Undergraduate
Associate Degree of Engineering
2021
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.
Credit transfers & 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:
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
International applications
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There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
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This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
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Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 6.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
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 IV 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 135 (or a score of 145 if prior to May 2010).
- 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.
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential 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. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | 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. |
| Navitas Academic English (will not be accepted from 2021 onwards) | A minimum overall pass and 55% in Academic English 3. (Note: this score will not be accepted from 2021 intakes onwards). |
| 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.
Course structure
The two-year course consists of 16 coursework units.
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 |
| Common Units (2 units) |
20cp |
Common units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below.
CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability Select Common Units to find out more about individual units and advanced standing options. |
| Core Units (7 units) |
70cp |
Compulsory Core units totalling 70 credit points as detailed below.
ENG151 Statics Students enrolled prior to 2021 should refer to the transition arrangement provided below. |
| Specialist Elective (5 units) |
50cp |
Units totalling 50 credit points selected from one of the specialist streams.
Civil and Structural Engineering Electrical and Electronics Engineering Mechanical Engineering |
| Electives (2 units) |
20cp |
Select units totalling 20 credit points may be selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. Some suggested electives are listed below however students may select other undergraduate units if desired. ECO107 Economics and the Modern Business Enterprise (replaces ECO105 from S2 2020) |
|
160 |
Total Credit Points |
Students who commence in or after 2013
No more than 10 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in an Associate Degree or Advanced Diploma AQF Level 6 course award.
Of the total 160 credit points: (unless specified in the specific course structure above)
* a minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 200 level units
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
Course Changes and Transitional Arrangements from 2021
Students who commenced the Associate Degree of Engineering prior to 2021 will note there have been some changes.
Core units have increased from 50 credit points to 70 credit points
Specialisation units have decreased from 60 credit points to 50 credit points
Elective unit requirements have decreased from 30 credit points to 20 credit points
Core Unit Changes
The following unit has been replaced as a core unit:
ENG174 Electrical Engineering
The following units have been added as core units:
ENG175 Internet of Things
SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics
SPH141 Concepts of Physics
Specialisation Changes
Civil and Structural Engineering - ENG358 has been removed
Electrical and Electronics Engineering - ENG227 (recoded to ENG377) has been removed
Mechanical Engineering - ENG338 has been removed
Course Changes and Transitional Arrangements from 2020
Course Structure: Core units have been reduced from 60 credit points to 50 credit points and Elective units increased from 20 credit points to 30 credit points.
Specialisation: The Chemical Engineering specialisation is no longer be available for entry from 2020. Students who have commenced Chemical Engineering prior to 2020 should liaise with the course coordinator to ensure they are able to complete.
Chemical Engineering (no longer available for entry from 2020)
SCH101 Chemical Concepts
SCH102 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
ENG246 Process Analysis
ENG247 Fluid and Thermodynamics
ENG248 Unit Operations
ENG341 Separation Process Principles
Unit discontinuation: ENG142 Concepts of Chemical Engineering has been discontinued from 2020 and removed as a required core unit. Students who have already completed ENG142 will be able to count this unit as an elective.
Course Changes and Transitional Arrangements - 2016
Students who have not completed ENG154 should complete either ENG227 or ENG248 or ENG338 or ENG368 as the appropriate specialist elective for their chosen stream.
Students who have completed ENG154 should not complete any of the units above.
Discontinued Units from 2016:
ENG154 Engineering Foundations
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 | CU | CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability or Elective | CU/E |
| CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability or Elective | CU/E | ENG151 Statics | CO |
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| ENG215 Surveying and Construction | SE | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| ENG247 Fluid and Thermodynamics | SE | ENG267 Hydraulics and Soil Mechanics | SE |
| ENG364 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 | CU | CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU |
| 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 |
| Year 3 | |||
| ENG215 Surveying and Construction | SE | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| ENG364 Materials Engineering | SE | ENG267 Hydraulics and Soil Mechanics | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| ENG247 Fluid and Thermodynamics | SE | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| Elective | E | Elective | E |
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Full-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CU | CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability or Elective | CU/E |
| CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability or Elective | CU/E | ENG151 Statics | CO |
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | SMA101 Mathematics 1A | 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 |
| HIT365 C Programming | SE | 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 | CU | CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU |
| 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 |
| Year 3 | |||
| ENG223 Electrical Circuit Analysis | SE | ENG221 Analogue Electronics | SE |
| HIT235 Digital Systems and Computer Architecture | SE | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| HIT365 C Programming | SE | ENG224 Electrical Machines and Power Systems | SE |
| Elective | E | Elective | E |
Mechanical Engineering Full-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CU | CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability or Elective | CU/E |
| CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability or Elective | CU/E | ENG151 Statics | CO |
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| ENG235 Manufacturing | SE | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| ENG247 Fluid and Thermodynamics | SE | ENG252 Dynamics | SE |
| ENG364 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 | CU | CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU |
| 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 |
| Year 3 | |||
| ENG235 Manufacturing | SE | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| ENG364 Materials Engineering | SE | ENG252 Dynamics | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| ENG247 Fluid and Thermodynamics | SE | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| Elective | E | 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 | CU | ||
| ENG175 Internet of Things | CO | ||
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ||
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| ENG151 Statics | CO | ENG267 Hydraulics and Soil Mechanics | SE |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| Elective | E | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| ENG215 Surveying and Construction | SE | ||
| ENG247 Fluid and Thermodynamics | SE | ||
| ENG364 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 | CU | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| ENG151 Statics | CO | Elective | E |
| Year 4 | |||
| ENG364 Materials Engineering | SE | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| ENG215 Surveying and Construction | SE | ENG267 Hydraulics and Soil Mechanics | SE |
| Year 5 | |||
| ENG247 Fluid and Thermodynamics | SE | ||
| Elective | E | ||
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Full-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CU | ||
| ENG175 Internet of Things | CO | ||
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ||
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU | 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 |
| Year 3 | |||
| ENG223 Electrical Circuit Analysis | SE | ||
| HIT365 C Programming | SE | ||
| Elective | E | ||
| 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 | CU | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| ENG151 Statics | CO | Elective | E |
| Year 4 | |||
| ENG223 Electrical Circuit Analysis | SE | ENG221 Analogue Electronics | SE |
| HIT235 Digital Systems and Computer Architecture | SE | ENG224 Electrical Machines and Power Systems | SE |
| Year 5 | |||
| HIT365 C Programming | SE | ||
| Elective | E | ||
Mechanical Engineering Full-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CU | ||
| ENG175 Internet of Things | CO | ||
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ||
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| ENG151 Statics | CO | ENG252 Dynamics | SE |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| Elective | E | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| ENG235 Manufacturing | SE | ||
| ENG247 Fluid and Thermodynamics | SE | ||
| ENG364 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 | CU | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| ENG151 Statics | CO | ENG252 Dynamics | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| ENG235 Manufacturing | SE | ENG212 Mechanics of Solids | SE |
| ENG364 Materials Engineering | SE | Elective | E |
| Year 5 | |||
| ENG247 Fluid and Thermodynamics | SE | ||
| Elective | E | ||
Course fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) Australian Citizenship; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident visa holder who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study of 80 credit points (1.0 EFTSL) for commencing students in 2021 is AUD $33,480.00.
These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, 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.