Why Associate Degree in Engineering?
Transition into a new career or pursue further study to become a fully qualified engineer with this 100% online associate degree.
Get a strong foundation in engineering principles while building practical skills with Adelaide University's Associate Degree in Engineering. Explore civil, mechanical, mechatronics, electrical engineering and surveying to discover your interests. Study core engineering and mathematical concepts and hone your skills through project-based learning and industry-standard software.
This two-year online program is a pathway towards Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and is a great starting point for those looking to change careers or enter the engineering industry for the first time. Transition from tradesperson to engineering professional. Jump from project manager to civil engineer. Discover the possibilities with a qualification in engineering.
Overview
Whether you’re looking to change careers or want to upskill, this two-year associate degree will give you a solid grounding in core engineering principles. Be introduced to university study while gaining a pathway into our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree.
Benefit from a curriculum informed by the latest engineering advancements. You’ll take an industry-focused and project-based approach to courses and discover how engineering is changing the world. Cover basic concepts in chemistry and physics and their practical application to engineering. Explore fluid mechanics and thermal energy, circuits and signals, and the structure and properties of materials. Learn how to produce your own 2D engineering drawings and 3D engineering models using industry-standard software.
Discover how engineering intersects with essential business management practices across a wide range of environments. Uncover market forces, business realities and ethical, legal and environmental factors that impact engineering projects. Study systems and design thinking techniques and learn how to harness your innovation and creativity in generating new ideas and solutions.
Prepare to work as an engineering associate, design drafter, developer or engineering technical officer. You’ll be sought after in fields such as defence, construction, environmental engineering, mining and resources and civil infrastructure.
Key features
Study a broad range of subjects covering maths, physics, chemistry and first-year engineering courses. - Learn how to produce 2D engineering drawings and 3D engineering models.
- Use industry-standard software to develop detailed project plans, process data and visualise circuit behaviour.
- Enjoy the flexibility of studying 100% online, undertaking your studies at a pace that suits you.
- Gain up to 1.5 years of credit towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at Adelaide University.
- Graduate eligible to work in associate level and paraprofessional engineering roles.
What you'll learn
Our Associate Degree in Engineering has been designed to equip you with the core knowledge and skills needed for a career as an engineering associate. Additionally, it provides a pathway towards our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) for those interested in becoming a fully qualified practicing engineer.
In your first year, you’ll take courses covering essential maths, physics and chemistry concepts. The maths insights and skills you gain throughout your studies provide an essential foundation to further your understanding of more complex engineering concepts. You’ll also learn the basics in algebra, trigonometry and calculus.
In second year, you will be introduced to more engineering-focused topics. You’ll have the opportunity to explore specialised areas of engineering, with topics such as:
- Design management for engineers
- Electrical and electronic systems
- Electrical circuit analysis
- Engineering design and innovation
- Engineering materials
- Engineering mechanics
- Fluid and energy engineering
- Programming concepts
- Project management for engineers.
Our practical approach to learning ensures you’ll gain the skills you need to hit the ground running. Throughout your studies, you’ll gain experience using industry-standard software such as SolidWorks to produce 3D CAD models that bring your designs alive, Enovia (Dassault Systems) to develop detailed project plans, MATLAB to process data and Multism to instantly visualise and analyse electronic circuit behaviour.
All of these experiences come together to ensure you’ll graduate with a solid understanding of the relationship between each engineering field and challenges that may arise when working on multidisciplinary projects.
