Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical)

Summary

As an electrical engineering technologist a work day could involve being busy specifying, designing or supervising the construction of systems and equipment that produce, distribute or use electricity, calculating costs and materials needed, bidding for contracts, overseeing electricity system tests and writing reports or even instruction manuals.

Electrical engineering includes the specialist area of mechatronics, which merges the two disciplines of mechanical engineering and electronics, and power engineering, for in-depth knowledge of the fundamental components of power automated systems.

This programme is for those who want a career in engineering. Students will learn theory and practical skills using technology in our engineering labs. If students are in employment, the project module can be tailored to their workplace.

Six of the largest institutes of technology and polytechnics in New Zealand have consulted with industry leaders to create this up-to-date, industry-relevant programme. The Bachelor of Engineering Technology is accredited by the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ).

What You'll Learn

First Year

In the first year students will study core engineering modules and an electrical engineering module. There are three pathways to choose from when it comes to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical):

Power Engineering

The Waikato is a major contributor to the electricity supply grid producing about 50% of New Zealand's energy needs. Millions of dollars are spent annually upgrading the electrical infrastructure in the Waikato. This investment requires a highly qualified and skilled workforce that graduates of the BEngTech can be part of. Power engineering graduates will be competent at analysing, solving, managing and taking responsibility for broadly-defined electrical and power engineering problems and activities. Graduates will have an in-depth knowledge of the operation and protection of power systems; an understanding of the design requirements for power systems; in-depth knowledge of the operation and performance of electrical machines; and knowledge of the fundamental components of power electronic systems.

Mechatronics

Mechatronics merges the two disciplines of mechanical engineering and electronics. It also includes aspects of computing, robotics and automation. This pathway is much in demand by manufacturers because of its combination of all these different disciplines.

Electronics

Electronics engineering is about the design of amplifiers and power converters, modern manufacturing of circuit boards, programming of computers and microcontrollers, and signal processing.

Second year

In the second year students will study modules entirely specific to the electrical engineering major. This could be in the design, operation and protection of power systems, machinery or electronics.

Third year

In the final year students will put all the skills and processes they've learned into completing a practical, industry-based project. If already in employment, students can tailor the project to suit their workplace.

Career/further opportunities

Graduates may be employed as an electrical engineering technologist.