Associate Degree of Engineering

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Define and respond to technical and contextual factors in the implementation of human-centred solutions to well defined industry-relevant problems in an engineering practice area.
2. Identify and evaluate emerging trends and issues and apply to a specialised engineering practice area.
3. Lead or function as a team member and systematically manage information and projects to deliver industry-relevant engineering solutions aligned with stakeholder and community needs.
4. Apply established engineering methods, techniques, tools and resources in the context of systematic design and engineering management processes for well defined problems.
5. Apply professional conduct and judgement that reflects contemporary industry standards of ethical, sustainable and human-centred engineering practice.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of foundational and practical knowledge of mathematics and basic sciences, computing and information sciences, and a specialised engineering practice area.
7. Identify and evaluate emerging trends and issues and apply to a specialised engineering practice area.
8. Reflect on and document development of proficiency in competencies in the relevant field of engineering practice to guide continuing professional development and lifelong learning.
9. Employ effective oral and written communication and social skills, informed by an appreciation of diverse cultural and Indigenous perspectives.

There is increasing demand for technical skills to help build the infrastructure, manufacturing and production systems of the future. This degree will prepare you to work in these industries, and to contribute to shaping the future in Australia and globally.

The Associate Degree of Engineering is designed to meet the requirements for accreditation at the level of Engineering Associate by Engineers Australia. The course is structured around 16 key competencies identified by Engineers Australia as being essential to the graduating engineer, which are broadly grouped into knowledge and skills, application, personal and professional skills.

The course is suited to school leavers or those with a trade qualification who are looking to enter the civil construction or manufacturing and production industries in a supervisory, project management or technical role, or progress their careers in these industries to the next level.

Foundational core units build knowledge of the practical and technical skills and the processes and philosophy that underpin engineering systems. You’ll then choose a specialisation to build additional knowledge and skills needed to perform technical roles in a range of engineering systems relevant to your specialisation. Finally, you'll complete project-based units that will develop your skills in critical thinking, creative problem solving. and project management, and additionally complete a total of 30 days (240 hours) of professional placement in industry during your studies, ensuring you are ready to hit the ground running as a graduate.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Foundation Mathematics

• Indigenous World-Views

• Engineering Technology and Design

• Introduction to Engineering Materials.

Plus there’s a selection of majors. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Associate Degree of Engineering, students must complete 16 units (192 credit points), comprising:

• One specialisation in Civil Construction or Intelligent Machines (192 credit points).

Choose your subjects

Majors

Students will choose one of the following specialisations:

Civil Construction

Students develop practical skills and knowledge to solve practical problems related to four main engineering systems, namely civil construction systems, transport systems, built structures, and sustainable water systems.

Intelligent Machines

Students develop practical skills and knowledge to solve practical problems related to four main engineering systems, namely namely design and production systems, sustainable energy and power systems, smart machines, and robotics and control systems.

Exit points

Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Engineering after completing 8 core units (96 credit points). 

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

Indicative total fee $18,628

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.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

Learn more about SCU.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

ATAR: 55 or Equivalent.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows:

Overall: 6.0

• Listening: minimum 5.5
• Reading: minimum 5.5
• Speaking: minimum 5.5
• Writing: minimum 5.5.

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing.

As part of this course, students must complete at least 30 days (240 hours) of professional placement in industry, typically with an organisation conducting work related to engineering practice. Industry experience enables students to apply their knowledge and skills to engineering problems within a real work environment, and to make valuable contacts within industry. 

All students (including online students) must complete compulsory on-campus residentials. These are typically conducted over 2-4 days and occur in the first year (based on a full-time study program).