Back

Take the first step towards a diverse and innovative career in Engineering with the Diploma of Engineering [Pathway]. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills for tertiary study and the hands-on, practical experience to equip you to tackle problems and propose innovative engineering solutions across several industries. Successful completion of this pathway course will see you transition to a JCU Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

Save

Print to PDF

#1 in Australia

for teaching quality and student support 2024 Good Universities Guide, UG Engineering

Hands-on learning

Build the skills to succeed in a supportive environment

5 Stars

for student teacher ratio 2024 Good Universities Guide

Townsville

Townsville: February

$7,825.00⁺

$33,741.00^{^}

⁺estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load

^{^}estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load

Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible

1 year full-time

2 years part-time

Successful completion of a course of study equivalent to an Australian Year 12 Certificate

314081

What to expect

Build a strong foundation of engineering knowledge and skills, preparing you to progress into JCU’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

Begin your studies by examining the role of engineers as problem-solvers. Consider the principles of communication, design, management, workplace health and safety, as well as ethics and professionalism. You’ll explore the functions of engineering within society and the profession’s contribution to various industries.

Develop your knowledge of foundational mathematics and physics concepts and understand how these will be applied to your further studies. Target your learning opportunities to support the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) major of your choice.

Gain the required skills to work in both collaborative teams and on individual projects, equipping you for workplace success. Examine innovative design concepts relevant to various contexts and reflect on the broad applicability of engineering to industry.

Deepen your knowledge and focus on theoretical and practical learning. You’ll improve your skills through laboratory classes and field trips as you learn alongside those with a similar study background and experience.

Whether you’re new to tertiary study, or pursuing a career change, you’ll be equipped for success. Benefit from access to a dedicated study support system and receive personalised support. Our team can work with you to hone your strengths and define your career and study goals.

The course aligns with the subjects, skills and experience developed in Year 1 of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at JCU. Successful completion of the Diploma of Engineering [Pathway] allows you to transition into a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with your first-year subjects complete, meaning you can finish your degree sooner.

Be equipped to become a world-class engineer with this pathway option. JCU’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) is accredited by Engineers Australia, except for the Electrical and Electronic Engineering major in Cairns, which holds provisional accreditation. Graduates go on to become innovative problem solvers, creative designers and applied scientists involved in a variety of industries.

Career Opportunities

Progressing from a Diploma of Engineering [Pathway] into a JCU Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) will prepare you to work across a broad range of occupations and industries that align with your chosen major.
Job opportunities can include:

Chemical Engineer – operate in highly diverse industries ranging from environmental science, water treatment, the manufacturing of food, fuel and chemicals, minerals processing and development of new materials.

Civil Engineer – work in design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, roads, railways, airports, water supply systems, dams, mines and waste disposal systems.

Electrical Engineer – design solutions for electronics and electrical infrastructure in industries such as energy, communications, automotive, mining, agriculture, aviation or medical technology.

Electronic Systems and Internet of Things Engineer – design electronics, software and data analytics for industries such as communications, energy, smart cities, smart healthcare, precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, mining, manufacturing, and automation.

Mechanical Engineer – design, manufacture and maintain machines for a large number of industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, agriculture, automotive, aerospace, communications, health and transport.

JCU Engineering graduates work worldwide with their qualification recognised in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North America, Asia and South Africa.

Handbook

Handbook year	Information valid for students commencing in 2024
Course code	116221
Course type	Diploma (AQF Level 5)
Owner	Academy
College	Science and Engineering

Award Requirements

Admission Requirements

Course prerequisites	Successful completion of a course of study equivalent to an Australian Year 12 Certificate
Minimum English language proficiency requirements	Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band P– Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

Credit points

24 credit points as per course structure

Course learning outcomes

On successful completion of the Diploma of Engineering at James Cook University, graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate and apply technical and theoretical concepts and principles in the discipline of engineering
Analyse, synthesise and communicate information from a range of sources, including engineering data, using appropriate mathematical and technological skills
Apply cognitive, technical and communication skills to plan and respond to a range of complex or unpredictable engineering problems
Apply skills to communicate innovative solutions, ideas and conclusions clearly and coherently to inform engineering practice
Exercise autonomy, resilience, initiative, independence and reflective practice with a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements	Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Diploma of Engineering (Pathway).
Reasonable adjustments	All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure.

