Undergraduate Major

Industrial Control and Automation Engineering

Learn about the design, deployment and maintenance of the infrastructure needed to generate and distribute electricity.

What type of student are you?

Murdoch code
MJ-ICAE
Study mode
Full Time or Part Time
Selection rank
70
CRICOS code
Apply

Overview

You’ll focus on computer-based measurement and control and the computing technologies used to operate modern industrial and autonomous systems.

You’ll explore industrial control systems and their components and learn how to effectively design and plan smart power systems to increase reliability and stability of power supply. The major is industry-oriented to deliver the practical understanding and knowledge suitable for effective design, prototyping, and controlling the industrial control systems applied for various industry sectors, so you’ll be job-ready when you graduate.

3 reasons to study Industrial Control and Automation Engineering at Murdoch

  1. Five-star rating for student support, median graduate starting salary and learner engagement for engineering and technology.*
    *Source: Good Universities Guide 2022.
  2. Make use of our $10.1 million Bayer Pilot Plant – a real world engineering plant with a dedicated control room, the only one of its kind in WA.
  3. Gain 300 hours of real work experience as part of your degree.

What you’ll learn

  • Microcontroller hardware and computer-based engineering tools, commonly used in Engineering
  • Analysis of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) electrical circuits and systems and digital electronics
  • Modelling & systems engineering
  • Motion, energy and mass transfer in simple systems
  • Complex dynamic systems and control
  • Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems
  • Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Instrumentation Systems
  • Fundamentals of embedded system design

Your future career

Graduating with a major in Industrial Control and Automation Engineering will open the doors to a wide range of career opportunities across the engineering and power industry sectors. Careers could include:

  • Automation Engineer
  • Field Service Engineer
  • Electrical Engineer

Professional accreditation

Provisional accreditation from Engineers Australia at the level of Engineering Technologist (Sydney Accord) will be sought for this course in 2022.

Professional recognition

This major can be used to meet the continuing professional education requirements of engineering technologists in the areas related to electrical engineering.

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Courses with this major
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Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Unit code Unit name Credit points
Progress to entry requirements

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
University study

Successful completion of 4 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology:

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Successful completion of 4 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology:

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Enabling courses (after Year 12)

​Successful completion of one of the following:

  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.

 

Successful completion of the course.

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
  • MUPC (1 Trimester)
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course
  • Introduction to Academic Communication unit
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
University study

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of 4 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology:

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of 4 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology:

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Enabling courses (after Year 12)

Minimum academic requirement

​Successful completion of one of the following:

  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.

 

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of the course.

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
  • MUPC (1 Trimester)
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course
  • Introduction to Academic Communication unit
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Total score of 24 or higher.

Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

GCE A Levels

Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.

A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Knowledge and Inquiry.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.

Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:

  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Extenuating circumstances

We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.

Case-by-case assessment.
Overseas Year 12
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
 
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
 
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
 
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR 
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)

CPS 59 or higher.

For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology:

CPS 54 or higher.

50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)

70

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only)​.

VET course studied at school

Successful completion of a Diploma or higher.

For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology:

Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Minimum academic requirement

Total score of 24 or higher.

Minimum English requirement

Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

GCE A Levels

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.

Minimum English requirement

A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Knowledge and Inquiry.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

Minimum academic requirement

Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.

Minimum English requirement

Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:

  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Extenuating circumstances

Minimum academic requirement

We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.

Minimum English requirement

Case-by-case assessment.
Overseas Year 12

Minimum academic requirement

Please refer to the information under the country of study.

Minimum English requirement

Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
 
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
 
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
 
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR 
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)

Minimum academic requirement

CPS 59 or higher.

For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology:

CPS 54 or higher.

Minimum English requirement

50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)

Minimum academic requirement

70

Minimum English requirement

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only)​.

VET course studied at school

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Diploma or higher.

For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology:

Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.

Minimum English requirement

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Certificate IV AQF level 4

Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010), OR

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only)

Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Certificate IV AQF level 4

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

Minimum English requirement

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010), OR

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only)

Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Multiple Choice score of 155 (165 if taken prior to May 2010).

For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology:

Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.

Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

​Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Minimum academic requirement

Multiple Choice score of 155 (165 if taken prior to May 2010).

For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology:

Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Minimum English requirement

Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

Minimum academic requirement

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.

Minimum English requirement

Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

​Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

Adjustment for Murdoch RISE

Murdoch RISE is a selection rank adjustment, as part of our commitment to helping students from regional, Indigenous and low socio-economic backgrounds gain university entry.

If you achieve an ATAR of 60.00 - 89.95, a Murdoch RISE adjustment factor of up to 10.00 points may help you get into your preferred course. Murdoch RISE can increase your selection rank up to a maximum of 90.00.

There’s no application or need to register. If you are eligible, the adjustment factor is automatically added to your raw ATAR score when you apply.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

 

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai  and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

Students in a lecture theatre

Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship.

Whether you’re a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.

Find your scholarship
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How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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How much will it cost?

Course fees vary depending on the level of study and the year of commencement. Use our Fee Calculator to estimate the cost of your course.

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Students in a lecture theatre

Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship. Our International Welcome Scholarship offers eligible students between $8,000 and $11,000, depending on the course you study.

The Australian Government also offers scholarships to students from developing countries through the Australia Awards Scholarship program.

Explore our scholarships and find out if you’re eligible to apply.

Find your scholarship
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How to apply

How to apply
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