Bachelor of Engineering Systems (Honours)

2024 course information for Domestic Students
2024 course information for International Students

updated 6:02 AM on Wed, 31 May

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
ATAR
70
Duration
4 years full-time; 8 years part-time
4 years full-time
Location
Gold Coast, Lismore, Online
Gold Coast, Lismore
Start date
March, July
February, June
Course code
3508003
Course abbreviation
BEngSys(Hons)
Credit points
384
Equivalent units
32
CRICOS
View in availability and fee details
Fees
Commonwealth supported
Fees
View in availability and fee details

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Course overview

Are you curious about our world and what makes it work? Do you want to help find solutions to complex problems? This degree will prepare you to solve humanity's biggest challenges as a civil or mechanical engineer.

The Bachelor of Engineering Systems (Honours) is designed to meet the requirements for accreditation at the level of Professional Engineer by Engineers Australia. The course is structured around 16 key competencies identified by Engineers Australia as being essential to the graduating engineer, which are broadly grouped into knowledge and skills, application, personal and professional skills.

Foundational core units build knowledge of the basic sciences, practical skills and the processes and philosophy that underpin the engineering profession. You’ll then choose a specialisation to build discipline knowledge and technical skills with a strong emphasis on project-based learning. This will determine your career outcomes as you develop expertise in an area of engineering practice - either civil or mechanical engineering.

The final year of the course contains a mixture of advanced core units and advanced discipline-specific units that are designed to build skills in independent investigation, critical thinking, creative problem solving, and ethical and professional behaviour. You'll also complete a total of 60 days of professional placement in industry during your studies, ensuring you are ready to hit the ground running as a graduate.

Are you curious about our world and what makes it work? Do you want to help find solutions to complex problems? This degree will prepare you to solve humanity's biggest challenges as a civil or mechanical engineer.

The Bachelor of Engineering Systems (Honours) is designed to meet the requirements for accreditation at the level of Professional Engineer by Engineers Australia. The course is structured around 16 key competencies identified by Engineers Australia as being essential to the graduating engineer, which are broadly grouped into knowledge and skills, application, personal and professional skills.

Foundational core units build knowledge of the basic sciences, practical skills and the processes and philosophy that underpin the engineering profession. You’ll then choose a specialisation to build discipline knowledge and technical skills with a strong emphasis on project-based learning. This will determine your career outcomes as you develop expertise in an area of engineering practice - either civil or mechanical engineering.

The final year of the course contains a mixture of advanced core units and advanced discipline-specific units that are designed to build skills in independent investigation, critical thinking, creative problem solving, and ethical and professional behaviour. You'll also complete a total of 60 days of professional placement in industry during your studies, ensuring you are ready to hit the ground running as a graduate.

Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.

Entry requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

  • If admission is being offered on the basis of completion of the Preparing for Success program, students need to achieve a Distinction or above in their maths unit UNIP1003 Problem Solving with Maths.
  • If admission is being offered on the basis of completion of the Transition to Uni program, students need to achieve a Distinction or above in their maths unit UNIP1007 Science and Maths for University.
  • Applicants will not be considered for admission on the basis of having fully or partially completed a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or a Certificate IV (AQF Level 4).

Credit for prior learning

A maximum of the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit credit points) of Advanced Standing may be granted to ensure the requirements for accreditation of the course by Engineers Australia are met.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

About the course

Students will choose one of the following specialisations:

  • Civil Engineering

Students develop skills and knowledge to solve complex problems related to four main civil engineering systems, namely civil construction systems, transport systems, built structures, and sustainable water systems.

  • Mechanical Engineering

Students develop skills and knowledge to solve complex engineering problems related to four main mechanical engineering systems, namely design and production systems, sustainable energy and power systems, smart machines, and robotics and control systems.

Domestic students

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3

International students

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold Coast (Civil Engineering)Term  1, Term  3$36,960 ($4,620 per unit)112798C
Gold Coast (Mechanical Engineering)Term  1, Term  3$36,960 ($4,620 per unit)112801B
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3$36,960 ($4,620 per unit)112801B
Lismore (Civil Engineering)Term  1, Term  3$36,960 ($4,620 per unit)112798C
Lismore (Mechanical Engineering)Term  1, Term  3$36,960 ($4,620 per unit)112801B

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

How to apply

Where and when do you want to study?

Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.

Australian/Domestic students

Early Offer

If you're a current Year 12 student you can register for our Early Offer program. You may be eligible to receive an early offer based on your School Principal's recommendation.

Apply now for your Early Offer

International students studying in Australia

View domestic application details View international application details

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Engineering Systems (Honours), students must complete 30 units (384 credit points), comprising:

Honours

All students successfully completing this course will be awarded Honours. Additionally, a student who has reached the required standard of academic performance may be awarded Honours with one of the following merit descriptors based on the criteria specified in Rule 10:

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Engineering after completing 8 core units (96 credit points). 
 


Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Take all of the following 26 units (336 credit points):
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
ENGN1003Engineering Technology and Design
MATH1005Introductory Algebra and Calculus
PHYS1004Physics I: Motion, Mechanics and Waves
MATS1001Introduction to Engineering Materials
INFO1001Essentials of Information and Communication Technology
ENGN1005Planning and Delivering Engineering Projects
MATH2003Calculus and Linear Algebra I
INDG1002Indigenous Knowledge
MATH3003Computational Analysis
ENGN2005Statics of Solids and Fluids
CIVL2018Water Cycle Systems
CIVL2019Road Transport Systems
CIVL2020Built Structure Systems
CIVL3009Integrated Water Cycle Management Systems
CIVL3010Smart Infrastructure and Places
CIVL3011Advanced Built Structure Systems
CIVL3012Sustainable Engineering Systems
CIVL2022Soil Mechanics and Geotechnics
CIVL2021Building Information Modelling
MECH3009Engineering Applications
CIVL3013Civil Engineering Systems
ENGN4009Engineering Professional Practice Thesis 1
ENGN4010Engineering Professional Practice Thesis 2
CIVL4003Engineering Capstone Project
ERTH2004Career Development and Professional Practice
Select 4 units (48 credit points) from the Mechanical Engineering specialisation or from the Option Units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Take all of the following 26 units (336 credit points):
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
ENGN1003Engineering Technology and Design
MATS1001Introduction to Engineering Materials
MATH1005Introductory Algebra and Calculus
PHYS1004Physics I: Motion, Mechanics and Waves
ENGN1005Planning and Delivering Engineering Projects
ERTH2004Career Development and Professional Practice
INFO1001Essentials of Information and Communication Technology
MATH2003Calculus and Linear Algebra I
INDG1002Indigenous Knowledge
MATH3003Computational Analysis
PHYS2001Physics II: Electricity and Circuits
MANI2001Smart Sensing and Control Systems
MANI2002Industrial Robotics Systems
MANF2001Smart Manufacturing Systems
PHYS2002Physics III: Energy and Thermodynamics
MANI3001Automation and Control Systems
MANF3001Advanced Manufacturing Systems
MANI3002Energy and Power Systems
MECH2003Engineering Dynamics
MECH3009Engineering Applications
MECH3008Mechanical Engineering Systems
ENGN4009Engineering Professional Practice Thesis 1
ENGN4010Engineering Professional Practice Thesis 2
ENGN2005Statics of Solids and Fluids
CIVL4003Engineering Capstone Project
Select 4 units (48 credit points) from the Civil Engineering specialisation or from the Option Units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
CHEM2001Environmental Chemistry
ENGN5001Environmental Engineering in Construction Systems
ENGN5002Environmental Engineering in Industrial Systems
AGRC2008Agricultural and Forest Value Chains
AGRC5002Agricultural Machinery Systems
AGRC5003Smart Farming Systems
AGRC5001Regenerative Agricultural Principles and Practice
ENVR5007Building Resilience in a Changing Climate: Through Drought, Fire and Flood
ENVR6008Ecological Perspectives for Transformational Change
ENVR6009Supporting Change in Regenerative Systems
PROJ5001Project Management
PROJ5005Stakeholder Engagement in Engineering
PROJ5006Strategic Asset Management
ENGN6002Engineering Management for a Sustainable Future
PLAN3001Waste as a Resource
GENG3001Drones
GENG1003Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
ENGN1004Engineering Governance
ENGN3003Tendering Project
AGRC2004Soil Management
CHEM1001Chemistry
MRNE2010Oceanography


