NZ Diploma in Engineering (Civil) (Consortium) (TK0222)
Print
Background
The Unified Diploma comes into force in 2011. It remains a level 6, 240 credit qualification and retains its name of NZ Diploma in Engineering (Civil). Differences of note from the previous structure are:
- Programme content is similar but re-structured into 16 courses (12 compulsory plus 4 electives – three of which must be at Level 6)
- All courses are of 15 credit value
- Four of the compulsory courses are common to the mechanical, electrical and civil diplomas
- The Consortium of Polytechnics has been replaced by the NZ Board of Engineering Diplomas (NZBED) overseeing the Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Diplomas.
Transition arrangements for students who started the Programme under the previous structure are discussed in Section 7.
The NZ Diploma in Engineering (Civil) [NZDE (Civil)] undertaken on a full-time basis takes about 2 years to complete, depending on a student’s entry level
NZIHT, through the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT), offers this programme on a part-time basis using a mixed-mode delivery format. This method of delivery caters specifically for the needs of students who are unable to attend a conventional full-time programme. More details on the method of delivery are given in Section 5.
A Career in Civil Engineering
The NZ Diploma in Engineering (Civil) prepares a student for a career in the civil engineering industry. Civil engineers plan, design and construct the infrastructure in which we live and work. This includes the establishment of facilities like roads, railways, airports, water supply, drainage, wastewater disposal, bridges, dams, multi-storey buildings, tunnels and other public works.
Civil engineers are employed by a range of different organisations including district and city councils, engineering consultants, contractors, transportation agencies such as the NZ Transport Agency, academic institutions, environmental agencies etc.
Admission Criteria
Minimum Academic Entry Criteria
For entry to this programme, applicants are required to have -
-
A minimum total of 48 credits at level 2 in four subjects including at least 12 credits in mathematics, or
-
equivalent qualifications (e.g. International Baccalaureate or Cambridge), or
-
equivalent credits from appropriate trades training and/or demonstrated skills and experience.
-
Minimum of 8 literacy credits at level 1 or higher including 4 reading and 4 writing.
Note: Students who do not meet minimum academic entry criteria may be eligible for entry to the NZDE (Civil) via the Certificate in Engineering Technology.
Language Requirements
In addition to meeting the minimum entry criteria, those applicants for whom English is a second language (including International students) must meet the language requirement -
-
Overall Band Score (Academic) of 6.0 IELTS, with no individual score less than 5.5, or equivalent.
Acceptance
Candidates wishing to enrol for the NZ Diploma in Engineering (Civil) must complete the Entry Assessment Form and return it with supporting documentation to the Programme Administrator for evaluation.
Following the review of the applications by the Programme Manager each candidate will be informed in writing of the result. There is a requirement that candidates accepted onto the Programme must, for the purposes of obtaining the Diploma, complete a Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) Student Study Contract (enrolment) form.
Applicants will receive the Student Study Contract for WITT when they are notified of their acceptance onto the Programme.
Please note a student is confirmed onto the Programme when NZIHT has received the Student Study Contract from the student. A confirmation letter giving final course details will be issued prior to the start of the first block course.
Programme Structure
At the lower levels of study, students receive a fundamental grounding in engineering principles and practice. This broad-based grounding is extended at higher levels in specialist fields.
The length of Study blocks varies according to the credit rating and the nature of individual courses.
Click here - for Table 1 - NZ Diploma in Engineering (Civil) Programme
Method of Delivery
Block Courses
A combination of contact sessions, called Study Blocks, and structured self-directed study is used to deliver the programme. The self-directed study component is undertaken in the student's own time at home with the aid of course notes and a proposed work programme. Interaction with the course presenter as and when required is via e-mail or telephone. Interaction with the course presenter and fellow students can also be made through the Course Management System website (NZIHTCMS).
The length of the Study Blocks varies according to the credit rating and the nature of individual courses.
This method of delivery enables candidates to acquire the qualification on a part-time basis. A person in full-time employment, who is willing to work hard, should be able to undertake 2 to 3 courses per semester. On this basis the programme can be completed in about 4 to 5 years.
