Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
The Associate Degree of Engineering will provide a sound basis of fundamental engineering concepts, followed by the application of civil and structural, electrical and electronics or mechanical engineering theory and practice.
The course will help you to develop skills for solving common engineering problems as well as prepare you for further study of more advanced engineering concepts in the Bachelor of Engineering Science and Bachelor of Engineering Honours.
As a civil and structural engineering associate, you will contribute to the design, operation and maintenance of structures and systems for the modern world. Key areas include water resources, roads and traffic, bridges and marine structures.
As an electrical and electronics engineering associate, you will assist with the design, automation and control of devices which make modern life convenient. You are involved in electronics, telecommunications, biomedical applications and power generation, storage and distribution, including renewable energy.
As a mechanical engineering associate, you contribute to the design and construction of devices which improve transportation and provide more affordable manufacturing and production solutions. Key areas include mechatronics, robotics, biomechanical applications, aeroplanes, cars, pumps and pipelines.
In addition to specific engineering knowledge, essential engineering skills including innovation, creativity and teamwork are developed.
This course was developed in consultation with and is supported by industry leaders. It provides a sound foundation of engineering knowledge which can lead to further engineering study or to employment as an engineering associate.
Career opportunities
Graduating from the civil and structural specialisation of this course may lead to paraprofessional engineering opportunities in areas such as design, construction, water supply and treatment, infrastructure development, roads and traffic and project management.
Graduating from the electrical and electronics specialisation of this course may lead to paraprofessional engineering career opportunities in areas such as electronics, renewable energy, power generation, storage and distribution, process control, mining, oil and gas, consultation, and project management.
Graduating from the mechanical specialisation may lead to paraprofessional engineering career opportunities in areas such as design, manufacturing and fabrication, mining, oil and gas, consultation, and project management.
Practical experience
This course includes 225 hours of professional practice.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2024 is AUD $35,816.00. This equates to $ $4,477.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study engineering at CDU?
Our internationally-accredited engineering degree is for problem solvers like you. Think creatively to find solutions to real-world challenges, from uniquely Top End issues like cyclones to systems and designs with wider impact like renewable energy, transport, building construction, electronics, and more.
- #3 in Australia for engineering and technology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for engineering and technology starting salary (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Take part in projects and graduate with real work experience
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study engineering at CDU?
Our internationally-accredited engineering degree is for problem solvers like you. Think creatively to find solutions to real-world challenges, from uniquely Top End issues like cyclones to systems and designs with wider impact like renewable energy, transport, building construction, electronics, and more.
- #3 in Australia for engineering and technology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for engineering and technology starting salary (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Take part in projects and graduate with real work experience
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
The two-year course consists of 16 coursework units.
Course structure
The first year of study introduces foundation engineering skills common to all areas of engineering. In the second year, students follow a study path specifically developed for their stream of engineering.
This course is available externally by distance learning if you are not able to attend classes on campus on a regular basis. Access to the internet is required for distance learning, with access to high speed broadband highly recommended.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (12 units) | 110cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 110 credit points as detailed below. CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology |
| Specialist Elective (4 units) | 40cp | Units totalling 40 credit points selected from one of the specialist streams. Civil and Structural Engineering Electrical and Electronics Engineering Mechanical Engineering |
| Electives (1 units) | 10cp | Select units totalling 10 credit points may be selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. ECO107 Economics and the Modern Business Enterprise |
| 160 | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (160cp)
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 200 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time and part time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
Civil and Structural Engineering Full-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | ENG151 Statics | CO |
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO |
| IPM202 Professional Practice for Engineering Associates (0 credit points) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| ENG215 Surveying and Construction | SE | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| ENG204 Engineering Project | CO | ENG267 Hydraulics and Soil Mechanics | SE |
| ENG265 Concepts of Materials Engineering | SE | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO | Elective | E |
Civil and Structural Engineering Part-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO |
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| ENG151 Statics | CO | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| IPM202 Professional Practice for Engineering Associates (0 credit points) | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| ENG215 Surveying and Construction | SE | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | ENG267 Hydraulics and Soil Mechanics | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| ENG204 Engineering Project | CO | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| ENG265 Concepts of Materials Engineering | SE | Elective | E |
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Full-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | ENG151 Statics | CO |
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO |
| IPM202 Professional Practice for Engineering Associates (0 credit points) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| ENG223 Electrical Circuit Analysis | SE | ENG221 Analogue Electronics | SE |
