Fundamentals (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE4101
The aim is to introduce the basic fundamentals of a range of engineering disciplines.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of, and apply, the fundamentals of statics, dynamics and mechanical energy concepts.
  • Evaluate direct stress and strain, and derive elastic properties from tensile test results.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the engineering properties of fluids and apply the fundamentals of hydrostatics.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of electrical voltage, current and resistance and explain the difference between AC and DC.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the New Zealand Electricity system and describe some of its safety features.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of heat energy and transfer; temperature and humidity of the air.

141.418 Engineering Mathematics 1 (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE4102
The aim is to develop mathematical skills, concepts and understanding in order to perform calculations and solve problems within engineering contexts.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Manipulate and solve algebraic expressions and equations.
  • Solve, manipulate and apply mathematical functions, including the application of graphs where appropriate.
  • Apply the rules and principles of trigonometry using both degree and radian measure.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of differentiation and integration techniques and apply them to solve engineering problems.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and application of one of the following:
    • 5.1 Complex numbers, logic expressions and numbers OR
    • 5.2 Basic statistical concepts and techniques.

523.413 Technical Literacy Communication CAD (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE4103
The aim is to develop technical research skills along with oral, written, graphical and interpersonal communication skills.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Utilise information obtained from physical or web-based resources in technical problem solving and presentations.
  • Prepare and deliver an oral presentation on a technical subject.
  • Communicate ideas and technical findings in a written format.
  • Create and use pictorial sketches and pictorial/orthographic drawings to current drawing standards as a communication technique to present ideas and data.
  • Demonstrate interpersonal communication skills to develop project Outcomes.

Level 6

115.610 Engineering Management (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE6101
The aim is to develop the knowledge and skills required to administer and manage projects effectively in a specific discipline of engineering.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of, and apply, the fundamentals of project planning and project management.
  • Prepare and evaluate cost estimates, tender documentation and contract documentation.
  • Administer and supervise contracts in accordance with the relevant Standards and/or Codes of Practice.
  • Critically evaluate professional practice principles and their application to an engineering environment.

115.616 Engineering Project (Electrical) (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE6102
Pre-requisite: 523.413 Technical Literacy, 115.610 Engineering Management, and three level 5 ENG courses, or equivalent.

Clinical engineering requirement: In order to undertake the project course to complete this programme you may be required to undergo police vetting.

The aim is to apply knowledge and problem-solving skills to plan and complete an engineering project relevant to the discipline strand studied (civil, 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 discipline strand. (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or 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 a specification.
  • Present findings to an audience in a professional manner.

Electrical strand

Level 4

523.415 Electrical and Electronic Applications (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE4402
Pre-requisite: 523.418 Electrical Principles; Co-requisite: 523.529 Electronic Principles 
The aim is to apply theoretical knowledge and understanding of general fundamental electronic principles.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of Engineering drawing and simulation packages.
  • Demonstrate an understanding and apply fundamental principles of electronic switching supplies.
  • Carry out safe working practices in an Electrical environment.
  • Describe and apply diagnostic processes to faults in electrotechnology equipment.
  • Construct and test an electrotechnology product.

523.418 Electrical Principles (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE4401
The aim is to provide the students with an understanding of general electrical and power circuit theory principles and skills required for subsequent courses.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Explain and apply the fundamental principles of DC theory.
  • Explain and apply the fundamental principles of AC theory.
  • Explain and apply the fundamental principles of the basic three-phase theory.
  • Demonstrate the use of electrical measuring equipment.

Level 5

513.512 Introduction to Networks (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE5408
The aim is to introduce the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks and to enable students to build simple LAN.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Apply knowledge of the devices and services used to support communications in data networks and the Internet.
  • Apply knowledge of the role of protocol layers in data networks.
  • Apply knowledge of the importance of addressing and naming schemes at various layers of data networks in IPv4 and IPv6 environments.
  • Design, calculate and apply subnet masks and addresses to fulfil given requirements in IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
  • Explain fundamental Ethernet concepts such as media, services, and operations.
  • Build a simple Ethernet network using routers and switches.
  • Use a command-line interface to perform basic router and switch configurations.

523.529 Electronic Principles (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE5403
The aim is to provide the students with an understanding of general electronics and the basic building blocks of electronics as required for subsequent courses.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of circuit theorems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of, and apply fundamental principles of digital electronics.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of, and apply fundamental principles of power supplies.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of, and apply fundamental principles of analogue electronics.
  • Demonstrate the use of electronic measuring equipment.
Courses related to the power specialisation:

Power

Level 5

523.522 Power Engineering (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE5401
Pre-requisite: 523.418 Electrical Principles
Co-requisite:523.529 Electronic Principles

The aim is to develop an understanding of three-phase circuit theory as applied to power engineering and ELV earthing and protection systems.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of three-phase circuit theory.
  • Perform calculations using power in AC circuits.
  • Describe the electricity distribution industry meters and metering methods.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic earthing and power system protection for ELV/LV installations.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of electrical and building reticulation system types.

