Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science
Overview
Interested in strengthening your capacity to design, develop, and implement complex systems and engineering projects? This program offers flexibility across a range of engineering disciplines, so you can develop your technical expertise in areas specific to your career aspirations.
The Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science is designed for applicants with a background in engineering.
Your future is in industry – as a professional engineer with deeper technical skills in your engineering field.
Program highlights
- Benefit from a program that offers a flexible study plan. Tailor your studies to suit your interests, your industry, or your career goals.
- Students will develop professional engineering skills and technical expertise in their discipline through advanced and master's level courses. You'll graduate with the skills required to solve complex engineering challenges in a changing world.
- Undertake a supervised research project relevant to your engineering field. You'll be expected to systematically plan and manage all aspects of your project, and to clearly explain your findings and what they contribute to your field.
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
- Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
How you'll learn
Due to the way they are taught, certain programs and plans are not offered online in Semester 1, 2023.
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Research experience
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'.
Graduate salary
Engineering (postgraduate)
compared.edu.au
Professional memberships
When you graduate, you may be eligible for memberships with the following professional organisations. Contact the organisation to find out how to become a member.
- Australian Computer Society
If you like to embrace challenge, become a professional with overall development in leadership, communication, planning, technical expertise, increasing your research capabilities and employability skills then UQ is the perfect place to study.
Graduate, Master of Engineering Science
If you like to embrace challenge, become a professional with overall development in leadership, communication, planning, technical expertise, increasing your research capabilities and employability skills then UQ is the perfect place to study.
Graduate, Master of Engineering Science
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
- a 4-year bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline (see below), or
- to have completed post-secondary studies and 2 years full-time equivalent relevant work experience (see below). Applications based on post-secondary study and/or work experience will be individually assessed.
- a 4-year bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline (see below), or
- to have completed post-secondary studies and 2 years full-time equivalent relevant work experience (see below). Applications based on post-secondary study and/or work experience will be individually assessed.
Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications
Relevant Disciplines depend on the field of study you intend to choose.
- For the Bioengineering field of study, relevant disciplines include bioengineering, biochemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, chemical engineering, chemical engineering and technology, process engineering.
- For the Chemical Engineering field of study, relevant disciplines include chemical engineering, chemical engineering and technology or process engineering.
- For the Civil Engineering field of study, relevant disciplines include civil engineering, structural engineering or civil and structural engineering.
- For the Electrical Engineering field of study, relevant disciplines include electrical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, electrical power engineering, electronic engineering, telecommunication engineering, communication engineering or power engineering.
- For the Fire Safety Engineering field of study, relevant disciplines civil engineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering or structural engineering.
- For the Materials and Manufacturing Engineering field of study, relevant disciplines include functional materials, materials engineering, materials science and engineering, or mechanical and manufacturing engineering.
- For the Mechanical Engineering field of study, relevant disciplines include automotive/vehicle engineering, thermal energy and power engineering, mechanical engineering, mechanical and manufacturing engineering, mechanical and aerospace, mechanical and industrial engineering, mechatronic engineering, mechanical and automation engineering or marine engineering.
- For the Mechatronic Engineering field of study, relevant disciplines include mechanical engineering, automation engineering, mechatronic engineering, aeronautical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical and manufacturing engineering, mechanical and industrial engineering, or mechanical and automation engineering.
- For the Software Engineering field of study, relevant disciplines include software engineering, computer science.
- For the Urban Water Engineering field of study, relevant disciplines include chemical engineering, civil engineering or environment engineering.
Relevant work experience
Relevant work experience includes professional practice or work in an engineering environment relevant to the field of study, to which you are seeking admission.
Related programs
Depending on your previous qualifications and current goals, you might want to consider
one of these related programs:
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL IBT - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5.
Pearsons - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.
Additional application information
- Some courses may incur additional costs (e.g. field trips).
- Studies are usually on a semester basis. In some cases courses may be presented in a modular short-course format, or through flexible delivery.
- Students who successfully complete the Masters program may progress to research higher degrees, e.g. Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Fields of study
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
New discoveries and modern technologies used in biology and medicine have led to the rapid change and growth of biomedical research and industry transitioning to sustainable operations. Rapid developments in the field of synthetic biology and its associated methods, including more widely available gene editing techniques, have substantially increased our capabilities for bioengineering.
As our ability to modify and control biological systems increases, biological processes are replacing chemical and mechanical processes due to their inherent advantages of renewable resources, mild operation conditions and minimal waste problem. Bioengineering creates the opportunity to solve health and environmental problems.
Careers
You will work at the interface of biomedicine and engineering. Examples of bioengineering applications include:
- Cell engineered to produce chemical building blocks
- Therapeutical drugs (biopharmaceuticals)
- Tissue engineered organs
- New medical imaging technology
- Diagnostic devices
Careers
- Consulting engineering firms
- Multinational engineering organisations
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
- Educational institutions
- Government and regulatory institutions
- Research and testing laboratories
The program enables students to advance their existing civil engineering knowledge and skills through practice-focused and advanced technical courses coupled with experiential learning experiences. Students will also be able to work directly and intensively with academic mentors through a research project in their final year.
