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The Bachelor of Engineering Practice (Honours) offers a revolutionary approach to learning and skill development. From day one, you’ll be taken out of the classroom and placed in the workplace in a higher-education experience like no other. The first of its kind in Australia, this practice-based course – co-created and co-delivered with industry professionals – provides students with practical, professional experience and a work-ready skill set.

For four years, students undertake real-world projects in collaborative teams, working as Associates with the Swinburne Engineering Practice Academy – an on-campus engineering consultancy. In a departure from traditional lecture- and tutorial-style learning, Associates learn by doing with the support of online learning modules. Immersed in a professional practice environment, Associates quickly develop the mind-sets required for professional success – agility, accountability, confidence and resilience – leading to strong employment outcomes.

By completing projects for Academy clients, Associates apply the theoretical and fundamental engineering knowledge in a practical context. Core competencies, including maths and physics, are developed alongside technical and specialist expertise in an integrated approach. There are no exams; assessment is based on individual performance in each project and progress towards self-defined learning goals.

You’ll graduate with a degree and with four years of professional experience, equipping you to adapt and respond to the demands of a rapidly changing work landscape.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A > ABOUT THE COURSE

A1. How does a practice-based course work?
This course comprises 16 core units structured as 16 six-week industry projects. Students undertake these projects in supportive teams, meeting regularly in groups, undertaking individual research and engaging with facilitators and industry mentors.

A2. It looks like there are no majors – how is this degree structured?
Traditional majors will not be offered in this degree. Instead, students can refine their interests by choosing to take part in different team projects focused across four industry sectors:

smart cities
Industry 4.0
Internet of Things and People
products designed for people.

A3. What are the industry sectors that frame the course?
Projects in this degree focus on four emerging industry sectors:

Smart cities applies digital technology to urban development, infrastructure and government services to improve efficiencies and ultimately raise the quality of life for residents. This sector will appeal to students who are interested in civil engineering and construction engineering.
Industry 4.0 combines the virtual (big data, digital technology) with the physical (3D printing, robotics, prototyping) to create a new approach to manufacturing. This sector will appeal to students who are interested in mechanical engineering, and robotics and mechatronics engineering.
Internet of Things and People refers to the connectivity of products (no longer just computers) wirelessly to the internet, which enables innovative solutions and improved efficiencies for businesses and individuals alike. This sector will appeal to students who are interested in telecommunications, electronics or software engineering.
Products designed for people focuses on the creation of marketable products that are cost effective to manufacture, use sustainable materials and fill a gap in the market or satisfy a customer need. This sector will appeal to students who are interested in product design engineering or biomedical engineering.

A4. How does the course work with no exams?
Assessment in this degree is based on three factors.

How students perform in industry and community projects.
Evidenced progress towards self-defined learning goals.
Completion and attainment of credential modules.

A5. How is this course different to other engineering degrees?
Students in this degree will graduate with knowledge equivalent to students studying the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Professional).

The key difference is that students in the Bachelor of Engineering Practice (Honours) engage in a different style of learning. This includes:

strong project-based and team-oriented learning
a professional practice environment rather than a classroom
a learning experience designed to mirror how we learn in the workplace
assessment based on project outcomes and evidence of application of knowledge rather than exams.

A6. Why is entry into this course based on interview rather than ATAR?
Joining the Swinburne Engineering Practice Academy is just like joining a professional workplace. We are interested in a range of criteria broader than that represented by an ATAR. These criteria include passion, collaboration, communication and adaptability, and relate to how you will work and learn as an Associate of the Academy.

While there is no ATAR, there are still academic requirements that must be met in order to receive an offer to study this course.

A7. Why is Mathematical Methods not a prerequisite for this degree?
Maths aptitude is key to succeeding in this degree. As such, Further Mathematics is included as a prerequisite to the course, but course entry will be based on a range of factors determined at interview.

Throughout this degree, students will learn core competencies such as maths, physics, materials and design, and required maths concepts will be covered.

A8. If I haven’t don’t Mathematical Methods, will this course be hard for me?
No. The maths you learn is distributed across the four years of the degree – we don’t expect you to have mastery at day one. Regardless of the maths knowledge you have at the beginning of the course, maths is taught with a focus on application to your project work while studying at the Swinburne Engineering Practice Academy.

A9. Who should apply for this course?
If you are curious, enterprising and ready for a challenge, you will thrive in the practice-based environment of this course. It is suitable for student who are:

proactive, entrepreneurial and problem-solving by nature
big-picture thinkers with a passion for making positive impacts in the community and world through their work
keen to learn by doing (as in the workplace) and eager to jump into a professional collaborative environment.

B > GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

B1. What skills can I expect to graduate with?
Graduates of this degree will have the skills, knowledge and attributes crucial for success as a professional engineer, as well as the capabilities required of a 21st-century career including adaptability, accountability, teamwork and resilience.

B2. What are my job prospects as a graduate?
Graduates of this degree will have, at a minimum, the same job prospects as graduates of any other recognised Australian engineering bachelor degree.

But, with four years’ experience working alongside industry partners in the Swinburne Engineering Practice Academy, graduates of this degree will boast a network of contacts and a knowledge of industry that will assist in taking the next step.

Our industry partners are confident that Engineering Practice graduates will be suited for engineering roles with:

engineering consultancies that require a skill set that can be applied across multiple sectors
private and government organisations across a range of industries that require in-house engineering expertise to unpack complex problems
start-ups and businesses that require engineers who can scope work and lead teams of technical specialists and contractors to deliver work.

B3. Will I be able to specialise in an engineering discipline?
It will be possible to go on to specialise in an engineering discipline through postgraduate study.

C > INDUSTRY AND ACCREDITATION

C1. What industry partners are involved?
The Swinburne Engineering Practice Academy’s industry partners include:

C2. Is this course accredited by Engineers Australia?
Swinburne cannot receive full accreditation from Engineers Australia until the first cohort of graduates finish and their outcomes are assessed. As such, we will be seeking provisional accreditation in 2019.

C3. Does the degree include a professional placement?
As students work as an Associate in an on-campus engineering consultancy from the first day of the degree, there is no need to undertake a professional placement as part of the course.

If you would prefer to include a year’s paid professional placement in your degree, consider the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Professional).

C4. Engineering students are required to complete 12 weeks of work experience to graduate as an engineer. Is that included in this course?
Students do not complete a specific work placement as part of this degree as this requirement is met by working as an Associate of the Swinburne Engineering Practice Academy.

D > STUDY OPTIONS

D1. Can I do a double degree with this course?
No, at this stage double degrees are not available.

D2. Can I get involved in a study abroad program as part of this course?
Students will be provided opportunities to have a global experience as part of this course, including through Swinburne's study abroad program.

D3. I am currently studying a different course. Is there a pathway into this degree?
Currently there are no pathways into this degree.

Start dates

Hawthorn campus

Semester 1 - 2 March 2020

View application and start dates

Duration

4 years full-time or equivalent part-time

Full-time, Part-time

VTAC codes

3400211251 (CSP)
3400211253 (IFP)

Course details

- Course structure and professional recognition.

Industry partners currently include Henkel, Programmed Maintenance Services, Hydac Australia, Dulux Group, Nexans Olex34, Turner & Townsend, Opus International Consultants, Fulton Hogan, Engineers Without Borders Australia and Hobsons Bay City Council.

Course structure

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Engineering Practice (Honours) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
View course rules and special requirements

View Swinburne Engineering Competencies relevant to learning outcomes for this course.

Core studies

16 units (400 credit points)

Units	Unit codes	Credit points
Engineering Social Impact Project 1 - last offering 2019	ENG11001	25
Engineering Emerging Technologies Project 1 - last offering 2019	ENG11002	25
Engineering Research & Development Project 1 - last offering 2019	ENG11003	25
Engineering Entrepreneurship Project 1 - last offering 2019	ENG11004	25
Engineering Social Impact Project 2 - last offering 2019	ENG21001	25
Engineering Emerging Technologies Project 2 - last offering 2019	ENG21002	25
Engineering Research & Development Project 2 - last offering 2019	ENG21003	25
Engineering Entrepreneurship Project 2 - last offering 2019	ENG21004	25
Engineering Social Impact Project 3 - last offering 2019	ENG31001	25
Engineering Emerging Technologies Project 3 - last offering 2019	ENG31002	25
Engineering Research & Development Project 3 - last offering 2019	ENG31003	25
Engineering Entrepreneurship Project 3 - last offering 2019	ENG31004	25
Engineering Practice Field Project. - replaces ENG31005 from 2020 First offering in Winter, 2020	ENG31006	12.5
Engineering Social Impact Project 4 *^† - last offering 2019	ENG41001	25
Engineering Emerging Technologies Project 4 *^† - last offering 2019	ENG41002	25
Engineering Research & Development Project 4 *^† - last offering 2019	ENG41003	25
Engineering Entrepreneurship Project 4 *^† - last offering 2019	ENG41004	25

*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes

^†Honours merit unit – results are used in the honours merit calculation

Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
See the course planner for an example degree structure

Course learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

apply coherent and advanced knowledge and skills of engineering in diverse contexts and applications including social impact, emerging technologies, research and development, and entrepreneurship, using critical thinking and judgment
apply knowledge of research principles and methods to plan and execute a piece of research with some independence, as preparation for research higher degrees
apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to identify and provide innovative solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence
apply abstraction, mathematics and engineering fundamentals to the analysis, design and operation of a model, using appropriate engineering methods and tools
communicate proficiently in professional practice to a variety of audiences, function as an effective member or leader of a diverse team, and use the basic tools and practices of project management within project work
demonstrate professionalism, integrity, ethical conduct, professional accountability and an awareness of professional engineering practice in a global and sustainable context to industry clients
reflect on and take responsibility for their own learning and self-management processes, and manage their own time and processes effectively by regularly reviewing personal performance as a means of managing continuing professional development and lifelong learning.

Professional recognition

This degree program is designed to produce graduates who have the technological skills and knowledge expected of professional engineers. Graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership of Engineers Australia.

Fees

Find out more about fees.

How to enter this course

- Entry requirements, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.

Entry requirements

Successful completion of:

the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Associate Degrees and Degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.

Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit. Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.

Course prerequisites

VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any Mathematics

Other entry requirements

Prior to selection, all shortlisted candidates are required to attend an interview. Interviews are non-technical and assess the candidate's suitability for the course and ensure students enter the course with realistic expectations. Final selection into the course is based upon the interview.

The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne for general information about the admission process.

Pathways

Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides advanced standing to the second.

Learn more about pathways.

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about credit.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about RPL.