New Zealand's Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and the Australian Maritime College (AMC) in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia have come together to offer the Bachelor of Engineering in Maritime Engineering in New Zealand, a degree programme AUT states is a "first" for the country.
"The partnership between AUT University and AMC provides a unique opportunity to students in New Zealand – a country that offers no undergraduate professional maritime engineering degrees even though it has an exceptionally strong maritime industry," the University stated.
The programme of study offered has been designed to address an unmet need for maritime Bachelor of Engineering Honours degrees in the New Zealand university system.
It will also hope to enhance the level of engagement by New Zealand academics in national maritime engineering research and commercialisation.
The partnership will involve project engagements with industry, ensuring that industry requirements are being met in the classroom and that AUT's graduates remain highly employable, said AUT.
The industry is worth NZD650 million per annum (USD526 million) in exports to New Zealand.
"The New Zealand Marine industry looks forward to the skills this will bring to the design and technology manufacturing profession," said Peter Busfield, CEO of NZ Marine Export Group and Executive Director of the NZ Marine Industry Association and Training Organisation.
From 2013, AUT University students will have the opportunity to commence their studies at AUT's Auckland City campus in one of three majors: Bachelor of Engineering (Naval Architecture), Bachelor of Engineering (Ocean Engineering) and Bachelor of Engineering (Marine and Offshore Systems Engineering).
Describing the initial course format, AUT's Professor John Raine, Pro-Vice Chancellor Innovation and Enterprise and Head of School of Engineering, said "in the initial stages at least, students will complete all of years three and four of the degree at the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, Tasmania. Postgraduate students under this joint venture will be able to study in New Zealand and Australia, particularly on marine industry-linked projects."
