Prof Mohan Jacob of James Cook University gives us a low-down on their latest Masters of Engg programme

The Masters programme will focus on unconventional disciplines like water resources management that will help solve current issues 
The master's programme is provided at a fee of 26,500 Australian Dollars
The master's programme is provided at a fee of 26,500 Australian Dollars

Set in the tropical city of Townsville, Australia, James Cook University has drawn thousands of international students over the years, not just for its idyllic location, but for its quality of education. Taking it a notch higher, JCU recently launched a new programme called Master's of Engineering, Master's of Global Development and Diploma of Engineering. Prof Mohan Jacob, Professor and Associate Dean Research Education, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University tells us more about the programme. Excerpts from our conversation:

What are the areas the programme will focus on?

This programme will focus on four disciplines. Not traditional areas like civil engineering or software engineering, but in areas like water resource management. The intention is to make people job ready and find solutions for problems that the world is facing now. For instance, we have plenty of water around us, but not enough drinking water. So, what solution can we arrive at? The second area of focus is electrical engineering and renewable energy. Managing energy resources has become a big challenge. The third discipline is technology and management for those who have an engineering background, but are now more interested in management. And the last discipline is Internet of Things (IoT) because connectivity between devices in on the rise. 

What's in store: The programme will focus on disciplines like water resource management

What are the job prospects on completion of the programme?

Our university does not produce a large number of engineers. We are more focused on making them qualified and competent to work in the industry. Our students are required to have industry experience and it's usually paid because they will work better when they are paid. Many later get to work in the same companies. Our strong ties with the industry give our students an edge. 

What scholarships are available?

We don't have scholarship offers for these programmes because we've decided to lower the fees instead. It's about 26,500 Australian Dollars which is quite low for a master's degree course in Australia. 

What makes this programme unique?

Our class size is much smaller, so the individual attention and hands-on approach is much more than in other universities. Students have to experience it themselves rather than reading about theories and discoveries of others. 

How long is the course? 

The course runs for a duration of two years and admissions will begin in February 2019. 

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