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 discipline of Civil, Electrical, Engineering Geology, Mechanical or Resources. Online study and an accelerated part-time planner offer flexible study options. The 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. If you hold TAFE qualifications 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.
The Associate Degree of Engineering is part of CQUniversity’s Engineering Cadetship Program, which could enable you to combine sponsored study with ongoing employment at an engineering firm. Cadets are among the most work-ready graduates with additional workplace training, extensive experience, and industry connections. See CQUniversity’s Engineering Cadetships website for current opportunities.
The Associate Degree of Engineering is an alternate entry pathway for the Bachelor of Engineering Technology and CQUniversity’s suite of Bachelor of Engineering Honours courses. You can also articulate into these courses easily to broaden your career opportunities.
Associate Degree of Engineering graduates will enjoy rewarding career opportunities across various industries and government sectors. As an engineering associate, you will apply your knowledge of engineering principles to the testing, inspection, adaptation, commissioning, management and operation of plants, specialist equipment and systems. In addition, you may complete minor designs and prepare drawings or specifications for others to use in manufacturing or construction.
Engineering associates, having specialised in civil, electrical, geology, mechanical or resources disciplines, find employment in national and international public and private industry sectors, including energy, transportation, manufacturing, processing, construction, mining and education.
The Associate Degree of Engineering course employs the project-based learning philosophy to learn in context and produce work-ready graduates with industry-relevant skills.
Duration | 4 years part-time |
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Credit Points that Must be Earned | 96 |
Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
Expected Hours of Study | One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term. |
Course Type | Undergraduate Award |
Qualification (post nominal) | ADEng |
AQF Level | Level 6: Associate Degree |
Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Not Applicable |
Rank Threshold | SR 60 | ATAR 60 |
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or the United States of America, you are required to meet the English language proficiency requirements set by the University.
You are required to provide documentation confirming completion of:
These qualifications must be completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or the United States of America to meet the English language proficiency requirements.
If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.
Each application will be assessed individually.
If you are a prospective international student, please visit the English requirements for international students page for further information.
N/A
N/A
Interim Awards | Not applicable |
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Exit Awards | CM23 - Undergraduate Certificate in Introductory Engineering CL43 - Diploma of Technical Studies |
Accreditation |
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Compulsory Residential School | Students of this course will be required to attend a CQUniversity location or other designated location for compulsory residential schools in some units. Students are advised to check unit details to determine whether a unit has a residential component prior to enrolling. |
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Click here to view all Residential Schools |
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. |
Year | Number of Students |
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2025 | 106 |
2024 | 162 |
2023 | 176 |
2022 | 209 |
2021 | 225 |
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
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Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||||
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Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
1. KNOWLEDGE Have broad theoretical and technical knowledge with some depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines | ||||||||
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to identify, analyse and evaluate information and concepts from a range of sources | ||||||||
3. SKILLS Have cognitive, technical and creative thinking skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge and ideas with some depth in a discipline | ||||||||
4. SKILLS Have cognitive, communication and analytical skills to interpret and transmit responses to sometimes complex problems | ||||||||
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to make a clear and coherent presentation of knowledge and ideas with some intellectual independence | ||||||||
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in paraprofessional practice | ||||||||
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt knowledge and skills in a range of contexts and/or for further studies in one or more disciplines | ||||||||
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt fundamental principles, concepts and techniques to known and unknown situations | ||||||||
9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity |
Course Learning Outcomes | |||||||
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Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
1. KNOWLEDGE Have broad theoretical and technical knowledge with some depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines | |||||||
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to identify, analyse and evaluate information and concepts from a range of sources | |||||||
3. SKILLS Have cognitive, technical and creative thinking skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge and ideas with some depth in a discipline | |||||||
4. SKILLS Have cognitive, communication and analytical skills to interpret and transmit responses to sometimes complex problems | |||||||
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to make a clear and coherent presentation of knowledge and ideas with some intellectual independence | |||||||
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in paraprofessional practice | |||||||
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt knowledge and skills in a range of contexts and/or for further studies in one or more disciplines | |||||||
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt fundamental principles, concepts and techniques to known and unknown situations | |||||||
9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | |||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity |
Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||
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Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
1. KNOWLEDGE Have broad theoretical and technical knowledge with some depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines | ||||||
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to identify, analyse and evaluate information and concepts from a range of sources | ||||||
3. SKILLS Have cognitive, technical and creative thinking skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge and ideas with some depth in a discipline | ||||||
