Associate Degree of Engineering

The Associate Degree of Engineering will enable you to develop the knowledge and skills required to take on a wide variety of challenging career options across a range of industries and government sectors. As an engineering associate you will apply your knowledge of engineering principles to the testing, inspection, adaptation, commissioning, management or operation of on-site equipment, plant and systems. You may also prepare drawings or specifications for others to use in manufacture or construction.

CQUniversity’s Associate Degree of Engineering focuses on project-based learning which offers you the opportunity to learn in context and graduate work-ready with industry-relevant skills. You will focus on applications and interactions within systems and combine a sound engineering understanding with modern technology to apply and adapt sustainable engineering practices for communities, society and the environment.

Within this program you will have the opportunity to specialise in either civil, mechanical or electrical.

What am I studying?

Are you interested in a career that allows you to turn ideas into reality? Engineering and technology is about using science, maths and technology to provide solutions to the problems we face every day and improve our quality of life. Engineers are involved in the design of many everyday items that we take for granted, including electricity at the flick of a switch, a bridge to transport us over the local river and the motors that power the cars we drive.

The application of engineering and technology also extends into specialist areas including maintenance management, power generation and mining. Mining is one of Australia’s fastest growing economic sectors and a large employer across the nation and in the Central Queensland region.

Factors such as an ageing workforce, a growing population and rapid economic expansion have contributed to a national shortage of engineers and technologists. This shortage equates to great employment prospects upon graduation and high income earning potential. If you have always dreamed of working your way around the world, a career in this field also provides the opportunity to do just that, because engineering, mining and technology is a truly global industry.

If you like to design, develop, maintain, manage and innovate, then a career in engineering and technology could be for you.

Why Study Engineering at CQUniversity

CQUniversity offers degrees in engineering, mining and technology to suit a range of different career needs. Whether you are from a trades/technical background seeking to advance your skills, someone looking to commence a career as a professional engineer or an industry professional in search of further education or research opportunities, our programs allow you the flexibility to choose from key industry areas including aviation, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering, mining and geoscience, maintenance management, railway signalling and operations, and power generation.

Many of CQUniversity's engineering and technology programs incorporate project-based learning in which you will undertake real-life engineering tasks, allowing you to put your theoretical knowledge into practice. Through this innovative approach to learning, you’ll be able to combine the technical skills you acquire during your study with teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills; skills required for today’s workforce.

CQUniversity’s engineering, mining and technology programs have been developed in consultation with key stakeholders in the sector. In order to meet the demands of industry, we have formed strong partnerships with leading private companies and public organisations that offer support through scholarships and work placements. These partnerships give you the opportunity to learn directly from leaders in the field, including access to guest lecturers from staff at John Holland in our undergraduate engineering programs. Through these professional networks you may be able to gain employment before you graduate by developing business relationships during your studies.

Career Opportunities

Associate Degree of Engineering graduates enjoy a wide variety of challenging career options across a range of industries and government sectors. As an engineering associate you will apply your knowledge of engineering principles to the testing, inspection, adaptation, commissioning, management or operation of on-site equipment, plant and systems. You may prepare drawings or specifications for others to use in manufacture or construction.

Engineering associates, having specialised in one of the disciplines of civil, mechanical or electrical find employment in national and international public and private industry sectors including the energy, transportation, manufacturing, process, construction, mining and education industries.

The Associate Degree of Engineering program is based on the project-based learning philosophy which offers the opportunity to learn in context. This approach is designed to produce work-ready graduates with industry-relevant skills.

Work Intergrated Learning

All students in the civil, electrical or mechanical plans must complete at least six weeks of approved industry practice.

Program Structure

You are required to complete a total of 16 courses including eight core courses and eight courses from one of the following specialisations:

• civil
• electrical
• mechanical

Specific courses under the Associate Degree of Engineering have a residential school attached.  Dependant upon courses selected, compulsory attendance is required.

Course Information

For example courses you could study as part of the Associate Degree 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.

Residential School and Study Requirements

There is on average one compulsory residential school per part-time year of study.

Professional Recognition

Graduates satisfy the academic requirements for membership as Engineering Officers of Engineers Australia. For more information please visit the Engineers Australia website.