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Title
Master of Earthquake EngineeringMEqEng
Category
graduate
UUID
7d0e488056fd46309e9ca14b3393c579
Source URL
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/master-of-...
Parent URL
https://response.auckland.ac.nz/EngineeringPGQuiz-v2
Crawl Time
2026-03-16T03:30:39+00:00
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Master of Earthquake EngineeringMEqEng

Source: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/master-of-earthquake-engineering-meqeng.html Parent: https://response.auckland.ac.nz/EngineeringPGQuiz-v2

Engineering and Design

Master of Earthquake Engineering MEqEng

Fulfill the increasing need for a new generation of industry leaders in earthquake engineering design and assessment.

Apply now

Duration : Full-time: Varies

Next start date : 2026 Semester Two – 20 July : 2027 Semester One – 1 March

Available locations : City

Points : 120 or 180

Programme type : Postgraduate : Taught & research options available

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Programme overview

Earthquake engineers design new buildings and infrastructure to withstand disasters, and they assess the vulnerability of existing buildings and infrastructure. They draw expertise from structural and geotechnical engineering. The University of Auckland is internationally recognised for our strengths in these fields, putting us in the right position to deliver specialist professional capabilities both locally and internationally where there are increasing population densities in seismic regions.

Recent earthquakes in Canterbury and Kaikoura have caused extensive damage to buildings, infrastructure and the natural environment. Investigations into the post-disaster repair and reconstruction efforts have increased our understanding and specialist expertise, but also revealed major demands for earthquake engineers. In this case, the demands have exceeded the capacity of our engineering profession. This need is also seen in many other countries around the world.

Beyond training a new generation of leading professionals, the MEqEng also aims to support current practitioners in the building industries – those who require skills to navigate increasingly complex building codes, policies and requirements in line with new innovations in research and industry.

Programme structure

You can undertake a Master of Earthquake Engineering in either a taught or research pathway.

This programme is offered in two options, to suit the existing qualifications and experience of candidates.

*Research study  *For the 120-point research programme you will complete one 15-point core course, one 15-point elective and a 90-point research thesis. For the 180-point research programme, you will complete one 15-point core course, five 15-point electives followed by a 90-point research thesis. Electives will be selected from the taught programme course schedule (excludes research projects).

Core:\ CIVIL 720: Earthquake Engineering

Electives:\ For 120-point programme choose one elective and for 180-point programme choose five electives.

Research thesis:\ CIVIL 793A/B Thesis or CIVIL 794A/B Thesis

**Students will be required to submit a thesis topic and supervisor before starting their programme.*

*Taught study*For the 120-point taught programme you will complete one 15-point core course and seven electives as per the requirements. For the 180-point taught programme, you will complete four 15-point core courses and eleven 15-point electives.

*Core:*For 120-point programme:\ CIVIL 720: Earthquake Engineering

For 180-point programme:

Electives:\ For 120-point and 180-point programmes, you must select at least 45-points from the following electives:

*No more than 30-points from CIVIL 787-789

For 120-point and 180-point programmes, you must select at least 15-points from the following electives:

For 120-point and 180-point programme, you must select at least 15-points from the following electives:

Other electives:

Not offered in 2024

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Taught programme (120 points)

Compulsory 15 points

Compulsory 15 points

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Elective 15 points

Elective 15 points

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Elective 15 points

Elective 15 points

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Electives 75 points

Electives 75 points

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Research programme (120 or 180 points)

Compulsory 15 points

Compulsory 15 points

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Electives 75 points

Electives 75 points

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Research 90 points

Research 90 points

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2026 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

University of Auckland

Another tertiary institution

Programme requirements

Programme requirements

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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.

Taught 120 points

Grade required

GPA 5.0

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Study option

Research 120 points

Grade required

GPA 5.0

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Study option

Research 180 points

Grade required

GPA 5.0

Bachelors degree in an approved subject

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Further programme requirements

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Select your study option:

Taught 120 points

Research 120 points

Research 180 points

You must have completed either:

Or

Or

Or

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.

