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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 serves as an entry point into higher education for engineering. This course will deliver the fundamentals of engineering practice, with specialised units developing technical knowledge in your chosen major:
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering Geology
Mechanical Engineering
Resources Engineering.
This course incorporates project-based learning, featuring practical and authentic assessments to prepare you for the industry. You must apply mathematical and scientific knowledge, promote sustainable and ethical practice and disseminate outcomes through presentations, reports and technical drawings. The capstone project provides an opportunity to showcase your skills in delivering tangible engineering outcomes.
A key benefit of studying engineering at CQU is our strong connections with industry practitioners who offer support through scholarships, guest lectures, work-integrated learning and cadetship opportunities.
CQUniversity and Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) are offering up to 50% bursaries through the Engineering Cadetship Program for aspiring Associate Engineers. Gain hands-on experience, earn while you learn and build industry connections - potentially securing employment before graduation. For more information about the MSQ opportunity, visit the Manufacturing Skills Queensland Cadetship webpage.
If you hold TAFE qualifications (eligible courses only) and relevant trade experience, you may be eligible to apply for recognised prior learning for the Trade Practice elective, as well as other units, which could result in advanced standing and a reduced course duration. Alternatively, you may choose the Trade Practice elective to integrate approximately 300 hours of TAFE training and experience into this course.
If you are interested in furthering your studies and progressing your career in engineering, articulation opportunities are available to numerous undergraduate engineering courses to help you achieve your goals depending on your chosen major.
Discover more about your online, industry-accredited engineering course that combines theory with practical learning experiences, including six weeks of industry placement. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.
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.
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.
You must complete 15 units (96 credits):
The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.
You will study the five units listed below.
The Civil Engineering Major consists of nine or ten units, depending on your chosen pathway.
You will study the first eight units listed below. You'll then choose one of the following elective combinations:
In this major, you'll learn about planning design, and maintenance of physical infrastructure systems such as buildings and bridges, harbours and railways. You'll also gain knowledge and skills of hydraulics and materials science.
To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and the term you will study each unit, check out our course planners.
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).
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).
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).
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.
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
View the student and course profiles for this course and learn about CQU's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2025 via our Institute Profile.
CQU offers a range of alternative entry pathways to help you get started. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, there are options available, depending on your background and previous experience.
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
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 Understanding Course Fees webpage.
Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Fee estimates for the following year are expected to be available in September each year.
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.
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.
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.
Kickstart your engineering career with CQUniversity's Engineering Cadetship Program. In partnership with a variety of organisations, you can build industry connections and gain hands-on experience, earn while you learn, and receive support throughout your studies.
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
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.
When applying through a tertiary admissions centre (TAC) you can use the relevant TAC code below to search for a course or add it to your application preferences.
CQUniversity acknowledges Traditional Owners and Custodians and pays respect to the Elders of all First Nations peoples of Australia.CQUniversity Australia is a trading name of Central Queensland University
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RTO Code: 40939
CRICOS: 00219C
TEQSA: PRV12073
