Pathways to tertiary study for careers in Technology, Engineering and Science

Engineering

CareersEngineers apply scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to find practical and cost-effective solutions to technical problems. The main four areas are civil (bridges, roads, foundations, structures and environmental engineering), chemical and process, mechanical and electrical engineering. New fields include robotics and avionics, telecommunications, software, biomedical and mechatronic engineering.

Tertiary Bachelor of Engineering (BEng); Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech),New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE), New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Practice (NZDEP), and trades certificates.

Learn more about qualification pathways for careers in engineering

Towards a certificate/diploma: English, Science (Chemistry and Physics focus), Mathematics, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Digital Technologies, Design and Visual Communication, Processing Technologies.
Towards a degree: English, Mathematics with Calculus, Physics, Statistics and Modelling, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Chemistry, Digital Technologies, Biology, Design and Visual Communication.

Read more about the entry requirements for tertiary qualifications in engineering

Read more about on-the-job training in the manufacturing & engineering, infrastructure, electrotechnology, electrical supply, motor, extractive (mining) and plastics & materials processing industries.

Related CareersProject manager, technologist, environmental scientist, product developer, transport planner.

Surveying

CareersSurveyors use maths and technology to measure the size, features and boundaries of land and structures, including underwater, and create reports and scale drawings. They increasingly use technology such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create 3D images.

TertiaryThere are many ways to get into the industry. You can train on-the-job for a National Certificate or National Diploma in Surveying to qualify as a Surveying Assistant or Technician, or study towards a Bachelor of Surveying. Watch a video about surveying on the NZ Institute of Surveyors site.

Towards a certificate/diploma: English, Science (Chemistry and Physics focus), Mathematics, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Digital Technologies, Design and Visual Communication.
Towards a degree: English, Mathematics with Calculus, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Physics, Statistics and Modelling, Digital Technologies, Chemistry, Design and Visual Communication.

Related Careers Map-maker/cartographer, GIS specialist, quantity surveyor, urban planner, civil engineer.

Building Construction and Quantity Surveying

CareersA wide variety of careers in the building industry use maths, science and technology, from builders, plumbers and electricians to site managers, building control officers and fire protection engineers.

Tertiary Trade-qualified people in the construction industry get on-the-job competence-based training towards national certificates and diplomas. Block courses at polytechnics and community colleges cover the required theoretical knowledge. Find out more about careers in the Building and Construction industry.

Quantity Surveyors and Technicians need a National Diploma in Quantity Surveying or a Bachelor of Construction in Quantity Surveying or Economics. Read more about Quantity Surveying.

Recommended School Subjects

Towards a certificate/diploma: English, Science (Chemistry and Physics focus), Mathematics, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Digital Technologies, Design and Visual Communication.
Towards a degree (in Quantity Surveying or Construction): English, Mathematics with Calculus, Statistics and Modelling, Physics, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Digital Technologies, Design and Visual Communication.

Related Careers Structural or geotechnical engineer, energy conservation assessor, heating and ventilation engineer, architect.