You must have completed either:

Or

Or

Or

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.\

You must have completed either:

Or

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.\

Other pathways to study

Other pathways to study

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If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you may still gain entry by passing 60 points towards one of the following with a GPA of 5.0:

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Programme requirements

Programme requirements

Show details Hide details

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.

Taught 120 points

Grade required

GPE 5.0

Four-year engineering degree - Study option

Research 120 points

Grade required

GPE 5.0

Four-year engineering degree - Study option

Research 180 points

Grade required

GPE 5.0

An approved undergraduate degree - Qualification

IELTS Academic

Score required

6.5

No bands less than 6.0.

See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Further programme requirements

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Select your study option:

Taught 120 points

Research 120 points

Research 180 points

You need a four-year engineering degree with a GPE of 5.0 or a bachelors degree with a GPE of 4.0 in a relevant degree and three years of approved professional experience.

Your four-year bachelors degree in engineering at a recognised university (or similar institution) must include:

Relevant disciplines for the professional experience-driven entry pathway may include architecture, construction and science, or a three-year undergraduate engineering degree.\

You need a four-year engineering degree with a GPE of 5.0 or a bachelors degree with a GPE of 4.0 in a relevant degree and three years of approved professional experience.

Your four-year bachelors degree in engineering at a recognised university (or similar institution) must include:

Relevant disciplines for the professional experience-driven entry pathway may include architecture, construction and science, or a three-year undergraduate engineering degree.

Other pathways to study

Other pathways to study

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If you do not meet the GPE requirement, you may still gain entry by passing 60 points towards one of the following with a GPE of 5.0:

In exceptional circumstances, we will consider you for entry if you have completed a qualification equivalent to the entry requirements or have professional work experience in engineering.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Earthquake Engineering cost per year?

2026 fees

Domestic students : NZ$12,854.40 – $21,843.60*

International students : NZ$55,484 – $55,864*

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 $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,132.80 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.

See course fees for each faculty

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.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Key dates

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 2026 : 8 December 2025

Semester Two 2025 : 8 June 2026

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Research Masters

120-point option

Semester One

Semester One and Two

180-point option

Semester One

Semester One and Two

For a 120-point programme, up to 15 points from:\ For a 180-point programme, up to 75 points from:\ \ Semester One

Semester Two

For a 180-point programme, up to 45 points may be replaced by other relevant 600 and 700 level courses at this or another University.

Taught Masters

120 points

15 points from:\ \ Semester One

At least 45 points from:\ \ Semester One

Semester One and Two (You cannot choose more than 30 points from CIVIL 787–789)

At least 15 points from:

Semester One

Semester Two

At least 15 points from:

Semester Two

Up to 60 points from:

Semester Two

With the prior approval of the Head of Department, up to 30 points may be replaced by other appropriate 600 and 700 level courses at this or another University\ \ 180 points

60 points from:

Semester One

Semester Two

At least 45 points from:\ \ Semester One

Semester Two\

Semester One and Two (You cannot choose more than 30 points from CIVIL 787–789)

At least 15 points from:

Semester One

Semester Two

At least 15 points from:

Semester Two

Up to 60 points from:\ \ Semester Two\

*Semester One and Two*

With the prior approval of the Head of Department, up to 30 points may be replaced by other appropriate 600 and 700 level courses at this or another University.\ \

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

There is a growing need for civil engineers – specifically earthquake engineers – with capabilities in new construction, and the assessment and retrofit of existing buildings and infrastructure. Recent disasters in New Zealand alone dictate that highly skilled professionals will be in demand as investments in this field grow over the upcoming decades.

Further study options

See all study options

Master of Earthquake Engineering

Get an overview of how the MEqEng will contribute to an essential gap in our industry.

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