Associate Degree in Engineering

As one of Australia's leading universities for engineering research, your course content is informed by the latest advancements in the field.

Your qualification takes an industry-focused, project-based approach to learning. Be involved in projects developed by Engineers Without Borders, which supports real projects in developing countries around the world. Discover the ways in which engineering is fundamental to creating positive change and improves quality of life for disadvantaged communities.

With changing business models and digital innovations transforming the sector, an emerging skill set is in demand. While technical abilities are essential, employers are now seeking professionals who also possess effective communication and business management skills. Your associate degree will establish and hone your skills and help you stay ahead of the competition.

Study a broad range of subjects that cover essential maths, physics and chemistry topics, and first-year courses from UniSA's engineering bachelor degrees. Be introduced to core concepts across civil, electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines. Graduate with a solid understanding of the relationship between each field and challenges that may arise when working on multidisciplinary projects.

Discover how engineering intersects with essential business management practices across diverse 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 innovation and creativity are essential ingredients in generating new ideas and solutions.

Engineers apply science and maths concepts to solve practical problems. The maths insights and skills you gain throughout your studies will be an essential foundation to further your understanding of more complex engineering concepts. You'll learn the basics in algebra, trigonometry and calculus.

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. You'll also learn to produce 2D engineering drawings and 3D engineering models, which is an essential skill to communicate visual designs.

Our practical approach to learning means you'll gain the skills to hit the ground running. Throughout your studies, you'll learn to use 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 Mulitsim to instantly visualise and analyse electronic circuit behaviour.

Engineering is a diverse and varied profession. Some engineers build the world's cities, roads and bridges, some create components found in computers and gaming consoles while others help to develop renewable energy sources to protect the environment.

Your associate degree prepares you to work in jobs such as engineering associate, design drafter, developer or engineering technical officer. You'll be well sought after in fields such as defence, construction, environmental engineering, mining and resources and civil infrastructure, depending on your area of interest.

This program is not accredited by Engineers Australia (EA) however graduates are eligible to apply for membership to EA at Engineering Associate level. Please contact EA for more information on the requirements and process for membership.

Careers to consider:

• Engineering associate: Work as a paraprofessional and design, develop and maintain products, equipment and processes; apply technical knowledge to complete routine engineering tasks such as performing calculations, operating machinery and preparing reports; and manage small projects under the supervision of a senior engineer.
• Design drafter:Support engineers to research and design new products and systems for an organisation; draft blueprints, model new components using 3D sketches; interpret engineering sketches, specifications and drawings; create test prototypes and oversee manufacturing processes; collaborate with design and production teams; and apply in-depth knowledge of the latest design trends and engineering software.
• Engineering technical officer:Support engineers to analyse and modify new and existing engineering technologies and apply them in the testing and implementation of engineering projects; monitor and test apparatus and operating equipment; conduct statistical studies to analyse production costs for a range of designs; and organise and direct site labour and the delivery of construction materials, plant and equipment.
• Engineering developer:Work with engineers to plan, design, develop, test and release new products and features, enhancements or fixes; assist with developing new methodologies and implement emerging technologies; write diagnostic programs and design and write code for operating systems; work on products such as mobile phones or car part construction; research designs using mathematical modelling using CAD and CAE software; and test prototypes and analyse results.

This associate degree is also a pathway into UniSA Engineering (Honours) degrees, allowing you to continue your studies and become a fully-qualified engineer and/or surveyor.