The current venues where Study Blocks are delivered, subject to demand , are Hamilton, Christchurch, Auckland, Palmerston North and Dunedin. Invercargill has been added for a trial period in 2011. Other venues will be considered based on demand.
Block Course Format
The learning activities for each course comprise the following components:
-
Contact session(s), referred to as Study Blocks, totaling between 5 and 8.5 days approximately, normally broken into two blocks of equal duration per course.
-
Structured self-directed study involving Self Evaluation Exercises and Assignments.
-
Final Examination.
The Study Block timetables for courses offered in 2011 are given in Appendix A.
While the block course format, in essence, is a part-time study format specifically designed to cater for persons who are not in a position to attend full-time programmes, it is not a pure 'correspondence course".
The course materials have not been designed to be completely "stand-alone". The Study Blocks fulfill an important supplementary role to the self-directed study component. Experience has shown that block course attendance is important for all courses.
- where there is a strong analytical content (e.g. Mathematics, Engineering Fundamentals, Structures 1, Hydraulics) and
- where labs and/or practicals are involved (e.g. Geotechnical Engineering, Surveying, etc)
There are however, circumstances where attendance of block courses can be waived by the Programme Manager, for instance where students can offer prior learning or appropriate work-place experience in lieu. Please contact the course administrator for more information.
Course Management System
Candidates accepted onto the Programme need independent access to the Internet. NZIHT has introduced a Course Management System Website (CMS) to facilitate the interaction between fellow students, tutors and administrators of the NZDE (Civil) Programme.
The address is www.nzihtcms.co.nz
CMS is a website where:
-
Administration staff post some of the admin resources commonly required by the student and communicates logistics, including venue and timetable information
-
Students can ask course related questions of the course presenters
-
Course presenters can discuss course related matters or disseminate additional information (including model answers for tests and assignments)
-
Question-and-answer discussions trails (discussion forum) can be facilitated among members of a class group (including the course presenter)
-
Marks for tests and assignments are posted during the progress of courses.
Once enrolled with NZIHT, students are provided with a user name and initial password to gain access to the site and its facilities.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Candidates who can provide evidence of prior study, or work related experience, that shows a direct correlation to a course offered in the programme may be eligible for cross credit/credit transfer of that subject.
A formal application process must be entered into by the student in order to gain such a credit (an application fee is payable). The programme Manager can give an opinion on the likelihood of success but all applications are subject to the approval of the Board of Studies.
It is important for candidates to supply copies of results transcripts, and desirably an updated CV, to enable the Programme Manager to give advice on eligibility and possible cross credits/credit transfers.
Table 2 (attached) lists examples of eligibility: for CIVIL - Transition Arrangements for Cross credit from NZDE (Civil) for Table 2 (Consortium Structure)
Click here for Table 2.
Transition Arrangements
Students enrolled in the Programme prior to 2011 can choose to stay with the structure in force at the time. They have until 2015 to complete the Programme under that structure. NZIHT are running parallel courses to facilitate this.
However, such students may choose to transition to the new structure. The following table sets out the conditions under which successfully completed courses are eligible for transition to the new structure:
Click Here for Information Table.
Students wishing to transition to the new structure are required to make a formal application under the Recognition of Prior Learning application process. Students enrolled in the NZDE (Civil) programme with NZIHT prior to 2011 are able to cross credit successfully completed courses at no cost.
A small charge applies to students who have completed courses with other members of the Consortium of Polytechnics and wish to transfer their record of learning to NZIHT.
The final date for transition from these existing qualifications is the 31st December 2015.
How to Apply
Complete the attached Entry Assessment Form and send it to the address given below. Attach any additional information or documents (e.g. CV) that may assist the Programme Manager in determining your eligibility, possible exemptions and which courses you should enrol for.
Once your eligibility and subject choices have been confirmed, you will be sent an enrolment form.
Enrolment:
Semester 1 courses: Enrolment forms are received from November until late January. Please enroll as early as possible.
Semester 2 courses: June through middle July.
Study Block Schedules
Click here for 2012 Study Block Schedule
Entry Assessment Form
Click Here for an Entry Assessment Form
Contact us about this course