New Collaborative Masters Program Launched - by Heather McEwen
“There are few topics that could be higher on the national, or international, agendas than sustainability and security,” said Professor Baker, Dean of the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science.
This is what makes the new Masters of Engineering Practice (MEP) so attractive and enabling for engineers in terms of their career development and of Australia’s regional and international interests.
The new collaborative graduate masters coursework program is offered by The Australian National University (ANU) and the University of South Australia (UniSA) and is designed specifically for professional engineers, scientists and technologists around flexible delivery and work-integrated learning.
“Its development has been strongly supported by the Australian Government as an initiative that brings together the best elements of two diverse universities who have complementary strengths in research and industrial engagement,” said Professor Baker.
Building on a systems engineering core, which is a foundation of both universities, the MEP offers specialisations in engineering systems management, defence systems, sustainability, and solar energy.
“Systems engineering and solar engineering are two particular research strengths at ANU and they are part of what makes studying engineering at ANU so beneficial,” said Professor Baker.
“We also have a strong focus on systems engineering for defence at UniSA,” said Associate Professor David Cropley, Deputy Director of the Defence and Systems Institute (DASI) at UniSA.
“Engineers in all specialisations are faced with an increase in complexity, as society demands more and more from its technology. The ability to deliver effective solutions, on time and within budget, has never been more important. Systems engineering underpins these activities, whether focused on the delivery of warships or solar power systems. Undertaking the development of complex systems, while making efficient use of our limited natural resources, and minimising the environmental impact, is equally vital. The MEP Program offers engineers across Australia an unparalleled opportunity to develop these skills.”
Most courses are delivered in a flexible mode so professional engineers can participate either part-time or full-time. The study program is designed so that students can opt to exit with a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, or the full masters, depending upon their circumstances, and the needs of their employers.
“Students will value this program because of its flexibility, the specialisations, the nature of its blended online delivery, and the opportunities for mentoring by other senior engineers and their peers,” said Associate Professor Cropley.
“Employers will value these graduates because it combines engineering substance with professional attributes within the context of both public and private sector organisations. The aim is to raise the quality and competitiveness of the engineering industry,” said Professor Baker.
“With this degree, professional engineers have an unparalleled opportunity to increase their skills and future employability in the areas of sustainability and security which are growing in importance year on year,” said Professor Baker.
The development of the MEP is part of broader education partnership between UniSA and ANU, built around a Hubs and Spokes model. This is providing new opportunities to engineering students through blended course delivery across the two institutions to increase the options available to students and provide a more flexible study program.
More information:
At ANU Masters of Engineering Practice
E: ANU Student Services
At UniSA UniSA ITEE
E: UnisSA IT Enquiries
