The revised Bachelor of Engineering degree developed by Murdoch University, which will see students do four academic years work in three calendar years, has been endorsed by the national professional accreditation peak body Engineering Australia.

Murdoch University’s science and engineering executive Dean Professor Yianni Attikiouzel said the accelerated degree was largely a response to the global shortage of engineers and would be offered for the first time in 2008.

He said this solution would enable students to enter the workforce sooner.

“Australia is currently experiencing a major skills shortage in all engineering disciplines and I am confident students and industry would welcome the opportunity to move graduates into the field or post-graduate qualifications sooner,” Professor Attikiouzel said.

The accelerated degree offers the same number of units, but has a more flexible annual timetable to best use university resources. Summer and winter terms will be added to the standard two teaching semesters, with students spending 39 weeks in class instead of 26.

Students will continue to have workplace experience, which is mandatory for both the standard and accelerated program.