Course Details

Diploma In Mechanical Engineering (Level 7)

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Diploma In Mechanical Engineering (Level 7)

Duration:

2 Academic Years ( Full Time )

Total credits:

240

Programme Level:

7

Program Brochure

Download our program brochure to learn more about our courses and offerings.

Overview

The Diploma in Mechanical Engineering is designed for those who want to work with future technologies and market trends in New Zealand. A student who is keen to propose mechanical (automotive or mechatronic) engineering solutions; wants to develop, deploy, test and commission automated systems for industry, contemporary motor vehicles, and smart buildings; and design and manufacture automotive and electromechanical components, may join our proposed “Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (with strands in Automotive Engineering and Mechatronics and Control Systems) (Level 7)” programme.
The DME consists of two specializations:
1) Automotive Engineering,
2) Mechatronics and control
The proposed program is a two-year qualification with 240 credits. The program offers elective papers to develop a foundation for the learners along with compulsory courses in mechanical engineering including mathematics, project management and a final project.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering – Level 5 or equivalent knowledge and skills. If English is not their first language, and for International students, an overall IELTS band score of at least 6.0 is required with no band score lower than 5.5, or evidence must be provided of equivalent English language proficiency.

You can use the English language tests in the table below to meet the ICA’s English language requirements. You must satisfy the requirements in one sitting, and results are valid for two years from the date on the test certificate.

English Language Requirements

You can use the English language tests in the table below to meet the ICA’s English language requirements. You must satisfy the requirements in one sitting and results are valid for two years from the date on the test certificate.

Test Minimum Requirements
IELTS (Academic) Overall band score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 5.5
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) Score of 60 (with a writing score of 20)
Paper-based TOEFL Score of 550 (with an essay score of 5 TWE)
Cambridge English: ESOL FCE with a Pass at Grade B or CAE with a Score of 52
NZCEL Level 4 (Academic)
Pearson Test of English (Academic) Overall band score of 50 with no individual band score less than 42
City & Guilds IESOL B2 Communicator with a Score of 66
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL addresses previous qualifications and relevant experience including:

  • Cross credits
  • Assessment of prior learning
  • Credit transfers

Maximum 50% of cross credits may be awarded through RPL and APL. Credit transefrs can be done for all the subjects already passed.The student needs to apply for cross credits at the time of admission application. Once a course of study is approved, then it will not be considered for cross credits.

Aim of the Course

This programme aims to provide students with advanced theoretical knowledge, analytical and practical skills, and an in-depth understanding of technological principles, techniques and physical procedures required to work as Engineering technicians or technologists in the Mechanical Engineering industry including automotive, mechatronics and control. Graduates of this programme will work with various types of mechanical and electromechanical devices to provide solutions to mechanical engineering businesses and service industry needs.

Course Structure
Core Papers

This paper aims to develop theoretical knowledge and problem solving skills in learners by understanding and practising key concepts of different branches of mathematics, compulsory for engineers. The primary focus of this paper is to build learners’ capability to solve engineering problems using contemporary mathematical techniques. Upon completion, learner will be equipped with key concepts and tools of mathematics to solve complex engineering problems.

This paper aims to provide in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of drawing and drafting concepts. The primary focus of the paper is to develop learners’ ability in free hand sketching, drafting and computer drawing tools like AutoCAD. Upon completion of the course, the learner will be able to design and draft various machine components through manual drawing and computer software.

This course intends to prepare the learners to apprehend management issues in the engineering projects and to tackle the problems raised in team work appropriate to contemporary engineering applications. Upon completion, the learners will have the required knowledge and skills to successfully manage and complete an engineering project.

This paper aims to enhance problem solving skills, technical capabilities and the sense of social responsibilities of the learners by investigating, proposing, designing and testing a real life mechanical engineering project in accordance with current industry practices. The primary focus of the paper is to develop learners’ skills to research, propose, develop, test and troubleshoot a mechanical engineering project with suitable amount of supervision and mentoring facilities.

Optional Papers :

This course intends to provide an in-depth understanding of physics and workshop skills appropriate to contemporary engineering applications. The primary focus of the paper is on mechanics tools used in solving various structural problems in machine components. In addition to this, course also focuses on providing hands-on experience with workshop tools. Upon successful completion, the learners will be able to design various machine components and also use various workshop tools.

This paper aims to develop an in-depth understanding of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. The key focus of the paper includes concepts of heat flow in various mechanical systems including power generation and processing industries. In addition, the fundamentals of fluid mechanics, which are used in various fluid transferring devices, are also discussed. Upon completion of the paper, the learners will be able to design and analyse various thermodynamic system and devices used in power generation, HVAC and manufacturing industry.