523.524 Electrical Machines (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE5404
Pre-requisite: 141.418 Engineering Mathematics 1, 523.418 Electrical Principles, 523.529 Electronic Principles

The aim is to develop an understanding of the theory and application of single and three-phase electrical machines

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of transformer theory (single and three-phase to 11kV, & vector groups).
  • Demonstrate knowledge of DC motor and generator operation with appropriate speed control systems.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and apply the theory of AC SQIM and WRIM induction motors.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of AC motor speed control (DOL, star-delta, Primary resistance, autotransformer, soft-starter, VFD/VSD).
  • Demonstrate knowledge of mechanical gearboxes, toothed and V belt systems as may be applied to reduce the speed of an electric motor.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of AC motor selection for typical applications.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of operating an induction synchronous motor as a generator.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of typical single-phase AC and fractional horsepower motors (capacitor start and run, split phase, shaded pole, servo and stepper).
  • Demonstrate knowledge of single-phase AC speed control systems.

527.518 PLC Programming 1 (15 credits)

The aim is to develop understanding and application skills for the programming of PLCs in solving simple industrial problems.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of programmable logic controller hardware concepts.
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of programmable logic controller software concepts.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of systems associated with PLCs.
  • Demonstrate and apply to a real world problem any three of 6 IEC61131 programming languages, but typically – ladder, function block, and SFC.
You must choose one of the following:

524.510 Instrumentation and Controls 1 (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE5417
Pre-requisite: 141.417 Engineering Fundamentals, 141.418 Engineering Mathematics 1, 523.418 Electrical Principles, 523.529 Electronic Principles

The aim is to develop an understanding of intermediate knowledge of industrial measurement and control system engineering.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course are the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of transmitters and standard transmission signals (e.g. temperature, strain, pressure, flow, level, speed and position and transmission signals 4-20mA, 2-10V DC, 1-5V DC).
  • Describe and apply feedback control systems principles and basic block diagrams.
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of actuators and associated control valves. (electric, pneumatic and hydraulic).
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of controller strategies (on/off, two-step, floating-point, time proportioning, P, PI, PD, PID).
  • Demonstrate knowledge of controller stability & tuning methods (quarter amplitude, ultimate sensitivity, lag and lead compensation and reaction curve).
Or

527.615 PLC Programming 2 (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE6411
Pre-requisite: 513.512 Introduction to Networks

The aim is to develop an understanding of, and 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:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of and use PLCs in advanced practical applications.
  • Describe and implement advanced input/output modules, communication methods, and control systems relevant to PLCs.

Level 6

525.614 Power Systems 1 (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE6401
Pre-Requisite: 523.418 Electrical Principles, 141.418 Engineering Mathematics 1 

The aim is to provide the students with an understanding of three-phase power systems with an emphasis on generation, distribution and transmission systems.

The learning outcomes on successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  • Describe the New Zealand Power System and explain key aspects e.g. system control, basic terminology (GXP, GIP, infinite bus, frequency and load control, spinning reserve, control periods, ripple and load control methods)
  • Describe the types of generation systems in use in NZ (large scale >1000kW – hydro, geothermal, thermal, co-generation). (I.e. an overview)
  • Describe the transmission system (aerial, towers, HVDC).
  • Describe the distribution system (up to 66kV, cables and aerial, district and zone substations).
  • Describe the application of power transformers in a MV and HV environment.
  • Describe the process of generator synchronisation.
  • Earthing systems for MV and HV networks (direct, isolated, NER, GFN).
  • Describe and apply the process of current interruption and selection of appropriate switchgear.
  • Describe and apply basic SLD design and perform basic fault levels (e.g. up to 4 generators, 4 transformers and 2 feeders).

525.616 Protection (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE6420
Pre-requisite: 141.418 Engineering Mathematics 1, 523.418 Electrical Principles

The aim is to provide the students with 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 the 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 the 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.

533.625 Sustainable Energy & Power Electronics (15 credits)

NZBED course code: DE6421
Pre-requisite: 141.418 Engineering Mathematics 1, 523.418 Electrical Principles, 523.529 Electronic Principles

The aim is 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.

Key dates and timetables

To find the key dates and timetables of this programme, please view the engineering calendar.

Career opportunities

Electrical engineering technicians interpret the designs and technical instructions of electrical engineers, then ensure they are accurately carried out. They also develop, install, test and maintain equipment that produces, transmits or uses power. Electrical engineering technicians work for companies that install, service and maintain electrical networks. These include electrical maintenance and contracting companies, power-generation companies, engineering firms and the Defence Force. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz

Further training or study

Successful completion of your first semester in the New Zealand Diploma of Engineering (Level 6) with a required grade point average of B can provide direct entry to Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Level 7).

MIT is becoming Te Pūkenga

Vocational education in Aotearoa is changing to better meet the needs of learners like you.

As part of this transformational change, MIT will next year become fully part of Te Pūkenga, a national network delivering skills training in a wide range of locations throughout Aotearoa. This means that while you’re applying with MIT now, from Semester 1, 2023 when you enrol you’ll become a Te Pūkenga learner.

The new system has the success and wellbeing of learners at its heart, and a review of all programmes is currently underway to help support this, including the programme that you’ve enrolled with. The aim is to make qualifications more portable, consistent and closely aligned with the needs of industry, and more in tune with where the world is headed.

As the programme review is ongoing, the courses outlined may be liable to change over time. Rest assured that we’ll notify you of any material changes to delivery that might impact what you’re studying, where you’re studying or the ways you’re learning.

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Information is correct as at 27 September 2022. 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 2023 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2023 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2023 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 2023 are based on the 2022 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2023. 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 Limited 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.

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