The Bachelor of Engineering is also available. The Bachelor of Technology qualifies the graduate as an engineering technologist, while the Bachelor of Engineering is the qualification gained by professional engineers. Students who complete the Bachelor of Technology can upgrade to Engineering by adding approximately one more year of study. Generally, engineers and technologists work together, with technologists implementing the design work of engineers. The role of the engineer is more managerial and oriented towards research and design.
Technologists undertake more of the hands-on work, generally under the guidance of engineers.
There is a growing need for people specifically educated in aspects of managing the fragile but resource-rich coastal environment. Engineers and technologists specialising in coastal resource management will assist in planning, monitoring and designing coastal engineering projects. In particular, they will be involved in developing and monitoring processes, systems and equipment. Having an appreciation of the ecological, engineering and social factors impacting on coastal resources, they will also be able to study, assess and assist in developing methods of controlling or minimising the harmful effects of human activity on the environment. Likely employers would include organisations responsible for coastal resource management, coastal assessment, coastal resource usage and coastal policy and development, such as local government industries, regulatory authorities, engineering contractors and consulting engineers.