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The UC Engineering Programme
The UC Engineering Programme
The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) at the University of Canterbury (UC) is a four-year degree that provides students with a solid foundation in engineering theory and practice. The programme begins with a common first year where all students take core courses in mathematics, physics, computer programming, and general engineering principles. This flexible structure allows students to explore multiple areas before selecting a specific discipline for the remaining three years.
UC offers a wide range of specialisations, including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic, Mechatronics, Chemical and Process, Computer, Software, and Forest Engineering. Within these specialisations, students may also pursue sub-discipline minors such as Bioprocess, Structural, Power, or Sustainable Energy Engineering. Selection into these professional disciplines occurs at the end of the first year and is based on academic performance (GPA), making the initial year both exploratory and competitive.
A key strength of UC’s engineering programme is its emphasis on hands-on, practical learning. Students must complete at least 800 hours (approximately 100 days) of approved work experience, which is integrated throughout the degree. This is supported by laboratory sessions, team-based design projects, site visits, and a zero-fees practical course in the second year. These elements ensure that graduates are equipped not just with theoretical knowledge, but also with real-world experience that is valued by employers.
The programme is professionally accredited by Engineering New Zealand, meaning it meets the international Washington Accord standards. This accreditation allows UC engineering graduates to be recognised professionally both in New Zealand and overseas. The university has invested heavily in its engineering precinct, offering state-of-the-art facilities including structural testing labs, computer-aided design studios, and innovation spaces, ensuring students work with modern tools and environments.
The UC Mechatronics Engineering Programme
The UC Mechatronics Engineering Programme
The Mechatronics Engineering programme at the University of Canterbury (UC) is a multidisciplinary degree that integrates mechanical, electrical, electronic, and software engineering to produce engineers capable of designing intelligent systems and automated devices. Mechatronics engineers work at the intersection of hardware and software, developing systems such as autonomous robots, smart manufacturing lines, UAVs, biomedical devices, and other technologies where mechanical systems are controlled by embedded electronics and software.
The programme is offered as a four-year Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)). In the first year, all students take a common set of foundational engineering courses, after which they can apply for entry into the Mechatronics discipline. The second and third years introduce more specialised content, including courses in control theory, digital systems, mechanical design, and electronics. In the final year, students complete advanced electives and a capstone research and design project, often done in collaboration with industry partners.
UC’s mechatronics students benefit from strong hands-on learning, with project-based courses integrated throughout the degree. The curriculum includes workshop training in machining, CAD, and PCB prototyping, and students work in well-equipped labs using industry-standard tools such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, and dSPACE systems. A highlight of the programme is the 800-hour practical work requirement, which provides valuable real-world experience in engineering environments.
For more information visit: Mechatronics Canterbury
What is the UC Mechatronics Society?
What is the UC Mechatronics Society?
The University of Canterbury Mechatronics Society (UC TronSoc) is a student-run club established in 2020 as the dedicated society for students with an interest in Mechatronics Engineering. At the time, the average Mechatronics Engineering cohort consisted of approximately 50 students. However, this has now increased to more than 120 students, who are expected to complete their qualification in 2025.
The pathway’s popularity is ever-increasing. Thus, our purpose is to provide academic, advocacy, industry, social opportunities, and events in Mechatronics related fields for students to further their co-curricular development. This includes industry nights, site visits, promoting internships and graduate programs, academic tutoring and support, engineering challenges, outreach to school-aged students, social sports, barbecues and more.
Our membership base in 2025 consisted of close to 300 members, with the majority made up of 2nd, 3rd and 4th year Mechatronics engineering students. Other members included Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, and Software Engineering students as well as students in a Bachelor of Science or their first year of engineering.
Our goals for 2025 remain the same: to improve our connections with industry, improve the sense of community amongst members, expand our membership base (particularly to include Mechanical engineering students), and solidify core sponsored events.
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