Diploma of Engineering
Undergraduate
SCU-CCE-DIP 2026Course information for 2026 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Move up the ladder to supervision in civil construction
Take your trade to the next level. Upskill in specialisations including CAD, site safety, and planning. Graduate and be ready for roles including estimator and safety officer. Or continue your studies in civil engineering with degree level study.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 8
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Diploma of Engineering
About this degree
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
- Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined civil construction engineering settings.
- Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the field of civil construction engineering.
- Apply ethical and sustainable values and practices within defined civil construction engineering contexts.
- Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined civil construction engineering settings.
- Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the field of civil construction engineering.
- Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work in defined civil construction engineering contexts.
- Apply academic knowledge and skills to communicate information, concepts and solutions, individually and/or in a team within defined civil construction engineering contexts.
- Demonstrate an awareness of diverse cultural perspectives within defined civil construction engineering contexts.
Looking for a career in engineering? This pathway course will prepare you to work in the infrastructure, manufacturing and production industries at a paraprofessional level.
The one-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) Diploma of Engineering is designed for school leavers or those with a trade qualification who are seeking to upskill and move into supervisory, project management or technical roles. It has a focus on developing technical and practical skills needed by industry.
Successful completion of the diploma will enable entry and up to eight (8) units of credit towards the Southern Cross Associate Degree of Engineering or the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).
The Diploma of Engineering is offered through SCU College, where we understand that students have diverse experiences and ways of learning. At SCU College, we support your success through carefully designed curriculum with embedded support, and additional support material is available through self-access online resources.
Award requirements
To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Engineering, students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points).
Choose your subjects
Majors
Students develop the breadth of foundational technical and non-technical knowledge, skills and perspectives needed to characterise a broad range of engineering systems at a descriptive level and create simple engineering designs in defined contexts, which is relevant in paraprofessional roles in engineering professions.
Major areas of study include engineering technology and design, engineering governance, information and communication technology, mathematics, engineering materials, project management, professional development, and Indigenous world-views.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$9,314
Indicative total fee $9,314
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.
Explore SCU courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 30
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 35
How to apply
Southern Cross University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Southern Cross University who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
ATAR: 45 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: 5.5
- Writing: minimum 5.5
- Reading: minimum 5.0
- Speaking: minimum 5.0
- Listening: minimum 5.0.
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
Study method requirements
All students will be required to attend compulsory residential workshops over the duration of the course at our Lismore campus. More details can be found on the course page of our website.
Career opportunities
Graduates will have opportunities to work at a paraprofessional level in the civil construction or manufacturing and production industries. This course also provides a pathway to further study in engineering at an Associate Degree or Bachelor level.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
---|---|---|
Civil Engineering Professionals | $93K to $120K | Up 43.8% |
Engineering Managers | Over $120K | Up 41.9% |
Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers | Over $120K | Up 21.3% |