| HIT235 Digital Systems and Computer Architecture | SE | ENG224 Electrical Machines and Power Systems | SE |
| ENG204 Engineering Project | CO | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO | Elective | E |
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Part-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO |
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| ENG151 Statics | CO | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| IPM202 Professional Practice for Engineering Associates (0 credit points) | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| ENG223 Electrical Circuit Analysis | SE | ENG221 Analogue Electronics | SE |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| ENG204 Engineering Project | CO | ENG224 Electrical Machines and Power Systems | SE |
| HIT235 Digital Systems and Computer Architecture | SE | Elective | E |
Mechanical Engineering Full-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | ENG151 Statics | CO |
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO |
| IPM202 Professional Practice for Engineering Associates (0 credit points) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| ENG238 Advanced Manufacturing (replaces ENG235 from 2023) | SE | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| ENG204 Engineering Project | CO | ENG252 Dynamics | SE |
| ENG265 Concepts of Materials Engineering | SE | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO | Elective | E |
Mechanical Engineering Part-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO |
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| ENG151 Statics | CO | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| IPM202 Professional Practice for Engineering Associates (0 credit points) | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| ENG238 Advanced Manufacturing | SE | ENG252 Dynamics | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| ENG204 Engineering Project | CO | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| ENG265 Concepts of Materials Engineering | SE | Elective | E |
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full time and part time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
Civil and Structural Engineering Full-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | ||
| ENG175 Internet of Things | CO | ||
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ||
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| ENG151 Statics | CO | ENG267 Hydraulics and Soil Mechanics | SE |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| IPM202 Professional Practice for Engineering Associates (0 credit points) | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| ENG215 Surveying and Construction | SE | ||
| ENG204 Engineering Project | CO | ||
| ENG265 Concepts of Materials Engineering | SE | ||
| Elective | E | ||
Civil and Structural Engineering Part-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ||
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| IPM202 Professional Practice for Engineering Associates (0 credit points) | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | ENG151 Statics | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| ENG265 Concepts of Materials Engineering | SE | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| ENG215 Surveying and Construction | SE | ENG267 Hydraulics and Soil Mechanics | SE |
| Year 5 | |||
| ENG204 Engineering Project | CO | ||
| Elective | E | ||
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Full-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | ||
| ENG175 Internet of Things | CO | ||
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ||
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | ENG221 Analogue Electronics | SE |
| ENG151 Statics | CO | ENG224 Electrical Machines and Power Systems | SE |
| HIT235 Digital Systems and Computer Architecture | SE | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| IPM202 Professional Practice for Engineering Associates (0 credit points) | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| ENG223 Electrical Circuit Analysis | SE | ||
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | ||
| ENG204 Engineering Project | CO | ||
| Elective | E | ||
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Part-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ||
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| IPM202 Professional Practice for Engineering Associates (0 credit points) | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| ENG151 Statics | CO | Elective | E |
| Year 4 | |||
| ENG223 Electrical Circuit Analysis | SE | ENG221 Analogue Electronics | SE |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | ENG224 Electrical Machines and Power Systems | SE |
| Year 5 | |||
| ENG204 Engineering Project | CO | ||
| HIT235 Digital Systems and Computer Architecture | SE | ||
Mechanical Engineering Full-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | ||
| ENG175 Internet of Things | CO | ||
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ||
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| ENG151 Statics | CO | ENG252 Dynamics | SE |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| IPM202 Professional Practice for Engineering Associates (0 credit points) | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| ENG238 Advanced Manufacturing (replaces ENG235 from 2023) | SE | ||
| ENG204 Engineering Project | CO | ||
| ENG265 Concepts of Materials Engineering | SE | ||
| Elective | E | ||
Mechanical Engineering Part-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ||
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| IPM202 Professional Practice for Engineering Associates (0 credit points) | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| ENG151 Statics | CO | ENG252 Dynamics | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| ENG238 Advanced Manufacturing (replaces ENG235 from 2023) | SE | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | Elective | E |
| Year 5 | |||
| ENG204 Engineering Project | CO | ||
| ENG265 Concepts of Materials Engineering | E | ||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Assumed knowledge
Stage 1 Mathematical Methods or equivalent.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
I always encourage the young generation towards STEM fields, especially females. The other good thing about engineering or other STEM fields is that they are interconnected, meaning there are multiple career opportunities.
Shehani
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
I always encourage the young generation towards STEM fields, especially females. The other good thing about engineering or other STEM fields is that they are interconnected, meaning there are multiple career opportunities.
Shehani
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 6.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about engineering at CDU
John is from China studying a Bachelor of Engineering at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about engineering at CDU
John is from China studying a Bachelor of Engineering at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
Share this course