Associate Degree in Engineering

You will study introductory mathematics, physics and chemistry along with core engineering courses.

Students studying the mechanical engineering stream will also work on the UniSA entry in the Warman Design and Build Competition, applying hands-on skills and knowledge to a complex design project. This is an Asia Pacific-wide competition, open to students in mechanical engineering who are in their first or second year of study.

Along with courses in mathematics, physics and chemistry, you'll study first year engineering core courses. These include Engineering Materials, Engineering Design and Innovation, Sustainable Engineering Practice and Programming Concepts.

You will also select a stream in civil engineering, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering where you'll study courses specific to these areas.

Careers you could consider:

• electrical engineering technologist: designing, building, testing and repairing electronic parts in mobile phones, medical equipment, machinery control systems, or computers; using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-assisted engineering (CAE) software to design systems and products.
• engineering design and development: working on products such as mobile phones or car part construction; research using mathematical modelling; using CAD and CAE software; testing prototypes and analysing results.
• maintenance technician: preventative maintenance work such as checking and calibrating instruments, fitting new parts or carrying out quality inspections; emergency maintenance work such as fixing equipment breakdowns or faults.
• 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, so you could also continue your studies and become a fully-qualified engineer and/or surveyor.

Explore a range of engineering and construction careers here.