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University of Canterbury

Christchurch , Christchurch ,New Zealand

Bachelor of Engineering with Honours - Computer Engineering

Computers are at the heart of innumerable modern products, most of which would not be identified as computers. Computer engineering involves the development, both electronics and software, of such 'embedded' computers. It requires a combination of technical knowledge, science, and creativity with a strong emphasis on design to develop practical solutions to real-world problems.

Applications, industries, and devices associated with computer engineering include computer systems, portable electronics, autonomous robotics, biomedical devices, household electronics, telecommunications and networks, and manufacturing and infrastructure.

Minor in Communications and Network Engineering

If you have an interest in the internet, and specifically in the "internet of things", the design and implementation of computer networks, and in a wide range of communications, the minor in Communications and Network Engineering would be a good choice to complement your Computer Engineering degree.

Campus Information

Ilam Campus

The University has a main campus of 76 hectares (190 acres) at Ilam, a suburb of Christchurch about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the centre of the city.

Intakes

  • Feb Deadline: Dec

Application Processing Time in Days: 25

Application Process

More Information Required 
14 Days
Possible Interview Call from Institution
0 Days
Provisional/Unconditional Offer 
20 Days
Visa Process
30 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

All UC engineering degrees are accredited by Engineering New Zealand and all students qualify for student membership.

Graduates have a wide range of employment opportunities, from private companies and consultancies through to government agencies. Many engineers progress into management.

PSW Opportunity

  • During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
  • After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
  • After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

NCEA

You should aim to have at least:

  • 14 credits in Level 3 maths or calculus including both differentiation and integration
  • 14 credits in Level 3 physics
  • 14 credits in Level 3 chemistry

Note: Achievement standards 91578 – 'Apply differentiation methods in solving problems' and 91579 – 'Apply integration methods in solving problems', must be included.

Credits in chemistry are not required for students taking Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Software Engineering.

18 credits are strongly recommended in all subjects.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

You will need to have:

  • minimum of 4 HL (or 5 SL) in maths (HL is recommended)
  • minimum of 4 HL (or 6 SL) in physics (HL is recommended)
  • minimum of 4 HL (or 6 SL) in chemistry.

Chemistry is not required for students taking Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Software Engineering.

Cambridge International Examination (CIE)

You will need to have:

  • maths and physics – D grade or better at A level or A in AS level
  • chemistry – D grade or better at A level or A in AS level.
  • Chemistry is not required for students taking Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Software Engineering.

Alternatively the first year can be completed in more than one year (maximum of two years) with a minimum requirement of:

  • CIE Score of 140 Points
  • D Grade at A-Level or C Grade at AS-Level in Mathematics
  • D Grade at A-Level or C Grade at AS-Level in Physics
  • preferably C Grade at AS-Level in Chemistry (discipline specific).

An overall average of 75% with a minimum of 60% in English in All-India Senior School Certificate or the Indian School Certificate; or an overall average of 80% with a
minimum of 65% in English from one of the following three Indian State Board Year 12 qualifications:

  • Tamil Nadu Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC);
  • Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Higher (Secondary) School Certificate;
  • Karnataka Pre-University Certificate; or one year of successful study towards an undergraduate degree at a recognized university in India

One year of successful study (B average / First Class / First Division) towards an undergraduate degree at a recognized university in India with a current NAAC accreditation of B or better;

  • Completed a degree at a recognized university with a current NAAC accreditation of C or better.