This paper aims to provide an in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of materials used in engineering; and their conventional and advanced manufacturing processes. The primary focus of the paper is to develop learners’ ability to understand material according to design and manufacturing requirements and select an appropriate sequence of manufacturing processes.

This paper aims to provide an in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of mechanics of materials. The primary focus of the paper is to develop the learners’ abilities to understand various mechanical structures, perform mechanical analysis in their design and test various loading conditions in accordance with industry practices

The paper aims to develop an understanding of analogue and digital electronics with an emphasis on circuit analysis, measurements, design and use of equipment. The paper covers DC and AC circuit theory and concepts of combinational and sequential logic circuits. Upon completion, the learner should be able to construct, interface and troubleshoot analogue and digital circuits using suitable techniques, equipment and software tools.

This paper aims to develop fundamental knowledge of contemporary engineering systems that include integrated mechanical and electronic systems. The paper covers analysis and design of electro-mechanical systems; design and working principles of different automated heat generation units, processing, automotive and manufacturing industries. Upon completion, the learner will be able to understand and analyse various automatic systems, processing and assembly lines.

This course aims to develop a strong understanding of control systems and their mathematical representation in the time, frequency and state space domains, electrical and mechanical control system stability analysis and designs techniques. The primary focus of the course is to develop skills in learners to analyse, design, simulate and implement control systems for real life applications.

Strand A: Automotive Engineering

This paper aims to provide in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of automotive systems. The primary focus of the paper is to develop learner’s ability to understand overall automotive systems and their design. Upon completion, the learner will be capable of designing various automotive components using CAD software.

This paper aims to provide in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of automotive engines and their combustion mechanism. The primary focus of the paper is to develop learner’s ability to understand engine construction and design, diagnose its problem and implement automotive knowledge to rectify various issues in the engine and its combustion system

This paper aims to develop leaner’s capability in designing of vehicle forces, generated due to movement of various components and their self-weight. The primary focus of the paper is to understand vehicle stability laws, dynamics of loads and active involvement of suspension system in providing comfort to passengers. Upon completion of the paper, the learner will be able to solve automotive dynamic forces problems using contemporary mechanics techniques.

The paper aims to develop in-depth knowledge of chassis design and different cosmetic and structural panels installed in vehicle bodies. The primary focus of the paper is the classification and design of automotive structures including the body, chassis and supportive components that are used in vehicles structures. Upon completion of the paper, the learners will be able to analyse and design automotive body structures, frames and chassis. This paper aims to develop in-depth understanding of instrumentation and measurement components involved in vehicles. The primary focus of the paper is on various instrumentation systems and devices used in automotive applications that control vehicle engine, fuel, brake and suspension systems. Upon completion of the paper, the learner will be able to propose computer controller and instrument based solutions to automotive industry, test and diagnose vehicle problems and tune electronic systems installed in vehicles. This paper aims to provide an in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of alternative vehicles and transmission system. The primary focus of the paper is to develop learners’ ability to understand hybrid vehicles including solar, electric and biofuels driven vehicles. In addition, this course will also enhance learners’ understanding of automotive transmission and drives. Upon completion, learner will be able to review and analyse functionality and principles of alternative vehicles and automatic transmission and drives. This paper aims to develop leaner’s understanding and skills of advanced machine design and computerized manufacturing in product development industry. The key focus of the paper is to develop leaner’s knowledge and skills in the use of contemporary software tools that include CAD and CAM based solutions. Upon completion of the paper, the learner will be able to design products on CAD software and also be able to generate their CNC code, workable on CNC machines. The aim of this paper is to develop learners’ knowledge and skill of automation and robotics use in industrial applications in accordance with current industry practices. The key focus of the paper is to acquaint and train leaners with applications of automation and robotics to propose and implement contemporary automated mechanical systems as well as to upgrade conventional systems in accordance with industry practices. Upon completion of the paper, learner will be able to propose and apply automation and robotics technology for new and already operated conventional mechanical and manufacturing systems. This paper aims to give in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of actuators and sensors for mechatronic designs. The paper includes topics on time, frequency, measurements, sensor and actuator fundamental characteristics, physical relationships and mathematical models associated with the sensor and actuator technologies. Upon completion, learner will be able formulate mathematical models; design sensors and actuators; and select appropriate sensors and actuators with appropriate specifications as a part of engineering solution to a complex problem. This paper aims to develop in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of electromechanical systems and devices. The paper covers electromechanical systems analysis and design concepts and techniques, DC electric machines and motion devices, induction and synchronous machines and control of electromechanical systems. Upon completion, learner will be able to propose and develop engineering solutions based on electromechanical systems and devices. This paper aims to develop in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of electrical and mechanical design processes used in today’s buildings. The focus of the papers is to acquaint learners with understanding of equipment, design, testing and installation of HVAC, plumbing systems, electrical lighting systems, signal systems and building automation systems. Upon completion, learner will be able to propose equipment, design and supervise maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems of buildings. This paper aims to provide in-depth knowledge and skills appropriate to today’s embedded systems, in both hardware and software development. The primary focus of the paper is to make the learner a competent and independent practitioner in the field of embedded systems to a level whereby learner has knowledge and skills necessary to gain entry into a professional practice of the embedded system industry.

