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  • Level 5
  • 15 Credits
  • 0.125 EFTS
  • Delivery type:
    Online
  • Course duration: 16 weeks
  • Course cost:
    $899 NZ Domestic
    $3,138 NZ International
  • Workload - Approximately 10 hours per week
  • Availability
    Monthly course availability for upcoming periods
    Not available
    Oct
    		Not available
    Nov
    		Not available
    Dec
    		2027 Not available
    Jan
    		Not available
    Feb
    		Not available
    Apr
    		Not available
    May
    		Not available
    Jun
    		Not available
    Aug
    		Not available
    Sep

This online course will introduce you to the fundamentals of soil composition, the engineering properties of soils, and site investigation procedures.

For more information watch the course introduction video below.

Learners  who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  •  Describe soil composition and calculate soil phase ratios
  • Determine basic engineering properties of soils
  • Classify soils in the field and from laboratory results
  • Describe and evaluate methods to improve the engineering properties of soils
  • Plan geotechnical site investigations and interpret the result

 Assessment:

  • 50% internally assessed
  • 50% examination. 

For information on examinations, including a full list of exam times see our examination information:

 Exam dates and venue information

 

Examination information

Assessments for this course include an examination that you need to attend in-person.

Find out more

 

 Lab requirements

This course includes a 2 and a half day laboratory workshop, which is an essential part of this course. This may require travel to a provider outside your region which you will be responsible for covering the cost of. Your lecturer/tutor will confirm the specific dates during the first week of the course.

 Textbooks

No textbooks are required for this course

 

Exam dates

2026 offerings
  • Courses starting Jul - 23 Oct 2026
2027 offerings
  • Courses starting Mar - 16 Jun 2027
  • Courses starting Jul - 22 Oct 2027
More about examinations

Computer and internet requirements

This course is delivered online, so you will access your course material and submit assessments online. Our online courses may include reading, videos, quizzes or activities, and you may need to download content.

For online learning you need:

  • Access to a laptop or desktop computer
  • Reliable internet and data plan.  

If you are unsure if your current computer, Windows or internet access will allow you to study online, please contact us before applying to enrol. 

Find out more about online learning 

How to apply

Apply to study a programme

You can study this course as part of any of the programmes listed below.

Click on a tile to go the programme information, including the entry requirements and how many courses you'll need to do to complete the programme.

From there you click 'Apply now' and start your study journey.

Apply to study this course

If you would like to study just this course and not enrol in a certificate, diploma or degree you can apply here.

Learn more about course only study