4. SKILLS Have cognitive, communication and analytical skills to interpret and transmit responses to sometimes complex problems | ||||||
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to make a clear and coherent presentation of knowledge and ideas with some intellectual independence | ||||||
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in paraprofessional practice | ||||||
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt knowledge and skills in a range of contexts and/or for further studies in one or more disciplines | ||||||
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt fundamental principles, concepts and techniques to known and unknown situations | ||||||
9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity |
Course Learning Outcomes | |||||||
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Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
1. KNOWLEDGE Have broad theoretical and technical knowledge with some depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines | |||||||
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to identify, analyse and evaluate information and concepts from a range of sources | |||||||
3. SKILLS Have cognitive, technical and creative thinking skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge and ideas with some depth in a discipline | |||||||
4. SKILLS Have cognitive, communication and analytical skills to interpret and transmit responses to sometimes complex problems | |||||||
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to make a clear and coherent presentation of knowledge and ideas with some intellectual independence | |||||||
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in paraprofessional practice | |||||||
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt knowledge and skills in a range of contexts and/or for further studies in one or more disciplines | |||||||
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt fundamental principles, concepts and techniques to known and unknown situations | |||||||
9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | |||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity |
Course Learning Outcomes | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
1. KNOWLEDGE Have broad theoretical and technical knowledge with some depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines | |||||||
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to identify, analyse and evaluate information and concepts from a range of sources | |||||||
3. SKILLS Have cognitive, technical and creative thinking skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge and ideas with some depth in a discipline | |||||||
4. SKILLS Have cognitive, communication and analytical skills to interpret and transmit responses to sometimes complex problems | |||||||
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to make a clear and coherent presentation of knowledge and ideas with some intellectual independence | |||||||
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in paraprofessional practice | |||||||
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt knowledge and skills in a range of contexts and/or for further studies in one or more disciplines | |||||||
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt fundamental principles, concepts and techniques to known and unknown situations | |||||||
9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | |||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity |
Number of units: 5 | Total credit points: 36 |
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To complete this course, you must pass all units in the Core Structure and one Major. The More Details tab has a link to the Course Planners Site which lists all units for this course.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
MATH11160 | Technology Mathematics | |
ENEG11005 | Introduction to Contemporary Engineering | |
MATH11247 | Foundation Mathematics |
Engineering Professional Practice
This course has 240 hours of Engineering Professional Practice requirement prior to graduation. 'Undergraduate Engineering Course' Moodle meta-site will provide you with information about the work experience requirements of the accreditation body, the evidence you need to collect, and information on how to create the ePortfolio that you will use to accumulate evidence of your professional practice exposure throughout the course of study. In one of the later terms of study, after you have completed your professional practice requirements, you must enrol into the following unit to provide evidence of how you have attained the professional engineering practice exposure required by Engineers Australia. Note that this unit is zero credits and is at no cost to you.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ENEP14004 | Engineering Practice Experience |
Capstone Project
In the final term of the course, you will complete a capstone project to demonstrate your readiness to work as an Engineering Associate. This project unit is worth 12 credit points (12cp).
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ENAG12002 | Engineering Associate Project |
Number of units: 10 | Total credit points: 60 |
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You will complete eight discipline units and one or two elective units, depending on whether you choose one 12-credit unit or two 6-credit units for your elective requirement.
The More Details tab has a link to the Course Planners for this course.
You will complete the following units:
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ENEC12008 | Geotechnical Engineering | |
ENAC12002 | Steel and Concrete Design | |
ENTC12004 | Civil Construction | |
ENEG11006 | Engineering Statics | |
ENEG11008 | Materials for Engineers | |
ENEC12009 | Engineering Surveying and Spatial Sciences | |
ENEC12010 | Hydraulics and Hydrology | |
ENEC12011 | Transport Systems |
Electives
Students must complete 12 credit points of elective units from one of the following options:
OR
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ENEG11009 | Fundamentals of Sustainable Energy | |
BLAR11043 | Building Systems and Services 1 | |
ENAG11010 | Trade Practice 1 |
Number of units: 10 | Total credit points: 60 |
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You will complete eight discipline units and one or two elective units, depending on whether you choose one 12-credit unit or two 6-credit units for your elective requirement.
The More Details tab has a link to the Course Planners for this course.
You will study the following units:
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ENAE12013 | Electrical Components and Circuit Analysis | |
ENAE12003 | Control Technology | |
ENEE12015 | Electrical Power Engineering | |
ENAE12006 | Electrical Machines and Drives | |
ENEG11009 | Fundamentals of Sustainable Energy | |
ENEX12002 | Introductory Electronics | |
ENAX12001 | Power Electronics Applications | |
ENEE13022 | Communication Technology |
Electives
Students must complete 12 credit points of elective units from one of the following options:
OR
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ENEG11006 | Engineering Statics | |
ENEG11008 | Materials for Engineers | |
ENAG11010 | Trade Practice 1 |
Number of units: 10 | Total credit points: 60 |
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The Engineering Geology major is recognised by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).
