Alfred State College

What you'll study

This programme emphasises applied civil engineering principles with a balance of classroom theory, laboratory work and field exercises. Core study areas include structural systems, construction materials and methods, surveying, computer-aided drafting and design, hydraulics and environmental engineering technologies.

• Fundamental engineering sciences — statics, mechanics of materials, applied mathematics and engineering physics that underpin practical design and analysis.
• Construction technology — methods of construction, project sequencing, temporary works, estimating and construction safety practices.
• Materials and testing — properties and testing of concrete, asphalt, soils and aggregates, and laboratory techniques for quality control.
• Surveying and geomatics — land measurement, topographic mapping, site layout, and the use of GPS and total station instruments.
• CAD and BIM — 2D and 3D drafting, CAD workflows for civil projects, introduction to building information modelling as applied to infrastructure.
• Transportation and hydraulics — fundamentals of roadway and traffic engineering, stormwater management, drainage design and open-channel flow concepts.
• Soil mechanics and geotechnical technology — soil classification, site investigation techniques and shallow foundation considerations.
• Project work and capstone — multi-term projects that integrate surveying, design, cost estimating and project management, often tied to real-world client problems or campus improvements.
• Co-operative education / internships — industry placements or practicum experiences to develop workplace skills and professional contacts.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a high school diploma or recognised equivalent with strong preparation in mathematics. Successful candidates typically present passes in algebra and geometry and are advised to have studied physics. Practical shop or technology courses and any prior drafting, CAD or surveying exposure are beneficial.

• Domestic applicants: secondary school completion with demonstrated competence in mathematics; relevant technical course work or work experience is useful.
• Transfer students: previous post‑secondary credits in engineering technology, mathematics or science may be considered for transfer into the programme.
• International applicants: proof of secondary completion equivalent to local requirements and demonstration of English language proficiency where applicable.
• All applicants: selection may consider academic record, references and evidence of interest in applied engineering; specific admissions policies and required documentation are available from the college admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for technical roles in construction, infrastructure maintenance and engineering support. Job titles commonly held by alumni include civil engineering technologist, field engineer, construction inspector, surveying technician, materials testing technician and CAD/BIM technician.

• Work opportunities in consulting firms, construction contractors, municipal public works departments, transportation agencies and utilities.
• Roles involving site supervision, quality assurance, materials testing, plan drafting, cost estimating and surveying.
• Pathways to professional certification and continued education: graduates often pursue additional credentials or advanced study to expand responsibilities into design management or specialised engineering disciplines.

Why study at Alfred State College

Alfred State places strong emphasis on applied, hands-on learning suited to employers in the built environment. The programme combines classroom instruction with laboratory-based experiments, field surveying exercises and workplace placements to build practical competence.

• Applied learning environment with access to construction labs, materials testing equipment, surveying instruments and CAD/BIM facilities.
• Small class sizes and faculty who bring industry experience to technical teaching and project supervision.
• Established links with regional employers and opportunities for co-operative education or internships that support transition into the workforce.
• A programme structure designed to develop both technical skills and the communication, teamwork and project-management abilities valued by employers in civil engineering technology fields.