Associate Degree of Engineering
Overview
Study the Associate Degree of Engineering and develop the skills and qualification needed to become an engineering associate. Engineering associates combine a sound engineering understanding with modern technology to apply and adapt sustainable engineering practices for communities, society and the environment in general. Engineering associates often work to support professional engineers or engineering technologists in a team environment.
The Associate Degree of Engineering allows you to develop the skills required to become an engineering associate and gain knowledge of engineering principles relevant to the testing, inspection, drawing, adaptation, commissioning, management or operation of on-site equipment, plant and systems. There is the opportunity to tailor your studies to your areas of interest by selecting from majors in civil, electrical, mechanical or mining engineering or engineering geology. The Associate Degree of Engineering course 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.
Career Opportunities
As an Associate Degree of Engineering graduate, you will enjoy various challenging career options across multiple 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 manufacturing or construction. Engineering associates, having specialised in civil, mechanical or electrical disciplines, find employment in national and international public and private industry sectors, including the energy, transportation, manufacturing, process, construction, mining and education industries.
Structure & Availability
The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.
Available Locations
Your Course
You must complete 15 units (96 credits):
- 1The core structure (6 units)
- 2One nine-unit-major
Unit Details
The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.
Course Planner
To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and when you will study each unit, check out our course planners.
Additional Information
Professional Practice - Engineers Australia
Mining Major, Mechanical Engineering Major, Civil Engineering Major
The CC02 Associate Degree of Engineering Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Mining majors are fully accredited by Engineers Australia.
Graduates are recognised as engineering associates and are eligible for Graduate membership with EA.
The Engineering Geology major is accredited by the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).
Learned Society - Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
Engineering Geology Major
The CC02 Associate Degree of Engineering Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Mining majors are fully accredited by Engineers Australia.
Graduates are recognised as engineering associates and are eligible for Graduate membership with EA.
The Engineering Geology major is accredited by the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).
Professional Practice - Engineers Australia
Electrical Engineering Major
The CC02 Associate Degree of Engineering Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Mining majors are fully accredited by Engineers Australia.
Graduates are recognised as engineering associates and are eligible for Graduate membership with EA.
The Engineering Geology major is accredited by the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).
Engineering Practice Experience - ENEP14004
Students are required to complete 240 hours of Engineering Professional Practice prior to graduation. Once the students have completed the professional practice requirements, they must enrol in this unit and provide evidence of how they have attained the professional engineering practice exposure required by Engineers Australia.
If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies. Learn more about credit and recognition of prior learning.
Requirements
To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
Student and Course Profiles
View the student and course profiles for this course and learn about CQU's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2024 via our Institute Profile.
During Your Study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
Fees & Scholarships
Indicative First-Year Fee
The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (eight units over two terms) for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary, depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the cost-per-unit spreadsheet available on our fees webpage for the approved unit fees. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.
Commonwealth Supported Places
This course has Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available, and as a domestic student, you'll be offered a CSP, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.
HECS-HELP Loan
You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees.
Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.
We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your Application Options
Follow These Steps
Extra Admission Information
Prior to applying, take a look at important application dates and learn about our admission considerations, such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support. You should also check out the adjustment schemes that might be available to you and how to access them. You can also explore our offer information to learn more about what happens after you've submitted an application and how to respond to an offer to study with CQU.
Applying for 2026
Applications for 2026 via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) open in April 2025.
More information will be available soon.