Careers
- Advanced environmental monitoring techniques
- Physical and numerical modelling of environmental fluid mechanics
- Advanced sustainable built environment
- Ground Improvement and remediation technologies
- Dam and embankment engineering
- Underground structures, modelling and support design
- Advanced concrete structures and concrete technology
- Design of composite structures
- Computational methods for design optimisation
- Spatial and quantitative methods for transport data analytics
- Advanced transport models for strategic transport planning
- Traffic simulation: Methods and applications
- Structural fire engineering
All students complete a two-semester research project or industry placement giving you invaluable experience in developing, managing and delivering on complex projects.
Careers
Electrical engineers are employed in a wide range of organisations including industries, educational institutions, companies and governments. Some graduates also go on to establish their own companies early in their careers. Electrical engineers typically find careers in areas such as:
- Telecommunications
- Signal and image processing
- Robotics and intelligent systems
- Computer systems
- Electric power generation transmission and distribution
- Biomedical instrumentation, imaging, diagnostics and decision support systems
- Mining and transport
- Defense, aviation and automotive technologies
From the design of modern skyscrapers to the materials chosen to fabricate aeroplanes. Innovation in both construction techniques and materials as well as in how we use buildings results is a need for fire safety engineers to be involved in the design process of many buildings.
Changes in regulations across Australia and internationally mean that the need to include qualified and registered fire safety engineers on engineering projects is growing rapidly, and the demand for these specialists ever increasing.
UQ offers dedicated fire safety engineering programs that produce graduates who understand the design principles required to improve fire and life safety so we can build more resilient cities and communities. Our programs are delivered by recognised international experts in the field, and our graduates are highly regarded and sought after by industry.
You will develop a comprehensive understanding of new and sustainable materials and how they can be used in applications as diverse as aerospace, medical devices and novel functional applications. All students complete a research project or industry placement as part of this program.
Careers
Our graduates have the practical and advanced theoretical knowledge needed to step into roles that lead machinery development across the globe.
Mechanical engineers find employment in dynamic environments where machines are designed, developed, tested and manufactured.
Mechanical and materials engineers are employed by companies such as AlumniTech, TechExpo and Integra LifeSciences Corp.
Core to mechanical engineering process is the ability to formulate a problem, identify potential solutions, analyse and model solutions and select the most appropriate solution within constraints. This approach is integrated within the program and is applicable across a range of professions, making graduates well prepared for a changing world.
Careers
Mechanical engineers are employed in diverse industries including the automotive, aerospace, environmental, medical, power generation and building industries to name a few. Our graduates work in design and development, testing and manufacturing, consulting firms, government agencies and educational institutions.
Employment opportunities in Australia and overseas range from very large mining, refining, construction and manufacturing companies to small companies in which you might be the only engineer. Some graduates start their own companies soon after they have gained the experience required to become a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng).
This field of study provides a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge in software systems and applications. As our society becomes increasingly reliant on technology, there is great demand for skilled professionals to create the necessary software and information systems to transform the way we live and work.
In this field, you will use the principles of computer design, engineering, management, psychology and sociology in small or large multinational companies.
Careers
Accredited software engineers establish their own companies or work with large corporations in the areas of software design, development and advancement. Diverse roles are available, ranging from information security analysts, computer and multimedia programmers, through to software developers and information systems managers. Graduates also find employment as network managers with oversight of all company data including databases and storage.
Software engineers are employed by leading organisations such as SAP, Oracle, IBM, eBay, LinkedIn, Google and Canon.
The trend towards urbanisation and associated water stress in modern cities is strengthening, and as the urban centres become more densely populated this will not be reversed in the foreseeable future. Globally, there is shortage of engineers with expertise in all aspects of the urban water cycle and their reciprocal influence and integration.
Develop your technical expertise through advanced and master's level courses, and select electives to complement your discipline. You'll graduate with the skills required to solve complex engineering challenges in a changing world.
Careers
- Consulting / Multinational engineering organisations
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
- Educational institutions
- Municipal and governmental bodies
- Urban utilities
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
New discoveries and modern technologies used in biology and medicine have led to the rapid change and growth of biomedical research and industry transitioning to sustainable operations. Rapid developments in the field of synthetic biology and its associated methods, including more widely available gene editing techniques, have substantially increased our capabilities for bioengineering.
As our ability to modify and control biological systems increases, biological processes are replacing chemical and mechanical processes due to their inherent advantages of renewable resources, mild operation conditions and minimal waste problem. Bioengineering creates the opportunity to solve health and environmental problems.
