An engineering alumni squats down in front of a concrete bridge, she is wearing a high visibility yellow safety hat and high visibility shirt

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July

  • Duration

    1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Lismore, Online

  • Placement

    No  

  • Course abbreviation

    DipEng

  • Course code

    2125106

  • Credit points

    96

  • Equivalent units

    8

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    February, June

  • Duration

    1 year full-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Lismore

  • Placement

    No  

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

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 Systems (Honours).

The Diploma of Engineering is offered through SCU College, where we understand that learners have diverse experiences and ways of learning. The College connects you to your peers and supports your study success through additional workshops to assist with academic and study skills.

Please note that all students (including online students) must undertake one compulsory on-campus residential.

A picture of Engineering graduate Jake Bentley , outside, he is leaning against a fence and smiling at the camera

"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.

Learn more

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

Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined engineering settings.

GA2: Creativity

Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the field of engineering.

GA3: Ethical practice

Apply ethical and sustainable values and practices within defined engineering contexts.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined engineering settings.

Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the field of engineering.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work in defined engineering contexts.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Apply academic knowledge and skills to communicate information, concepts and solutions, individually and/or in a team within defined engineering contexts.

GA7: Cultural competence

Demonstrate an awareness of diverse cultural perspectives within defined engineering contexts.

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.

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3$36,960 ($4,620 per unit)111853J
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3$36,960 ($4,620 per unit)111853J

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. This course also provides a pathway to further study in engineering at an Associate Degree or Bachelor level.

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

CategoryScore
Overall5.5
Writingminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.0
Speakingminimum 5.0
Listeningminimum 5.0

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Engineering, students must complete the equivalent of 8 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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term5
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Lismore
Term1
Term1
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
ENGN1005Planning and Delivering Engineering Projects
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
ENGN1003Engineering Technology and Design
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Enrolment informationThis unit requires a software that only is compatible with Windows (W10 and newer) products.
INFO1001Essentials of Information and Communication Technology
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
N/A
MATH1001Foundation Mathematics
Term1,3,4,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4,5
Term4,5
Online
Term1,3,4,5
Term3,4
Anti-requisitesCannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in MATH1003 - Quantitative Methods with Economics
MATS1001Introduction to Engineering Materials
Term3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3,5
N/A
Enrolment informationThere will be a 1 day compulsory residential at the Lismore Campus. This unit requires software that is only compatible with Windows (W10 and newer).
ENGN1004Engineering Governance
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4


Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
MATH1001Foundation Mathematics
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
ENGN1004Engineering Governance
INFO1001Essentials of Information and Communication Technology
ENGN1003Engineering Technology and Design
MATS1001Introduction to Engineering Materials
ENGN1005Planning and Delivering Engineering Projects

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
To be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Engineering from the Associate Degree of Engineering, students will need to complete the following exit pathway:
ENGN1005Planning and Delivering Engineering Projects
PHYS1004Physics I: Motion, Mechanics and Waves
ENGN1003Engineering Technology and Design
INFO1001Essentials of Information and Communication Technology
MATS1001Introduction to Engineering Materials
MATH1001Foundation Mathematics
ENGN1004Engineering Governance
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
To be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Engineering from the Bachelor of Engineering, students will need to complete the following exit pathway:
ENGN1005Planning and Delivering Engineering Projects
PHYS1004Physics I: Motion, Mechanics and Waves
ENGN1003Engineering Technology and Design
INFO1001Essentials of Information and Communication Technology
MATS1001Introduction to Engineering Materials
MATH1005Introductory Algebra and Calculus
ERTH2004Career Development and Professional Practice
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views

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.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

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.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

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  1. Check requirements
  2. Get supporting documents ready
  3. 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

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International students studying in Australia

Gold Coast

Lismore

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.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway