Associate Degree in Engineering

Study a broad range of subjects that cover essential maths, physics and chemistry topics, and first-year courses from UniSA’s engineering bachelor degrees. Be introduced to core concepts across civil, electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines. Graduate with a solid understanding of the relationship between each field and challenges that may arise when working on multidisciplinary projects.

Discover how engineering intersects with essential business management practices across diverse environments. Uncover market forces, business realities and ethical, legal and environmental factors that impact engineering projects. Study systems and design thinking techniques and learn how innovation and creativity are essential ingredients in generating new ideas and solutions.

Engineers apply science and maths concepts to solve practical problems. The maths insights and skills you gain throughout your studies will be an essential foundation to further your understanding of more complex engineering concepts. You’ll learn the basics in algebra, trigonometry and calculus.

Cover basic concepts in chemistry and physics and their practical application to engineering. Explore fluid mechanics and thermal energy, circuits and signals, and the structure and properties of materials. You’ll also learn to produce 2D engineering drawings and 3D engineering models, which is an essential skill to communicate visual designs.

Our practical approach to learning means you’ll gain the skills to hit the ground running. Throughout your studies, you’ll learn to use industry-standard software such as SolidWorks to produce 3D CAD models that bring your designs alive, Enovia (Dassault Systems) to develop detailed project plans, MATLAB to process data and Mulitsim to instantly visualise and analyse electronic circuit behaviour.

Study On Demand – this is a 100% online engineering qualification designed specifically for online learning. With UniSA Online, you can take full control over your study, access support seven days a week, plan your study to fit around your life, view learning resources 24/7, and log into the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.

Graduate with the skills to transition from tradesperson to engineering professional with the knowledge and skills required in higher-level technical and management roles. Your qualification is also a great starting point if you’re looking to change careers and enter the engineering industry for the first time.

This two-year qualification is an introduction to university-level study and is a pathway towards UniSA’s Bachelor of Engineering degrees, which has specialisations in civil, mechanical, mechatronics, electrical engineering and/or surveying. Depending on the combination of courses you choose, you could be eligible for up to 1.5 years of credit towards an Engineering (Honours) Bachelor degree with UniSA. Alternatively, you may choose to go directly into employment as an engineering associate, designer drafter, developer or engineering technical officer across a range of industries.

Recommended study pattern

Note: The program structure is subject to change at any time. (Information correct as at October 2023)

Year 1

• Essential Mathematics 1: Algebra and Trigonometry (MATH 1076)
• Introduction to Engineering Chemistry (ENGG 1006)
• Essential Mathematics 2: Calculus (MATH 1077)
• Introduction to Engineering Physics (PHYS 1019)
• Mathematical Methods for Engineers 1 (MATH 1078)
• Sustainable Engineering Practice (ENGG 1007)
• Mathematical Methods for Engineers 2 (MATH 1079)
• Elective

Year 2

• Engineering Design and Innovation (ENGG 1005)
• Engineering Materials (RENG 1006)
• Programming Concepts (COMP 1047)
• Engineering Mechanics (MENG 1014)
• Project Management for Engineers (ENGG 2005)
• Electrical and Electronic Systems (EEET 1029)
• Design Management for Engineers (ENGG 3007)
• Circuits and Signals (EEET 1028)
• OR
• Fluid and Energy Engineering (MENG 2015)

Award requirements

Students must complete 16 subjects.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $16,763

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

The University of South Australia (UniSA) is ranked as one of the best young universities in the world, and is the number one university in Australia for graduate employability. UniSA offers over 200 world-class degrees that are informed by industry and delivered with a highly practical approach to teaching and learning, and is a valuable partner with Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about UniSA.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

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Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

22

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result:

• successfully completed equivalent to a minimum of half a year of full-time study of a higher education program at a recognised higher education provider

UniSA Online offers four start dates throughout the year so you can apply as soon as you’re ready. As part of your application, UniSA Online will share information about the next available study period for this program.

Completed a secondary education qualification equivalent to SACE, such as an interstate year 12 international qualification

Prerequisite: Students should have achieved SACE Stage 1 passes, or an equivalent TAFE or other approved qualification in Mathematics.

Completed an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV level or above

(For domestic students only)

• passed a UniSA Online literacy and numeracy test and have relevant work experience;
• completed a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent; or
• qualified for Special Entry

If you have previous work experience, or have studied before, you could fast-track your studies by reducing the time it takes to complete your degree.