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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March, July
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Duration
2 years full-time; 4 years part-time
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Location
Gold Coast, Lismore, Online
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Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
55
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Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
AssocDegEng
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Course code
2206800
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Credit points
192
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Equivalent units
16
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Scholarships
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Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
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Start Date
February, June
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Duration
2 years full-time
-
Location
Gold Coast, Lismore
-
Placement
Yes Learn more
-
ATAR
55
-
Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
AssocDegEng
-
Course code
2206800
-
Credit points
192
-
Equivalent units
16
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
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.
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).
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"The facilities were great and the course laid the base for my career. I actually scored a dream job before I graduated.”
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
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 (GA).
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
GA1: Intellectual rigour 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 Identify and evaluate emerging trends and issues and apply to a specialised engineering practice area 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 |
GA2: Creativity 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 Apply established engineering methods, techniques, tools and resources in the context of systematic design and engineering management processes for well defined problems |
GA3: Ethical practice Apply professional conduct and judgement that reflects contemporary industry standards of ethical, sustainable and human-centred engineering practice |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Demonstrate an understanding of foundational and practical knowledge of mathematics and basic sciences, computing and information sciences, and a specialised engineering practice area Identify and evaluate emerging trends and issues and apply to a specialised engineering practice area |
GA5: Lifelong learning Identify and evaluate emerging trends and issues and apply to a specialised engineering practice area Reflect on and document development of proficiency in competencies in the relevant field of engineering practice to guide continuing professional development and lifelong learning |
GA6: Communication and social skills Employ effective oral and written communication and social skills, informed by an appreciation of diverse cultural and Indigenous perspectives |
GA7: Cultural competence Employ effective oral and written communication and social skills, informed by an appreciation of diverse cultural and Indigenous perspectives |
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).
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.
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Lismore | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Online | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 | $36,960 ($4,620 per unit) | 112800C |
| Lismore | Term 1, Term 3 | $36,960 ($4,620 per unit) | 112800C |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Career Outcomes
Graduates will have opportunities to work at a paraprofessional level in the civil construction or manufacturing and production industries as follows:
- Graduates from the Civil Construction specialisation will be able to work at the level of engineering associate in a range of roles in the civil construction industry related to the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure, including as site superintendents, site supervisors, site engineers.
- Graduates from the Intelligent Machines specialisation will be able to work at the level of engineering associate in a range of roles in manufacturing and production industries related to building, installing and commissioning, operating, maintaining and repairing control systems, smart machines, and robotic systems.
The Civil Construction and Intelligent Machines specialisations are currently provisionally accredited by Engineers Australia at the level of Engineering Associate (Dublin Accord).
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.
Entry requirements
Language requirements
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
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.0 |
| Listening | minimum 5.5 |
| Reading | minimum 5.5 |
| Speaking | minimum 5.5 |
| Writing | minimum 5.5 |
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Associate Degree of Engineering, students must complete 16 units (192 credit points), comprising:
- 1 specialisation in Civil Construction or Intelligent Machines (192 credit points).
Exit Awards
Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Engineering after completing 8 core units (96 credit points).
Other things to consider
As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.
There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.
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.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Course structure
Why Engineering at SCU
No.1 in Australia
We're rated No.1 in Australia for teaching quality, skills development, learning resources and overall experience
(GUG 2023)High starting salary
Graduates have a higher starting salary than national average in postgraduate Engineering
(Graduate Outcome Survey 2017-2019)Graduate employment
97% of Engineering (PG) graduates in full time employment within four months of completing their course
(Graduate Outcome Survey 2017-2019)Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Apply now
Preparing to apply
- Check requirements
- Get supporting documents ready
- Choose where and when from the available options
Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.
Choose where you want to study
Gold Coast
Lismore
Online
Dates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
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Credit Transfer
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