Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op) and Diploma of Professional Practice (Engineering)

CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op)/Diploma of Professional Practice program features two six-month paid work placements as well as project-based learning. This allows you to develop the technical and professional skills required to work as an engineer in real-life contexts and graduate with one year of industry experience. The work experience component of this program gives you an opportunity to put your learning into practice while experiencing different workplace cultures. You will also develop important interview and application skills through the completion of this combined program. Students have the opportunity to apply for work placement overseas to enhance their global learning experience. Previous students have worked in exciting locations, such as a diamond mine in Ireland and an international engineering firm in Switzerland.

What am I studying?

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, mining and technology could be for you.

Why Study Engineering at CQUniversity

CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op)/Diploma of Professional Practice (Engineering) features two six month paid work placements as well as project-based learning. This allows you to develop the technical and professional skills required to work as an engineer in real-life contexts and graduate with one year of industry experience. The work experience component of this program gives you an opportunity to put your learning into practice while experiencing different workplace cultures. You will also develop important interview and application skills through the completion of this combined program. You have the opportunity to apply for work placement overseas to enhance your global learning experience. Previous students have worked in exciting locations such as a diamond mine in Ireland and an international engineering firm in Switzerland.

The program gives you the choice to specialise in either civil, electrical or mechanical engineering with a generic first year of the program. In the second year of the degree you will have the opportunity to choose which area of engineering you wish to follow.

One of the key benefits of studying engineering at CQUniversity is our strong relationship with industry practitioners. Such close links provide unique opportunities for you, such as workshops and lectures delivered by practicing engineers from leading companies including John Holland and industry-sponsored projects. Our close links to industry may also give you the opportunity to gain support in the form of industry-based scholarships offered by some of Australia’s leading companies.

Many of our students secure employment within the professional networks they build during their studies.

English Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, South Africa or USA the only way to meet the English Language Prerequisite is by the following:

An academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) completed within the last 2 years (from the term you are applying to start) with a minimum achievement of 6.5 in each band and overall or a secondary or university qualification which is not more than 5 years old (from the term you are applying for entry into) with a satisfactory level of achievement of at least 2 years in duration from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, South Africa or USA.

Career Opportunities

On completing the Bachelor or Engineering (Co-op)/Diploma of Professional Practice, you will be qualified to work as a professional engineer in either the civil, electrical or mechanical engineering fields depending on your chosen specialisation.

Work Intergrated Learning

You are required to complete 48 weeks of paid employment in the relevant field of engineering. Placements are coordinated by the faculty.

Program Structure

To be awarded the Bachelor of Engineering(Co-op)/Diploma of Professional Practice you are required to complete a total of 29 courses including six core courses.  You study in a 100% common first year and then a 75% common second year with a 25% discipline stream; 23 courses from one of the following plans of your choice: civil, electrical or mechanical engineering.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineers are involved with structures and systems such as roads, water supply, bridges, buildings and tunnels. Their work typically involves investigating construction sites to calculate suitable foundations for construction, conducting research and advising on the best engineering solution to meet their clients’ needs and budget, producing designs and documentation for construction, implementation of projects using engineering calculations and computers, coordinating and directing research, and developing and testing materials, processes or systems related to the project. 

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers are involved in areas such as electricity generation and distribution, communication systems, control systems and electronic equipment. The work of an electrical engineer may include planning the design of power stations and power equipment, designing electrical systems and producing drawings using computer-aided design (CAD) and making decisions on the best type and arrangement of electrical circuits, transformers, circuit-breakers, transmission lines and equipment.

Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers are involved with ‘machines that move’ such as trucks, trains, ships, planes and manufacturing equipment. Mechanical engineers may perform tasks such as designing new machines and equipment that meet their clients’ needs and budgets, taking into account factors such as cost, availability of materials, strength and maintenance requirements and the end-user of the equipment.

Course Information

For example courses you could study as part of the Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op) and Diploma of Professional Practice (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.

Professional Recognition

All program discipline plans are accredited by Engineers Australia. As such, graduates satisfy the academic requirements for membership of Engineers Australia as professional engineers. For more information, visit www.engineersaustralia.org.au.