What courses you'll study
Complete 96 units comprising:
- 90 units from Core courses, and
- 6 units for Electives
Complete exactly 90 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
UO Essential Mathematics 1: Algebra and Trigonometry
|
Course code
MATH1029
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Introduction to Engineering Chemistry
|
Course code
ENGI1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Essential Mathematics 2: Calculus
|
Course code
MATH1030
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Introduction to Engineering Physics
|
Course code
PHYS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Mathematical Methods for Engineers 1
|
Course code
MATH1031
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Mathematical Methods for Engineers 2
|
Course code
MATH1032
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Sustainable Engineering Practice
|
Course code
ENGI1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Engineering Design and Innovation
|
Course code
ENGI1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Engineering Materials
|
Course code
ENGI1009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Project Management for Engineers
|
Course code
ENGI2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Engineering Mechanics
|
Course code
ENGM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Programming Concepts
|
Course code
COMP1022
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Electrical Circuit Analysis
|
Course code
ENGE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Electrical and Electronic Systems
|
Course code
ENGE1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Fluid and Energy Engineering
|
Course code
ENGM2009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Design Management for Engineers
|
Course code
ENGI3007
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units for either of the following:
- 6 units for all Free electives, or
- 6 units for all Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
UO Critical Approaches to Online Learning
|
Course code
SOCI3014
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Engineering is a diverse and varied profession. As a graduate of this associate degree, you’ll be prepared for a range of roles. You’ll be highly sought-after in fields such as defence, construction, environmental engineering, mining and resources and civil infrastructure.
You could work as an engineering associate to design, develop and maintain products, equipment and processes under the supervision of a senior engineer. Maybe you’ll interpret engineering sketches, specs and drawings as a design drafter facilitating smooth communication between project engineers and tradespeople. Or perhaps you’ll write diagnostic programs or design and write code for operating systems as an engineering developer.
Other careers to consider include:
- Engineering technical officer
- Design drafter.
Whatever your area of interest, career paths are available in a wide range of sectors including:
- Automotive and aerospace
- Biomedical engineering
- Construction and civil infrastructure
- Consumer electronics
- Defence
- Environmental remediation
- Manufacturing and production
- Marine engineering
- Mechanical systems
- Mining and resources
- Power generation and distribution
- Research and development
- Robotics and automation
- Telecommunications
- Water treatment and supply.
Industry trends
Australia relies on roughly half a million qualified engineers to tackle its more pressing challenges – from climate change to clean energy transition and complex infrastructure needs. However, the demand for engineering skills is outpacing supply – with employment vacancies sitting at the highest level in over a decade. Sectors that are most impacted by this skills shortage include defence, clean energy, power systems, software engineering and construction (Engineers Australia, 2023).
Additionally, the federal government has committed AUD$120 billion to infrastructure investment over the next decade (Australian Government, 2024), which will mean more available work. With your studies in engineering, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to join a booming industry. You could work for some of the world’s leading companies like BHP, Aurecon or Tesla.
Ask Adelaide University
Your study experience and support
Studying 100% online with Adelaide University means joining a dynamic community of learners – all supported by dedicated teams committed to your success. From day one to graduation, you’ll have access to comprehensive academic, student and technical support teams to ensure you get the most out of your online learning journey.
Student support services
Need help with enrolments, managing your study load, or setting your academic goals? Our student support team is here to assist. They’re your first point of contact for advice and are available seven days a week, including out-of-hours and on weekends. Get the help you need – when it suits you.
As an online student, you’ll also have access to our specialised on-campus student support services. Whether you’re looking for career advice, health and wellbeing support, international student assistance, accessibility services, or something else, we’ve got you covered. Visit the Support webpage to explore the services available.
Online academic support
From understanding course content to tackling assignments, writing, and referencing, our expert academics are here to guide you. Available seven days a week, they’ll provide personalised support to help you progress through your studies.
Tech support
We’ve got your back when it comes to technology. Our IT support team is available 24/7 to resolve any tech challenges you might face. With fast response times and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure nothing stands in your way. You’ll also enjoy free access to software downloads required for your program.
Study hours
Adelaide University’s 100% online programs offer the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can engage with course materials at any time that works for you – there’s no need to log in at set times. To stay on track, we recommend setting aside 10 to 15 hours per week for each course, but you can adapt your schedule and your study load to suit your needs.
Assessment
All assessments, including exams (if required) are conducted 100% online – so you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or sit an exam. Depending on your program, your assessments might include:
- An industry-relevant project or case study
- An online presentation
- Essays and reports.
