How to become an engineer

4 steps to become an engineer

At Swinburne, you’ll find engineering courses at all levels, a wide range of specialisations, plus opportunities for practical, industry experience to help unlock your dream engineering career.

1. Obtain a qualification / Apply to an engineering course

The 4-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree is the best way to join the profession as a fully-qualified engineer.

If you don't meet the entry requirements for the bachelor degree, complete a Diploma of Engineering (UniLink) first. This 8-month course can help you pathway directly into the second year of your degree. 

With a duration of 2 years, the Associate Degree of Engineering allows you to work as an associate or assistant engineer. It can also pathway into an engineering bachelor degree.

Already have a bachelor degree and want to accelerate your career? Postgraduate qualifications are regarded highly in this profession. A Master of Engineering Practice (1 year) or Master of Professional Engineering (2 years) could boost your technical and management skills, and grow your network. 

If you have other commitments and want to see if postgraduate study is for you, start your journey with a 6-month long Graduate Certificate of Engineering  Decide if you want to pathway into a master degree after. 

2. Choose your engineering specialisation

Studying the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

This degree offers eight different majors:

• architectural engineering
• biomedical engineering 
• civil engineering
• electrical and electronic engineering 
• mechanical engineering 
• product design engineering 
• robotics and mechatronics engineering 
• software engineering.
   

Good to know - our engineering degree has a common first year, You'll study core units while deciding on a major, which you only have to declare in second year. 

Studying the Associate Degree of Engineering 

Select one of three specialisations:

• civil
• mechanical
• mechatronics
• electrical
  
  

Studying the Graduate Certificate of Engineering

Select one of six specialisations:

• advanced manufacturing
• civil engineering
• electrical and electronic engineering 
• mechanical engineering
• network systems and telecommunications 
• structural engineering.
   

Studying the Master of Engineering Practice

Select one of these seven specialisations:

• advanced manufacturing 
• civil
• electrical
• electronics and telecommunications 
• Industry 4.0 and automation
• mechanical
• structural.
   

Studying the Master of Professional Engineering

Select one of six specialisations:

• civil and structural engineering
• construction engineering management
• electrical and electronic engineering 
• engineering management 
• mechanical and production engineering
• renewable energy.

3. Gain experience

Engineering is a practical career, so we'll start you on the right foot with real-world experience included in your course. We even guarantee it in every bachelor degree. 

• Work on a different industry project every single semester, from the first year of your engineering bachelor degree.
   

Your other options: 

• Upgrade your Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree with a paid, full-time 6-or 12-month placement. 
• Start CV-building with a part-time internship (postgraduate students can do this too).
• As a postgraduate student, work on industry-linked projects which could be real briefs from clients in industry or community.
   

Swinburne also guarantees industry immersion for all vocational students, including those studying an associate degree. Engage in real-world problem-solving alongside industry, teachers and peers in the Future of Work Lab.

Go beyond! Join Team Swinburne Formula SAE and help design, build and race electric cars. Or be the change with Engineers Without Borders. Future employers will love any extra effort you make to gain experience.

4. Join an industry association

Our degrees are professionally accredited by Engineers Australia, the profession's peak body. Which means you can apply for membership:

• Student registration is free and provides access to networking events and career resources. 
• Graduate registration means you can use post-nominals that add to your credibility.