Type of qualification
Level of study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Master of Engineering Studies – MEngSt
Massey’s Master of Engineering Studies combines taught and research courses at a postgraduate level.
If you are already working, or your research experience is limited, this qualification will give you the learning you need to take your career to the next level.
Or, you can use the degree to help you gain expertise in an area outside the focus of your undergraduate qualification (or current employment).
Solve real-world problems
You will gain a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles of engineering. You’ll also be able to apply your engineering learnings to complex real-world industrial problems. Massey staff have strong relationships with industry and you can utilise these to find projects of relevance to you.
Advanced problem-solving skills
An integral part of your learning will be the experience of working in a team environment to solve problems at a variety of conceptual levels. You’ll gain the ability to learn independently and analyse industry needs. You’ll also be able to propose and validate tangible technical solutions. You’ll learn the skills to identify when your knowledge of a problem is lacking and be able to access and use the information required.
Access to broad expertise and equipment
You will have access to engineering and advanced technology-related expertise and a huge range of equipment and knowledge, such as:
- 3D printers
- world-class mechanical and electronic workshops
- state-of-the art microscopic and genomic facilities
- horticulture and agriculture expertise
- extensive farm networks
- a broad range of science, health, business and humanities-related staff.
A MEngSt is a good fit if you:
- would like a postgraduate degree that combines taught courses and research
- have an undergraduate honours engineering degree and wish to gain experience in engineering practice
- are a qualified engineer looking for professional development.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of Engineering Studies you will have been awarded or qualified for:
- a relevant four-year bachelor’s degree with honours or equivalent, or
- a relevant three-year bachelor’s degree plus an honours degree, or equivalent, or
- a relevant postgraduate diploma or equivalent.
You will need to provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Master of Engineering Studies
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Master of Engineering Studies is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
Part One consists of 75 credits at 700-level from courses listed in the Schedule. Part One gives you good knowledge and skills that will help you with the research part of your qualification.
For progression to Part Two, you must have maintained a grade average of at least a B- over the first 60 credits of courses completed in Part One, including at least a B grade in 228797 Research Methods in Engineering and Technology.
Part Two is a 45-credit research report.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
120 credits
- Part One research methods course – 15 credits
- Part One subject courses – 45 credits
- Part One elective from the Schedule – 15 credits
- Part Two research report – 45 credits
This is a parts-based qualification. This means there are regulations around completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two.
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Part One (Choose 75 credits from)
Compulsory Research Methods course
Course code: 228797 Research Methods in Engineering and Technology 15 credits
Research methods for students in engineering and technology. Topics include: statistical design of research experiments; hypothesis testing; use of statistical models to test engineering questions; data analysis; literature searches; development of research proposals; critical assessment of scientific literature.
View full course detailsMaster of Engineering Studies subjects
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
You may enrol in this qualification with or without a specialisation.
Electronics and Computer Engineering
With Massey’s Master of Engineering Studies (Electronics and Computer Engineering) you can move up the hierarchy in your engineering career and/or develop analytical skills through applied research.
Mechatronics
The Master of Engineering Studies (Mechatronics) is part of the most well-established offering of mechatronics within New Zealand. Massey staff have many years work experience in these areas.
Without Specialisation
The Master of Engineering Studies will help you move up the hierarchy in your engineering career, or delve into in-depth research.
Elective courses
Course code: 141708 Food Packaging, Preservation and Storage 15 credits
Application of a multi-disciplinary approach drawing from microbiology, chemistry, reaction kinetics, process engineering and packaging technology to the development, evaluation and optimisation of preservation processes, packaging technologies, and storage and supply chain systems for fresh and manufactured food products.
View full course detailsCourse code: 141723 Industrial Systems Improvement 15 credits
This course covers: innovation and operations management within food industry production and supply chain systems; design, planning, control and continuous improvement of processes in industrial systems; methods and measures for quality control and daily decision-making in food and related businesses; and leadership and management of teams in the workplace.
View full course detailsCourse code: 141725 Food Business Innovation 15 credits
This course will comprise a series of case studies and business simulations of entire food value chains emphasising ingredient and FMCG information flows, the nature and mechanisms of FMCG retail channels and command of shelf space. Strategies will be designed for coping with sector dynamics and changing regulatory constraints for innovation dominated by technical or by business process change.
View full course detailsCourse code: 240756 Value Chain Management 15 credits
Value chains are explored through a supply chain operations management lens. Value chain networks are examined in the context of supply chain collaboration and coordination. The purpose is to provide students with the core principles of value creation and management, and to introduce them to supply chain analytical approaches to facilitate business decision making.
View full course detailsCourse code: 280721 Process Improvement 15 credits
This course critically appraises key industrial processes by establishing their core reaction engineering and thermodynamics, identifying theoretical limits in terms of material and heat balances across product life cycles and by defining their current effectiveness. ‘Potential for further improvement’ is evaluated, such as new emerging competitor processes, alternative reaction pathways, process intensification concepts, hazard mitigation, or emerging life cycle custodianship practises.
View full course detailsCourse code: 280760 Industrial Refrigeration 15 credits
The customer/contractor interface and preparation of specifications; ozone depletion, global warming and refrigerant choice; estimation of heat loads; prediction of chilling and freezing and design of chillers and freezers; product weight loss; refrigeration plant layout and design; operational efficiency of refrigeration systems; absorption refrigeration; water vapour and refrigeration.
View full course detailsCourse code: 284741 Post-harvest Physiology 30 credits
Reviews the role of physiological principles in post-harvest systems. Topics covered depend upon class interests, and may include control of water loss, functions of cell walls and membranes; calcium; ethylene; chilling injury; genetic manipulation; modified atmospheres and non-chemical disease control.
View full course detailsPart Two (Choose 45 credits from)
Course code: 228893 Research Report 45 credits
A research dissertation on an agreed topic.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
This degree will give you the knowledge and ability to become a project leader or system designer in companies of any size.
Sought-after by employers
International trends are for employers to reward postgraduate study well, especially in larger enterprises. The skills you learn are increasingly recognised as setting you apart from other potential employees.
Earn more
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand:
- young master’s graduates earn more than one and a half times more than the national median (five years after study)
- earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
- five years after completion, the median earnings of young master’s graduates are 15% higher than for those with a bachelor’s degree.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz