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Associate Degree of Applied Engineering
Choose your major
Civil Engineering
The Civil Engineering major will give you the skills and knowledge to ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable development of physical infrastructure
Mechanical Engineering
Learn the core concepts of mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and energy as you participate in industry-based projects and practical workshops.
Mechatronics Engineering and Robotics
Integrates mechanics, electronics and computer science to prepare students for a range of roles within the field of mechatronics.
Overview
The Associate Degree of Applied Engineering is an engineering and digital technologies course designed to prepare students for the profession of Engineering Associate in the context of Industry 4.0, while also providing a pathway for graduates to articulate into a bachelor's degree.
Developed through university and industry partnerships, the course equips learners with both technical and professional skills. Over two years, students work on real-world projects in collaborative teams, learning by doing through a variety of study modes and building a solid foundation across the engineering disciplines. Immersed in a professional practice environment, students rapidly develop the mindsets required for career success.
Through the completion of these projects, students apply theoretical and fundamental engineering knowledge in practical contexts. Core competencies, including mathematics, are strengthened alongside the development of technical and specialist expertise through an integrated, systems-based approach, leading to strong employment outcomes. The course places particular emphasis on foundational mathematics, providing robust support for students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Apply ATAR-free and secure your future
The best move you’ll make in Year 12 is not leaving your future to chance. Apply for Swinburne’s Early Entry Program now and you could secure an offer before exams – no ATAR required.
Are you a high school international student in Australia?
The best move you’ll make in Year 12 is not leaving your future to chance. Apply for Swinburne’s Early Entry Program now and you could secure an offer before exams – no ATAR required.
Your industry experience
Bolster your CV with real industry experience through Work Integrated Learning, guaranteed on all bachelor degrees, which include placements, internships, or industry-linked projects. Benefit from Swinburne’s unique industry partnerships, gain invaluable work experience and earn credit towards your degree.
Skills you’ll learn
- Complex problem solving
- Computer-aided drafting (CAD) 2D and 3D
- Data acquisition, control and automation system design (Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering)
- Computer integrated manufacturing system
- BIM and REVIT specialist (Civil and Mechanical Engineering)
- Fluid power operated engineering circuits (Mechanical, Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering)
Your career opportunities
- Engineering associate
- Technical officer
- Engineering Technician
- Mechanical foreman
- Building services engineer
- Digital construction technician
Qualifications
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or International Year 12 qualification.
VCE prerequisites:
- Successful completion of VCE Units 1 and 2 Mathematics (any) or an equivalent level of mathematical preparation.
- Successful completion of VCE Units 3 and 4 English or English as an Additional Language (EAL), or an equivalent standard through an interstate or recognised international Year 12 qualification.
Students who have completed VCE units 1 and 2 – Foundation Mathematics may be required to undertake foundation engineering mathematics support.
Non-Standard Entry:
Successful completion of Swinburne’s Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education Studies, or completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including Certificates, Diplomas, and Advanced Diplomas)
Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Applicants admitted through non standard pathways may be required to undertake foundation engineering mathematics and/or academic literacy support, where gaps are identified.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Course prerequisites
VCE prerequisites:
- Successful completion of VCE Units 1 and 2 Mathematics (any) or an equivalent level of mathematical preparation.
- Successful completion of VCE Units 3 and 4 English or English as an Additional Language (EAL), or an equivalent standard through an interstate or recognised international Year 12 qualification.
Students who have completed VCE units 1 and 2 – Foundation Mathematics may be required to undertake foundation engineering mathematics support.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Other requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about admission process.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Apply for a pathway course
Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.
Note: This information should be used as a guide for those who have completed a course and are seeking credit into another course. For those yet to commence their course, during the time taken to complete, this information may change. Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree. Progression to professional degrees may be subject to additional criteria or academic performance.
How credit points work
To qualify for the award of the Associate Degree in Applied Engineering students must successfully complete 200 credit points.
What your course could look like
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Engineering Materials
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
EAT10003 |
|
Working in Industry 4.0
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
EAT10008 |
|
Computer Aided Drafting and Design
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
EAT20001 |
|
Engineering Skills and Ethics
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
EAT20036 |
|
Preliminary Mathematics
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
MTH10019 |
Choose your specialisation units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Urban Water Management
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
CVE20016 |
|
Topographic Engineering
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
CVE20017 |
|
Apply Principles and Testing of Concrete and Soil
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
CVE20018 |
|
Design of Concrete Structures
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
CVE20019 |
|
Geometric Design and Construction of Roads
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
CVE20020 |
|
Building Information Modelling for Model Coordination
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
CVE20021 |
|
Engineering Mechanics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT10002 |
|
Energy and Motion
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT10005 |
|
Engineering Capstone Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20035 |
|
Project Management Practice and System Engineering
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20039 |
|
Apply Technical Mathematics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MTH20018 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Engineering Mechanics
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT10002 |
|
Energy and Motion
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT10005 |
|
Predictive Engineering Analytics
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20022 |
|
Engineering Capstone Project
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20035 |
|
Project Management Practice and System Engineering
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20039 |
|
Fluid Power Engineering Systems
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20040 |
|
Manufacturing Process
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20041 |
|
BIM for HVAC system
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20042 |
|
Machine Design
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20043 |
|
Thermodynamic and Fluid Mechanics
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20044 |
|
Apply Technical Mathematics
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MTH20018 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Engineering Mechanics
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT10002 |
|
Energy and Motion
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT10005 |
|
Engineering Capstone Project
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20035 |
|
Electrical and Electronic Circuits
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20037 |
|
Instrumentation and Control Systems
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20038 |
|
Project Management Practice and System Engineering
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20039 |
|
Fluid Power Engineering Systems
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20040 |
|
PLC Programming and SCADA
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20045 |
|
Robotics and Automation
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20046 |
|
Electrical Machines for Industrial Applications
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
EAT20047 |
|
Apply Technical Mathematics
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MTH20018 |
2026 tuition fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$9,537.00
Total fee* ($AUD)
$19,074.00
2026 tuition fees
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2026 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2026.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2026.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.