Master of Advanced Engineering

The Master of Advanced Engineering at Curtin University is a one-year postgraduate qualification for engineers who want to deepen their technical knowledge and move into more senior or specialised work. It sits at AQF Level 9, alongside other master's degrees, and is delivered over two trimesters of full-time study. You'll complete units of study worth credit points, with the exact structure confirmed on the official course page, and the programme typically includes a research or design project that lets you apply what you've learned to a real engineering problem.

What you study

This is an advanced engineering degree, so the content goes beyond a first degree. You can expect to work on technical subjects in your chosen specialisation, research methods, project management, and a substantial capstone or thesis-style project. Curtin has strong links with industry in Western Australia, particularly in resources, energy, and infrastructure, and some projects may involve industry partners or real client briefs. The university also has research strengths in areas like sustainable engineering and materials, which can shape the project options available.

How it's structured

Australian master's degrees are made up of units of study, each with a credit point value. A one-year master's usually requires 100 to 200 credit points, depending on the institution and whether you enter with a related bachelor's degree. At Curtin, the academic year runs across trimesters, and you'll need to complete the required credit points to graduate. The programme is coursework-based, but the capstone project gives you a taste of research or advanced design work. If you're considering a PhD later, this project can be a stepping stone.

Who it suits

This degree suits engineering graduates who want to specialise further, update their skills, or prepare for leadership roles. It's also a good fit if you're an international student looking for a one-year qualification that meets Australian study requirements. You'll need to meet Curtin's English language requirements, which for this course are typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an equivalent test like TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The Student visa has its own English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs, so check both. While you study, your visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register, and you should confirm all details, including intake dates and exact unit lists, on the official Curtin page.

• Senior engineer in resources, energy, infrastructure, or manufacturing, where you take on more complex projects and lead teams.
• Project engineer or manager overseeing engineering projects from design through to delivery, often in mining, oil and gas, or construction.
• Design or systems engineer working on product development, process improvement, or technical analysis in engineering consultancies.
• Research and development engineer in industry or government, contributing to applied research and innovation.
• Engineering consultant providing specialist advice to clients across sectors like water, transport, or environmental engineering.
• Further study pathway to a PhD or research master's, if you want to pursue an academic or research career.

Australian industries that hire these roles include mining and resources, construction and infrastructure, energy and utilities, manufacturing, and engineering services. Professional accreditation may apply to some specialisations; check with the relevant Australian engineering body and Curtin for details.