This paper aims to develop in-depth understanding of instrumentation and measurement components involved in vehicles. The primary focus of the paper is on various instrumentation systems and devices used in automotive applications that control vehicle engine, fuel, brake and suspension systems. Upon completion of the paper, the learner will be able to propose computer controller and instrument based solutions to automotive industry, test and diagnose vehicle problems and tune electronic systems installed in vehicles.

This paper aims to provide an in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of alternative vehicles and transmission system. The primary focus of the paper is to develop learners’ ability to understand hybrid vehicles including solar, electric and biofuels driven vehicles. In addition, this course will also enhance learners’ understanding of automotive transmission and drives. Upon completion, learner will be able to review and analyse functionality and principles of alternative vehicles and automatic transmission and drives.

Strand B: Mechatronics and Control Systems

This paper aims to develop leaner’s understanding and skills of advanced machine design and computerized manufacturing in product development industry. The key focus of the paper is to develop leaner’s knowledge and skills in the use of contemporary software tools that include CAD and CAM based solutions. Upon completion of the paper, the learner will be able to design products on CAD software and also be able to generate their CNC code, workable on CNC machines.

The aim of this paper is to develop learners’ knowledge and skill of automation and robotics use in industrial applications in accordance with current industry practices. The key focus of the paper is to acquaint and train leaners with applications of automation and robotics to propose and implement contemporary automated mechanical systems as well as to upgrade conventional systems in accordance with industry practices. Upon completion of the paper, learner will be able to propose and apply automation and robotics technology for new and already operated conventional mechanical and manufacturing systems.

This paper aims to give in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of actuators and sensors for mechatronic designs. The paper includes topics on time, frequency, measurements, sensor and actuator fundamental characteristics, physical relationships and mathematical models associated with the sensor and actuator technologies. Upon completion, learner will be able formulate mathematical models; design sensors and actuators; and select appropriate sensors and actuators with appropriate specifications as a part of engineering solution to a complex problem.

This paper aims to develop in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of electromechanical systems and devices. The paper covers electromechanical systems analysis and design concepts and techniques, DC electric machines and motion devices, induction and synchronous machines and control of electromechanical systems. Upon completion, learner will be able to propose and develop engineering solutions based on electromechanical systems and devices.

This paper aims to develop in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of electrical and mechanical design processes used in today’s buildings. The focus of the papers is to acquaint learners with understanding of equipment, design, testing and installation of HVAC, plumbing systems, electrical lighting systems, signal systems and building automation systems. Upon completion, learner will be able to propose equipment, design and supervise maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems of buildings.

This paper aims to provide in-depth knowledge and skills appropriate to today’s embedded systems, in both hardware and software development. The primary focus of the paper is to make the learner a competent and independent practitioner in the field of embedded systems to a level whereby learner has knowledge and skills necessary to gain entry into a professional practice of the embedded system industry.

Option for Cross Credit
Appendix 1:

The following eight options are available for achieving the version one maximum of six prescriptions (120 credits) by cross credit/APL:

Specified credit transfer from other qualifications

Option 1:

6 Papers (120 cr)

Option 2:

5 Papers (100 cr)

Option 3:

4 Papers (80 cr)

Option 4:

3 Papers (60 cr)

Option 5:

2 Papers (40 cr)

Option 6:

1 Paper (20 cr)

Appendix 2:
Policy: Cross Credits for six months

Policy for six months credits:

  • Secondary School Certificate+ Higher (Superior) Secondly School certificate +
  • Years diploma in mechanical or relevant OR
  • Secondary School Certificate+ 3 Years diploma in mechanical or relevant with following options

Appendix 3:
Policy: Cross Credits for 12 months

Policy for 12 months cross credits talks about

  • Applicants who must have completed their bachelor or BTec qualification and want to study advanced courses in accordance with New Zealand market need. There is no particular requirements of grade for cross credit.+

Career Opportunities
Income and Employment Prospects
For Engineering Professionals:
For Engineering Technicians: