Why Study / Key Benefits

The Diploma of Engineering (UniLink) is a pathway qualification designed to provide students with foundational engineering knowledge and a supported transition into a Swinburne bachelor degree.

Key benefits include:

• Develop foundational knowledge of engineering principles, mathematics, programming, materials, mechanics and sustainable engineering.
• Learn how engineering concepts are applied to real-world problems.
• Develop analytical problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork and decision-making skills.
• Gain experience with engineering design, calculations, material analysis, kinematics and sustainable practices.
• Receive additional academic and English-language support through the UniLink model.
• Study in smaller classes with increased teacher contact and personalised learning support.
• Completion provides a pathway with advanced standing into selected Swinburne bachelor degrees.
• Students have access to Swinburne facilities and support services as part of the Hawthorn campus community.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

Students complete 100 credit points comprising 7 core units and 1 elective.

Core units

The current course structure lists:

• Mechanics of Structures – ARC20011
• Fundamentals of Programming – COS10029
• Digital Technology in an Indigenous Context – COS10030
• Energy and Motion – CVE10001
• Sustainable and Innovative Design in Engineering Projects – CVE10007
• Materials and Processes – MEE10002
• Calculus and Applications – MTH10014

Each core unit is worth 12.5 credit points.

Mathematics streams

Students are required to select one of two mathematics streams:

General Mathematics Stream:

• Preliminary Mathematics – MTH00013
• 12.5 credit points

Mathematics Methods or Specialist Mathematics Stream:

• Linear Algebra and Applications – MTH20013
• 12.5 credit points.

The course therefore provides preparation across:

• Engineering mechanics
• Mathematics and calculus
• Programming
• Engineering materials
• Energy and motion
• Sustainable engineering design
• Digital technology
• Engineering problem-solving
• Engineering project planning and evaluation.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The qualification is a general engineering pathway rather than a specialised engineering major.

Its curriculum provides foundation knowledge applicable to several engineering disciplines, with progression options including:

• Civil engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Industrial engineering
• Mechanical engineering

The diploma can also provide pathways into aviation-related bachelor's degrees listed by Swinburne.

Progression / Pathway Options

Completion of the Diploma of Engineering (UniLink) can provide advanced standing toward selected Swinburne degrees.

The current course page specifically identifies:

• Bachelor of Aviation – up to 75 credit points
• Bachelor of Aviation Management – up to 100 credit points
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – up to 100 credit points
• Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting – up to 50 credit points.

Programme Highlights

• 8-month engineering pathway qualification.
• 100 credit points.
• 7 core units plus 1 mathematics-stream elective.
• Hawthorn campus option in Melbourne.
• Multiple intakes each year.
• Academic English and learning support embedded into the UniLink experience.
• Smaller class sizes and additional teacher contact.
• Access to Swinburne facilities and student support.
• Pathway to selected bachelor degrees with advanced standing.
• Up to 100 credit points may be available toward the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), subject to the applicable pathway and major.

Career Outcomes

The Diploma of Engineering (UniLink) is primarily a pathway qualification, so Swinburne's stated engineering career outcomes are associated with completing the subsequent bachelor degree.

After completing the chosen bachelor qualification, Swinburne identifies potential career areas including:

• Civil engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Industrial engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Aviation
• Aviation management

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

International Student visa study requirement

International students in Australia holding a Student visa must study full-time and on campus. This is particularly important because the Diploma of Engineering (UniLink) is a pathway course and cannot be treated as an online course for an international Student visa holder in Australia.

Mathematics requirement

Students must have an appropriate Year 12-level mathematics background, with Swinburne specifying Mathematics General, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics, or an equivalent qualification.

UniLink academic support

International students receive additional support including:

• Embedded English-language development
• Smaller classes
• Increased class time for academic and communication skills
• Learning support services
• Teachers experienced in supporting students from non-English-speaking backgrounds.

Informed Choices requirements

Swinburne identifies certain sensory, mobility, safety, digital-literacy, communication and teamwork capabilities associated with engineering laboratory and workshop activities.

For example, students may need to interpret diagrams, equations and schematics, participate in laboratory/workshop activities, respond to safety alarms and use specialised engineering software. Reasonable adjustments may be available for components identified as adaptable.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study the Diploma of Engineering (UniLink) in Australia generally require a Student visa (subclass 500).

Main requirements

Applicants should be prepared to:

• Obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for the course.
• Maintain appropriate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Meet the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meet applicable health and character requirements.
• Demonstrate financial capacity where required.
• Provide the documentation requested by the Department of Home Affairs' current Document Checklist Tool.