Course Structure

CORE SUBJECTS

EG1000:03 Engineering 1

EG1002:03 Computing and Sensors

MA1020:03 Preparatory Mathematics

MA1000:03 Mathematical Foundations

PH1005:03 Advanced Stream Physics 1

*OPTIONS

Select 9 credit points from List 1 below:

CH1020:03 Preparatory Chemistry

EG1010:03 Process Engineering

EG1011:03 Statics and Dynamics

EG1012:03 Electric Circuits

MA1003:03 Mathematical Techniques

*Students wishing to articulate to the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) study at James Cook University must choose the following subjects from list 1 based on their preferred Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) major

Chemical Engineering: must choose EG1010 Process Engineering in List 1. Students intending to choose Chemical Engineering are also strongly recommended to select CH1020.

Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering: must choose EG1011 Statics and Dynamics in List 1.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Electronic Systems and Internet of Things Engineering: must choose EG1012 Electric Circuits in List 1.

Location

COURSE AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
JCU Townsville	Students in this program who are planning to undertake the Electronic Systems and Internet of Things Engineering major within the JCU Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree will be required to relocate to the Cairns campus following completion of this program.

Candidature

Expected time to complete	1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Maximum time to complete	2 years
Maximum leave of absence	1 year

Progression

Course progression requisites	Nil
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s)	Not applicable
Special assessment requirements	Nil
Professional accreditation requirements	Nil
Supplementary exam for final subject	Not applicable

Credit

Eligibility	Students may apply for a credit transfer for previous tertiary study or informal and non-formal learning in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure.
Maximum allowed	12 credit points
Currency	Credit will be granted only for subjects completed in the 5 years prior to the commencement of this course
Expiry	Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 7 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed this course.
Other restrictions	Not applicable

Award Details

Award title	DIPLOMA OF ENGINEERING
Approved abbreviation	DipEng
Honours award	No
Inclusion of stream of study on testamur	Not applicable
Exit with lesser award	Not applicable
Course articulation	Students who are awarded the JCU Diploma of Engineering are eligible for entry into the JCU Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), provided they also meet the relevant English Language entry requirement. Applicants meeting the entry requirements for the JCU Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) will receive credit for all subjects successfully completed in this Diploma. Successful Diploma students may alternatively be granted credit for subjects successfully completed under this course towards any other Bachelor degree for which they satisfy the entry requirements.
Special awards	Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure

Fees and scholarships

Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD7,825.00

Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD33,741.00

A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.

A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.

Pathways to JCU

JCU offers multiple Pathways to University. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this Diploma, consider exploring our available Pathways options.

Contact our friendly team today to discover which pathway is right for you.

How to apply

Note the course QTAC code for the location you've chosen. You'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application.

Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.

Student

Aliesha Smith

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Studying engineering has been amazing. I get so excited and passionate about this course that it reminds me why I’ve done it. I’ve met amazing people and had heaps of opportunities. Working on projects and problem-solving and doing it for yourself, is the best thing about the course. You won’t get that anywhere else.
Alumni

Dane Lennon

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

I wanted a career change after 4 years in the ADF and began studying engineering at JCU. JCU provided the support I needed to make the change and the industry exposure to ensure I had a job at the end. The uni familiarisation workshops aided the transition and introduced me to mates I still have today.
Lecturer

Dr Elsa Dos Santos Antunes

Lecturer, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

JCU Engineering students enjoy small class sizes, access to lectures after class, hands on projects, industry thesis projects, and a program design based on industry feedback and needs. Students have accepted jobs in a wide range of industry sectors with all of our students securing employment after graduation.
Employer

Jim Greatorex

GHD

Approximately 75% of our professional staff in North Queensland have studied engineering at JCU. GHD continues to prioritise students that have studied locally as the quality of education and resilience of character that local graduates bring to our business is exceptional.