17 Jul 2024
Engineering New Zealand is proud to announce that University of Auckland’s Master of Professional Engineering (MProfEng) has become the first master’s-level degree in New Zealand to gain provisional Washington Accord accreditation, allowing graduates to apply their skills globally.
The Washington Accord is an international agreement between engineering bodies around the world, including Engineering New Zealand. To become accredited, a qualification must meet standards of good practice in engineering education. Accredited qualifications are recognised in all 20 Washington Accord signatory countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan and China.
Washington Accord accreditation is reserved for engineering degrees required to become a Professional Engineer, which usually take four or more years to complete. New Zealand is also a signatory to other accords, such as the Sydney Accord for three-year degrees required to become an Engineering Technologist, and the Dublin Accord for two-year degrees required to become an Engineering Technician.
Until now, the highest-level New Zealand degrees with Washington Accord accreditation were honours programmes. The accreditation of University of Auckland’s master’s programme provides a new pathway for those with non-accredited undergraduate engineering degrees to become accredited in 18 months or two years, depending on which degree they hold.
The MProfEng also provides a new pathway to local employment for migrant engineers without accredited degrees, and for locals with Sydney and Dublin Accord accredited qualifications looking to further their education with an accredited degree.
Engineering New Zealand Chief Executive Dr Richard Templer said the accreditation of the MProfEng is an important step in addressing New Zealand’s ongoing shortage of engineers. “It’s vital that we continue to expand the educational opportunities for New Zealanders with an interest in STEM.
"People with Washington Accord degrees are more employable in both New Zealand and overseas, and programmes like this make New Zealand a more appealing destination for engineers looking to study and work in New Zealand in an increasingly competitive international market for engineering talent,” he said.
Engineering New Zealand provided advice to the University while the MProfEng programme was being developed. The university formally applied to become accredited in January 2024 and Engineering New Zealand appointed an independent panel to assess its application, which included visiting the University of Auckland and meeting with leaders, staff, and students.
Interested in gaining your Master of Professional Engineering? Applications are open.
