Your ultimate guide to studying Engineering in Australia
Engineering: people often think of mathematics, physics and building robots. Not to say this isn’t a large part of what we do, however, there is more to Engineering than that. Finding solutions to complex contemporary problems, working with others to make devices as small as microchips, abstract like computer programs and AI or as massive as developing whole traffic systems and urban environments – this is what really appealed to me when I chose to study this degree.
With its many specialisations and future employment opportunities, technical and humanitarian aspects, Engineering can be well-suited to a variety of personalities. If you enjoy building things (from Lego or otherwise), finding innovative solutions and wish to make positive change in the world, keep reading to find out more about further study options in Australia!
What’s in the degree?
What will I study?
Although topics are mostly specialisation-specific, your degree will have a strong basis in mathematics, analysis, and physics, as well as transferrable skills like public speaking, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, design and creativity. Engineering, despite common belief, has humanitarian components, particularly learning how to anticipate and accommodate client needs and manage people during projects.
During your degree and throughout your career, you will have the opportunity to perfect these skills while changing the world for the better.
Other opportunities:
Student clubs
Each university is different, but many have Engineering student clubs, focused on building a supportive community by organising industry and specialisation-advice nights, fun activities such as short cruises, balls and game nights, as well as the “Jaffy” (first-year) camps (highly recommend going, I met my closest uni friends there). Other than making new friends and lifelong memories, they are great for finding older students to chat with about Engineering and any other questions you may have.
Student teams
Many Australian Engineering universities have specialised student teams working together on degree-specific projects such as the FSAE team at RMIT and Motorsport at Monash, competing interstate and internationally with the vehicles they build. There are a vast number of teams, each with a focus on a different topic, from building rockets and developing AI to the bionic eye, with students able to take on administrative, financial, management or technical positions.
Internships and industry placements
Many universities require students to complete a set number of professional practice hours (getting involved in the local community through part-time work or volunteering, industry placements, as well as summer internship opportunities (can be accessed through uni to earn credit towards your degree)).
Universities offer guidance on applying for technical internships, with many students being offered a full-time job at industry partners upon graduation.
Overseas exchange
There are plenty of opportunities throughout this degree to participate in overseas exchange programs, the durations and locations of which differ between universities. This can be an excellent way to travel the world, increase your competitiveness, and make lifelong connections and memories.
Specialisations
Aerospace
- Spacecraft, aircraft, rocketry and missile planning, development, construction and repair
- Flight control, propulsion and material optimisation
- Jobs: ADF, QANTAS, JetStar, with abundant overseas opportunities
Biomedical
- Using Engineering principles to design solutions in healthcare and medicine, including diagnosis, therapy and medical devices
- Jobs: working at hospitals, physiotherapy and rehabilitation clinics by providing technology to improve patients’ wellbeing
Chemical
- Transforming raw materials into commercially usable products
- Focus: Chemistry, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, particle technology and materials
- Jobs: pharmaceuticals, gas, food and water development, using CAD software to create products
Civil
- Designing and maintaining built environments, including bridges, roads, tunnels, railways, etc
- Geomechanics and hydrology
- Jobs: Government agencies, Engineering firms and project management
Electrical
- Electronics, signals, circuits, chips, power (such as transformers and power plants) and telecommunications
- Jobs: measuring risks posed by electronics, calculating and building circuitry to maximise performance
Environmental
- Finding solutions for local and local issues such as contamination, pollution and maintaining natural environments
- Hydrology, materials, thermodynamics, environmental risks, sustainability and law
- Jobs: Government positions, implementing ‘green’ policies to reduce the negative environmental impact of other projects in local and remote areas
Mechanical
- Studying structural and fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, mechanical and thermal energy
- Designing, constructing and repairing moving components in devices and systems such as vehicles, machinery or robotics applications
- Jobs: medical technology development, transport and Defence vehicle maintenance
Mechatronics
- Often referred to as a “Jack of all trades” specialisation, as it is a combination of electrical, software, mechanical and robotics
- Systems engineering, control and power systems, electronics, manufacturing
- Jobs: Robotics, prosthetic limbs in rehabilitation, developing AI
Software
- Developing and improving software and computer programs
- Coding and optimising computer systems
- Jobs: Most major companies such as ANZ and Slack require software engineers to solve interface problems for optimal performance
Double degrees
If you are unsure about what career you might enjoy or wish to increase your competitiveness in the job market by broadening your skillset, taking a double degree (if your desired university offers it) can be a great choice.
You can choose to combine Engineering with Arts, Biomedicine, Commerce, Law or Science. Alternatively, most universities offer a Diploma in Languages or Music taken concurrently with single degrees.
Jobs after graduation
Upon graduation from a 4–5-year bachelor’s degree, there is the option to continue studies to a Masters and PhD level, or head into the workforce. Job opportunities vary based on the chosen specialisation (see section above), however, the main positions are junior Engineer, technician or consultant, with a potential to progress to project manager or CEO over time.
FAQs
What do the job prospects look like for an Engineer in Australia?
Engineers are in high demand, with a steadily increasing need for creative problem-solvers in all specialisations.
Do you have any recommendations for students contemplating whether Engineering is right for them?
Engineering is one of those careers which (unless you have personal connections with Engineers) is difficult to comprehend exactly what it entails as a tertiary course and future career. To help decide whether it is a good fit, it is important to get in contact with people in the field – whether that is uni students, Engineers or lecturers.
What if I don’t know anyone in this field?
That’s okay, a lot of Engineering students are in the same boat! Going to university open days is a great way to chat with students, lecturers and course advisors about the degree. Before my first year, I spent most of the Engineering open day talking to current students at the student team and club stalls about their experiences. Ask them about what they enjoy, and what they don’t about their course.
Want more personalized study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
Written by Viola Halmai, KIS Academics Tutor for VCE Physics, Maths Methods, English Language, German and Psychology. Viola is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Biomedicine and Engineering and has received stellar reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Viola’s profile here and request her as a tutor.