UniSQ master degree is a pathway to being an engineer

The master of engineering practice is a pathway for people working as engineering technologists to progress to being professional engineers.

UniSQ master of engineering practice student Jodie Kilpatrick

The master of engineering practice is a postgraduate degree that is a pathway for people working as engineering technologists to progress to being professional engineers, and even have workplace learning credited toward their degree.

Student Jodie Kilpatrick, who originally trained as a hydrologist, is now taking a study pathway at the University of Southern Queensland which leads through a graduate certificate, and the master of engineering practice (which is studied online), to qualification as an engineer.

She is studying as she continues to work, managing and operating dam infrastructure.

“My career is originally founded on science qualifications in hydrology, and with the direction my career has taken, I wanted the opportunity to gain the engineering qualifications to learn and apply in my projects and roles,” Ms Kilpatrick said.

“The master of engineering practice gives opportunity for the whole industry to work towards meeting the national skills shortage in the engineering field.”

She said she wanted to be a role model for professionals who live in rural and remote areas, as well as for women in engineering.

“So it was a very special moment for me to win the National Emerging Technologist of the Year Award for 2023 with Engineers Australia,” Ms Kilpatrick said.

Graduates with a three year bachelor degree in engineering, science or technology can enrol in the graduate certificate of engineering practice and, with relevant engineering experience, can take credit and enrol in the master of engineering practice.

UniSQ says the master degree is the only one of its kind in Australia which includes workplace learning as a way of achieving possible credit toward the degree. It is offered over a range of engineering areas.

The UniSQ School of Engineering’s Andreas Helwig said the master of engineering practice enabled engineering professionals to requalify in line with upcoming state and territory legislation changes across Australia.