Engineering Better Futures at UniSQ

In a world that's busier than ever, with skilled workers in critical demand, the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is working with students and various industries to ensure we're offering the best of both worlds.

UniSQ's Engineering Better Futures Undergraduate Program, completely overhauled for 2024, offers students unparalleled flexibility while equipping them as well-rounded and job-ready graduates.

School of Engineering Professor Alexander Kist said the program allowed students to modify course loads around work and life, shifting between on-campus and online delivery modes.

"One of the main reasons for developing this program is the demand by industries for professionals who not only possess excellent engineering skills, but who are also well-rounded professionals capable of working in teams, collaborating with colleagues, and utilising digital tools," Professor Kist said.

"We are not only enabling and offering all that flexibility; we are providing students with all the skills and experience they need to succeed in the modern workplace.

“The flexibility of the program means students can study three or four subjects one trimester, and then drop down to just one subject the following trimester, to fit work and life commitments around their study.”

Head of School and Dean (Engineering) Professor Prasad Yarlagadda said it was a move that would allow many more students to comfortably take on paid work in the Engineering industry while still studying.

“The Engineering Better Futures Undergraduate Program prepares our graduates to meet the future needs of the global Engineering industry, as well as locally,” Professor Yarlagadda said.

Jacob Town has just started his Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) program via online education. He said the program's flexibility meant he could continue living in his hometown of Maryborough.

"I've wanted to be an Engineer since I was young, and being able to stay in Maryborough, rather than moving to Brisbane or up north somewhere, was a massive factor for me," Mr Town said.

"I want to apply for work while I study – whether through my local Council or private companies or even Ergon – it's a massive goal of mine to make money while I study, but also to get into the workforce and start making a bit of a difference.”

Charlotte Bradley, also in her first year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), said she was already enjoying the practical elements of the program – especially since Engineering is literally in her blood.

"My mum has an electrical business down in Childers, and I used to go to work with her and play with all the electrical bits she had. I always thought it was really interesting," Ms Bradley said.

"My dad did Engineering as well, so I thought, why not?

“We've already been doing a lot of pracs with lots of soldering and measuring, and I'm really interested in that."

Learn more about studying Engineering at UniSQ.