Unit groups

Option Units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
CHEM2001Environmental Chemistry
ENGN5001Environmental Engineering in Construction Systems
ENGN5002Environmental Engineering in Industrial Systems
AGRC2008Agricultural and Forest Value Chains
AGRC5002Agricultural Machinery Systems
AGRC5003Smart Farming Systems
AGRC5001Regenerative Agricultural Principles and Practice
ENVR5007Building Resilience in a Changing Climate: Through Drought, Fire and Flood
ENVR6008Ecological Perspectives for Transformational Change
ENVR6009Supporting Change in Regenerative Systems
PROJ5001Project Management
PROJ5005Stakeholder Engagement in Engineering
PROJ5006Strategic Asset Management
ENGN6002Engineering Management for a Sustainable Future
PLAN3001Waste as a Resource
GENG3001Drones
GENG1003Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
ENGN1004Engineering Governance
ENGN3003Tendering Project
AGRC2004Soil Management
CHEM1001Chemistry
MRNE2010Oceanography

Why choose SCU?

Excellence in research

Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.

Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018

Top 200 Young Universities

Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020

Outstanding student support

5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies

Good Universities Guide 2021

Learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcome

Critically apply systems approaches using a wide range of technical and contextual factors to conceptualise and evaluate human-centred solutions to complex, industry-relevant problems in the chosen field of engineering specialisation

Conduct research to create and apply new knowledge in the chosen field of engineering specialisation with some independence

Lead or function as a team member and systematically manage information and projects to deliver industry-relevant engineering solutions aligned with stakeholder and community needs

Critically apply systems approaches using a wide range of technical and contextual factors to conceptualise and evaluate human-centred solutions to complex, industry-relevant problems in the chosen field of engineering specialisation

Creatively apply established engineering methods, techniques, tools and resources in the context of systematic engineering synthesis, design and management processes

Apply professional conduct and judgement that reflects contemporary industry standards of ethical, sustainable and human-centred engineering practice

Draw upon a broad conceptual knowledge of mathematics, other basic sciences, computing and information sciences, and specialist bodies of knowledge in the chosen field of engineering specialisation

Conduct research to create and apply new knowledge in the chosen field of engineering specialisation with some independence

Conduct research to create and apply new knowledge in the chosen field of engineering specialisation with some independence

Critically reflect on and document development of proficiency in competencies in the relevant field of engineering practice to guide continuing professional development and lifelong learning

Employ effective oral and written communication and social skills, informed by an appreciation of diverse cultural and Indigenous perspectives

Employ effective oral and written communication and social skills, informed by an appreciation of diverse cultural and Indigenous perspectives


Assessment methods

Under the Southern Cross Model, assessment is designed to help you learn. Most units don't have exams, and instead focus on real-life tasks and scenarios that allow you to gain experience and confidence in the same tasks you'll be doing in your future career.

Teaching methods

Both on campus and online students will be taught in the Southern Cross Model, with a strong focus on scenario-based and problem-based learning. The Southern Cross Model is highly interactive, engaging, and flexible. Teaching for online students strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community.

Career opportunities
Graduates will have opportunities to work as professional engineers in the broad engineering disciplines of civil engineering or mechanical engineering as follows:
  • Graduates from the Civil Engineering specialisation will be able to work in a range of settings, including traffic and transport, humanitarian organisations, engineering design, government authorities, water supply and management agencies, construction companies, natural resource management organisations, consulting engineering companies, mining companies, irrigation authorities, research organisations and in tertiary education.
  • Graduates from the Mechanical Engineering specialisation have broad employment prospects in local and global markets, including both regional and metropolitan locations. They can work in diverse industries including heavy machinery, power generation, mining, manufacturing, production planning, automotive, aerospace, medical, environment, building industries and consumer product design and tertiary education. Mechanical engineers are in demand in government departments, building services, manufacturing centres, power plants, consulting engineering companies, ship building, railroads, control and automation industries, and robotics industries.
Professional placement
As part of this course, students must complete at least 60 days of professional placement in industry, typically with an organisation conducting work related to engineering practice. Industry experience enables students to apply their knowledge and skills to engineering problems within a real work environment, and to make valuable contacts within industry. 
Professional recognition
This course and all specialisations are accredited or provisionally accredited by Engineers Australia at the level of Professional Engineer. Courses accredited by Engineers Australia at this level are recognised in many different countries worldwide through the Washington Accord.

Ask a question

Domestic future
students

Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.

International future
students

Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.

Current
students

Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.

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