Master of Engineering

The Masters Degree by Research is a program of supervised research and study leading to the submission of a thesis which makes a contribution to knowledge. The program is governed by the Program Rules for Masters Degrees by Research which provide details regarding all aspects of admission, progression, submission and examination of the thesis. Consultation with the University will assist you to determine eligibility for admission, to identify the proposed areas of research and to ascertain the availability of suitable supervisors.

What am I studying?

If you want to make a contribution to the knowledge and capabilities in your industry, then a research higher degree can help you achieve your goal. CQUniversity provides a range of exciting and relevant research opportunities for master and doctoral candidates which require you to undertake supervised research on a specific topic of interest. You can choose a topic from any area which the University confirms as valid and is able to provide suitable supervision and adequate facilities.

Your research will lead to the preparation of a thesis which will be critically reviewed by an expert panel. Doctoral candidates must make a significant and original contribution to new knowledge, while masters candidates must demonstrate they have undertaken original research that has signifcantly contributed to the subject area.

Why Study at CQUniversity

At CQUniversity you have access to lecturers that deliver world-standard research in the engineering field. CQUniversity is home to a number of research centres including the Centre for Railway Engineering and the Process Engineering and Light Metals Centre.

Centre for Railway Engineering (CRE)

The Centre for Railway Engineering (CRE) is an industry focused research centre hosted in Rockhampton. The CRE works towards building strong partnerships between its researchers and the rail industry through generic and commercial research and consultancy services. The centre has expertise in train and wagon dynamics, simulation, structural fatigue, failure analysis, erosion control, driver advisory systems, condition monitoring and train control and brake systems. Research at the centre is carried out by research academics, professional research staff, project engineers and postgraduate students, with support from technicians and software developers. The centre operates an impressive heavy testing laboratory facility, with capabilities to test railway structures and rolling stock.

Process Engineering and Light Metals Centre (PELM)

Located at CQUniversity Australia’s Gladstone campus, the Process Engineering and Light Metals Centre (PELM) is operated by CQUniversity with the support of the Queensland Government. The centre provides an advanced research and development facility to service the needs of industry in the Central Queensland region. The centre hosts a team of internationally respected full-time research personnel and advanced analytical and experimental facilities, including a series of multifunction ‘cell’ laboratories. The centre provides postgraduate and honours students with a unique opportunity to access world-class facilities such as a fluids laboratory, an optical emission spectrometer for aluminium analysis, an x-ray diffraction facility, microscopy equipment for evaluating materials, corrosion testing equipment and much more. Both PELM and the CRE provide world-class facilities for research; CQUniversity and researchers continue to make significant contributions to the knowledge and capabilities of the engineering, mining and technology industries.

Entry Requirements

A person may be considered for admission to candidature for the Masters degree if the person:

» holds an honours degree from the University or any other approved institution in a relevant discipline;

» holds a three (3) year undergraduate degree and a graduate diploma at a high level of academic performance in a relevant discipline;

» holds a three (3) year undergraduate degree at a high level of academic performance in a relevant discipline, plus a minimum of one year’s relevant work experience;

» holds a three (3) year undergraduate degree with a credit level Grade Point Average (GPA);

» holds a four (4) year undergraduate degree at a high level of academic performance; or

» holds an alternative qualification deemed by the Panel to be of equivalent scope and standard.

Career Opportunities

A higher degree by research is usually required for an academic career or a professional career in research.  In addition, many discipline-specific employers recognise the skills developed through research degree are applicable in the workplace.

Program Structure

Discipline-specific course codes are allocated according to the faculty and discipline in which the candidate is undertaking their research.  Within each course code, provision is made to identify the mode of attendance as full-time, or part-time.  Mode of attendance shall be determined at admission or re-enrolment.

Course Information

For example courses you could study as part of the Master of Engineering program please click here.

As CQUniversity is committed to providing quality, up-to-date and relevant education, please note courses are refreshed regularly and may not be an exact indication of course availability for your study. Please call 13CQUni 13 27 86 if you have specific questions regarding course information regarding your specific application.