Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Diploma of Professional Practice (Co-op Engineering) Electrical with Industrial Automation Major

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

CQ University Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Diploma of Professional Practice (Co-op Engineering) in Electrical with an Industrial Automation Major at CQ University Australia is designed for students who are passionate about harnessing technology to solve real-world problems. This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, making it ideal for those looking to excel in the dynamic field of electrical engineering and automation.

Curriculum Structure:

In the first year, students will lay a solid foundation in engineering principles with courses such as "Engineering Mathematics" and "Introduction to Engineering." These units will equip students with essential skills in problem-solving and analytical thinking, setting the stage for more advanced studies.

The second year delves deeper into electrical engineering concepts, with courses like "Electrical Circuits" and "Digital Systems." Here, students will gain hands-on experience in designing and analyzing electrical systems, preparing them for the complexities of real-world applications.

In the third year, the focus shifts to industrial automation, with units such as "Control Systems" and "Industrial Robotics." Students will explore the integration of technology in manufacturing processes, learning how to optimize systems for efficiency and productivity.

In the final year, students will undertake a capstone project and advanced courses like "Power Systems" and "Embedded Systems." This year is crucial for applying their knowledge in practical settings, culminating in a comprehensive project that showcases their skills and prepares them for the workforce.

Focus Areas: Electrical engineering, industrial automation, control systems, robotics, power systems.

Learning Outcomes: Problem-solving, critical thinking, technical proficiency, teamwork, project management.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): This program is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring that graduates meet the professional standards required in the engineering industry.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): CQ University consistently ranks highly in employability, with recent statistics showing that 85% of graduates find employment within six months of completing their degree, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At CQ University Australia, the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Diploma of Professional Practice (Co-op Engineering) in Electrical with an Industrial Automation Major is designed to provide students with a robust blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to engage in real-world projects and gain hands-on experience that is crucial for their future careers. With state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools, students are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the engineering field.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in this program:

- Industry-Standard Laboratories: Access to specialized labs such as the Electrical Engineering Lab and the Industrial Automation Lab, where students can work with real equipment and technologies used in the industry.

- Software Proficiency: Students will gain experience with industry-standard software tools, including MATLAB, AutoCAD, and PLC programming software, which are essential for modern engineering practices.

- Group Projects: Collaborative projects are a core component of the curriculum, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving skills as students work together to design and implement engineering solutions.

- Internship Opportunities: The Co-op component of the program provides students with the chance to undertake internships with leading engineering firms, allowing them to apply their learning in a professional setting and build valuable industry connections.

- Field Trips: Students participate in field trips to local industries and engineering sites, providing insights into real-world applications of their studies and enhancing their understanding of the engineering landscape.

- Research Facilities: Access to dedicated research facilities and resources, including the CQUniversity Research Institute, where students can engage in innovative projects and contribute to cutting-edge research.

- Library Resources: The university's libraries offer extensive resources, including engineering journals, textbooks, and online databases, supporting students in their studies and research.

- Supportive Learning Environment: CQ University provides a range of support services, including academic advising and mentoring, to help students succeed throughout their educational journey.

By choosing this program, you will not only gain a solid academic foundation but also the practical experience that employers are looking for. The combination of hands-on learning, industry exposure, and access to advanced facilities makes this program an excellent choice for aspiring engineers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Diploma of Professional Practice (Co-op Engineering) majoring in Electrical with Industrial Automation at CQUniversity Australia are equipped with a powerful combination of technical expertise, industry experience, and professional skills. The integrated Co-op model allows students to graduate with valuable workplace experience, making them highly competitive in industries that increasingly rely on automation, intelligent control systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

This program prepares graduates to contribute to the design, implementation, operation, and optimisation of automated systems across industries such as manufacturing, mining, energy, utilities, infrastructure, transportation, defence, food processing, and advanced technology sectors.

CQUniversity's strong focus on industry engagement and practical learning provides students with a solid platform for career success:

Career Development and Employability Support: Students have access to career planning services, employability workshops, resume and interview preparation, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and graduate recruitment support designed to maximise career outcomes.
Co-op Industry Placements: The Diploma of Professional Practice component provides structured industry placements, enabling students to gain hands-on experience, develop workplace competencies, and establish valuable professional networks before graduation.
Industry Partnerships: CQUniversity maintains strong relationships with engineering consultancies, mining companies, manufacturing organisations, automation providers, energy companies, government agencies, and technology firms, creating pathways to internships and graduate employment.
Professional Accreditation: The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring graduates meet internationally recognised engineering standards and are eligible for professional engineering recognition in Australia and abroad.
Specialised Automation Expertise: Students develop advanced knowledge in industrial automation, control systems, robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), instrumentation, process control, industrial communications, and smart manufacturing technologies.
Growing Industry Demand: Industry 4.0, smart factories, renewable energy integration, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and industrial automation continue to create strong demand for engineering professionals with automation expertise.
Graduate Outcomes: Career opportunities include Automation Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Instrumentation Engineer, Process Control Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Industrial Systems Engineer, Automation Consultant, Project Engineer, Systems Integration Engineer, and Manufacturing Technology Specialist.
Graduate Salary Potential: Graduates typically commence their careers earning between AUD $85,000–$105,000 per year, depending on industry sector and location. Engineers working in automation, mining, energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors often progress to salaries of AUD $120,000–$180,000+ annually with experience.
Median Industry Salary: Industrial Automation and Control Systems Engineers in Australia generally earn median salaries ranging from AUD $115,000–$130,000 per year, with senior automation specialists, project managers, and engineering leaders frequently earning significantly higher remuneration.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates may continue their education through postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Electrical Engineering, Master of Automation and Control Engineering, Master of Engineering Management, Master of Project Management, Master of Data Science, or Master of Artificial Intelligence. Those interested in research may pursue doctoral studies (PhD) in automation, robotics, industrial control systems, electrical engineering, intelligent manufacturing, renewable energy systems, or related engineering disciplines. Professional certifications in project management, automation systems, industrial cybersecurity, robotics, systems engineering, and digital transformation can further strengthen career prospects and support progression into specialist technical and leadership positions.

With expertise in both electrical engineering and industrial automation, combined with extensive workplace experience through the Co-op program, graduates are exceptionally well-positioned to lead the development of intelligent systems and next-generation industrial technologies across a broad range of industries.