Careers
You will work at the interface of biomedicine and engineering. Examples of bioengineering applications include:
- Cell engineered to produce chemical building blocks
- Therapeutical drugs (biopharmaceuticals)
- Tissue engineered organs
- New medical imaging technology
- Diagnostic devices
Careers
- Consulting engineering firms
- Multinational engineering organisations
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
- Educational institutions
- Government and regulatory institutions
- Research and testing laboratories
The program enables students to advance their existing civil engineering knowledge and skills through practice-focused and advanced technical courses coupled with experiential learning experiences. Students will also be able to work directly and intensively with academic mentors through a research project in their final year.
Careers
- Advanced environmental monitoring techniques
- Physical and numerical modelling of environmental fluid mechanics
- Advanced sustainable built environment
- Ground Improvement and remediation technologies
- Dam and embankment engineering
- Underground structures, modelling and support design
- Advanced concrete structures and concrete technology
- Design of composite structures
- Computational methods for design optimisation
- Spatial and quantitative methods for transport data analytics
- Advanced transport models for strategic transport planning
- Traffic simulation: Methods and applications
- Structural fire engineering
All students complete a two-semester research project or industry placement giving you invaluable experience in developing, managing and delivering on complex projects.
Careers
Electrical engineers are employed in a wide range of organisations including industries, educational institutions, companies and governments. Some graduates also go on to establish their own companies early in their careers. Electrical engineers typically find careers in areas such as:
- Telecommunications
- Signal and image processing
- Robotics and intelligent systems
- Computer systems
- Electric power generation transmission and distribution
- Biomedical instrumentation, imaging, diagnostics and decision support systems
- Mining and transport
- Defense, aviation and automotive technologies
From the design of modern skyscrapers to the materials chosen to fabricate aeroplanes. Innovation in both construction techniques and materials as well as in how we use buildings results is a need for fire safety engineers to be involved in the design process of many buildings.
Changes in regulations across Australia and internationally mean that the need to include qualified and registered fire safety engineers on engineering projects is growing rapidly, and the demand for these specialists ever increasing.
UQ offers dedicated fire safety engineering programs that produce graduates who understand the design principles required to improve fire and life safety so we can build more resilient cities and communities. Our programs are delivered by recognised international experts in the field, and our graduates are highly regarded and sought after by industry.
You will develop a comprehensive understanding of new and sustainable materials and how they can be used in applications as diverse as aerospace, medical devices and novel functional applications. All students complete a research project or industry placement as part of this program.
Careers
Our graduates have the practical and advanced theoretical knowledge needed to step into roles that lead machinery development across the globe.
Mechanical engineers find employment in dynamic environments where machines are designed, developed, tested and manufactured.
Mechanical and materials engineers are employed by companies such as AlumniTech, TechExpo and Integra LifeSciences Corp.
Core to mechanical engineering process is the ability to formulate a problem, identify potential solutions, analyse and model solutions and select the most appropriate solution within constraints. This approach is integrated within the program and is applicable across a range of professions, making graduates well prepared for a changing world.
Careers
Mechanical engineers are employed in diverse industries including the automotive, aerospace, environmental, medical, power generation and building industries to name a few. Our graduates work in design and development, testing and manufacturing, consulting firms, government agencies and educational institutions.
Employment opportunities in Australia and overseas range from very large mining, refining, construction and manufacturing companies to small companies in which you might be the only engineer. Some graduates start their own companies soon after they have gained the experience required to become a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng).
This field of study provides a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge in software systems and applications. As our society becomes increasingly reliant on technology, there is great demand for skilled professionals to create the necessary software and information systems to transform the way we live and work.
In this field, you will use the principles of computer design, engineering, management, psychology and sociology in small or large multinational companies.
Careers
Accredited software engineers establish their own companies or work with large corporations in the areas of software design, development and advancement. Diverse roles are available, ranging from information security analysts, computer and multimedia programmers, through to software developers and information systems managers. Graduates also find employment as network managers with oversight of all company data including databases and storage.
Software engineers are employed by leading organisations such as SAP, Oracle, IBM, eBay, LinkedIn, Google and Canon.
The trend towards urbanisation and associated water stress in modern cities is strengthening, and as the urban centres become more densely populated this will not be reversed in the foreseeable future. Globally, there is shortage of engineers with expertise in all aspects of the urban water cycle and their reciprocal influence and integration.
Develop your technical expertise through advanced and master's level courses, and select electives to complement your discipline. You'll graduate with the skills required to solve complex engineering challenges in a changing world.
Careers
- Consulting / Multinational engineering organisations
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
- Educational institutions
- Municipal and governmental bodies
- Urban utilities
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of full-time tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$4,260
2023
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $23,632
2023
Additional costs
- Courses that include a field trip component may incur additional costs to cover transport, accommodation and food.
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
HECS-HELP
Domestic places in the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.
Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science is 5527.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science is 5527.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in Semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in Semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying - or if you have any questions about Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
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