The Engineering Geology major is endorsed by The Minerals Industry National Associate Degree (MINAD) Program which was established through the Minerals Tertiary Education Council (MTEC), a sub-committee of the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA).
You will complete eight discipline units and one or two elective units, depending on whether you choose one 12-credit unit or two 6-credit units for your elective requirement.
The More Details tab has a link to the Course Planners for this course.
You will study the following units:
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
GEOG19021 | Geographic Information Systems | |
ENAR12015 | Structural Geology and Sedimentology | |
CHEM11043 | Atoms, Molecules and Matter | |
ENEC12008 | Geotechnical Engineering | |
ENAR12004 | Mine Management and Safety | |
ENAR12014 | Introduction to Mining Technology | |
ENAR12016 | Earth Science | |
ENAR13001 | Economic Geology |
Electives
Students must complete 12 credit points of elective units from one of the following options:
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ENEG11006 | Engineering Statics | |
ENEG11008 | Materials for Engineers | |
ENAG11010 | Trade Practice 1 |
Number of units: 10 | Total credit points: 60 |
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You will complete eight discipline units and one or two elective units, depending on whether you choose one 12-credit unit or two 6-credit units for your elective requirement.
The More Details tab has a link to the Course Planners for this course.
You will study the following units:
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ENAM12003 | Engineering Fluids | |
ENEM12008 | Solid Materials Handling | |
ENAM12005 | Thermal Energy Plant | |
ENAM12004 | Dynamics | |
ENTM12006 | Industrial Fluid Power | |
ENEG11008 | Materials for Engineers | |
ENEG11006 | Engineering Statics | |
ENEM12009 | Structural Mechanics |
Electives
Students must complete 12 credit points of elective units from one of the following options:
OR
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ENEG11009 | Fundamentals of Sustainable Energy | |
ENAM12006 | Mechanical Component Selection | |
ENAG11010 | Trade Practice 1 |
Number of units: 10 | Total credit points: 60 |
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The Resources major is recognised by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).
The Resources major is endorsed by The Minerals Industry National Associate Degree (MINAD) Program which was established through the Minerals Tertiary Education Council (MTEC), a sub-committee of the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA).
You will complete eight discipline units and one or two elective units, depending on whether you choose one 12-credit unit or two 6-credit units for your elective requirement.
The More Details tab has a link to the Course Planners for this course.
You will study the following units:
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ENAR12014 | Introduction to Mining Technology | |
ENAR12013 | Mine Planning and Design | |
ENAR12004 | Mine Management and Safety | |
ENAR12006 | Rock Engineering | |
ENEG11009 | Fundamentals of Sustainable Energy | |
ENAR12016 | Earth Science | |
ENEC12009 | Engineering Surveying and Spatial Sciences | |
ENAR13001 | Economic Geology |
Electives
Students must complete 12 credit points of elective units from one of the following options:
OR
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ENEG11006 | Engineering Statics | |
ENEG11008 | Materials for Engineers | |
ENAG11010 | Trade Practice 1 |
Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle
All students should regularly check the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle for the latest information, including key staff contacts, intensive class schedules, student mobility and exchange opportunities, cadetships and scholarships, social events and student societies, and final-year project advice.
Course Planners
Course planners are online for each major, full-time or part-time study option, and commencing term. Students are also encouraged to create a personalised planner if obtaining credit, advance standing or studying at an alternate pace. The Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle includes instructions for obtaining your personalised course planner.
Cadetships
Flexible and online course delivery options provide support for working students. The CQUniversity Engineering Cadetship model allows students to enter the engineering workforce from their first year of study. Cadets can extend their learning by directly applying new knowledge to workplace scenarios and learning from working with engineers and associates. All cadets are paid, and many are also offered full sponsorship of course tuition fees. Cadetship opportunities are posted on the CQUniversity Engineering Cadetships Website.
Course Articulation
The undergraduate engineering courses include a common foundation year, allowing students to articulate between courses with minimal or no additional study should their circumstances or career aspirations change. Students may also change their major during their first year of study. The Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle contains instructions and staff contacts for inquiries.
High School Course Pathways
Students can consider taking any of the several pathways designed to ease their transition into the course. Pathways for high school graduates commence in Year 11 and include reduced mathematics units to study by completing Mathematical Methods, early study of engineering units while at high school through CQUniversity’s Start Uni Now (SUN) program, and credit for other units by completing Engineering General and/or Design General with extra-curricular activities if supported at high school. Prospective students can request further information on engineering course pathways by emailing our college professional team SETAdmin@cqu.edu.au).
Engineering Professional Practice
This course includes mandatory professional practice, as explained in the handbook.