Dean of the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT), Dr Steve Mackay, is thrilled to announce that the Engineering College of Technology (ECT) - EIT’s affiliated college in the UK - has officially become a registered higher education provider. ECT has been granted Degree Awarding Powers (DAPs) under the auspices of the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England.

After four years, this marks a monumental achievement for the institution. With this formal approval, students anywhere in the world can now complete a high-quality Australian engineering degree with EIT or a UK engineering degree with ECT.

The road to registration has been a significant and lengthy journey, one that has been ably steered by the dedicated and active members of the ECT Governance and Academic Boards who are based in Britain.

Professor Mike Rodd, Chair of the ECT Governance Board, and Professor Denis Marchant, Chair of the Academic Board, have been instrumental in navigating the registration process, ensuring that ECT meets the rigorous standards of the Office for Students.

The Boards’ leadership and growing ECT team will guide the college's future growth.

A New Chapter

Professor Rodd, Chair of the ECT Governance Board, explains how this milestone transforms access to engineering education.

"ECT has evolved from the Australian Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT), a leading international provider of a wide range of online engineering and IT courses across the globe. Using the same state-of-the-art technology, ECT will offer similar courses from its base in Europe, leading to British degrees and qualifications.”

Rodd highlighted that, “The delivery of course material is almost entirely internet-based, with online interactive instruction, tutorials, and personal support from tutors and learning support officers, coupled with remotely accessed experiential applications.”

“Our courses are particularly attractive to students who are already employed but wish to broaden or deepen their knowledge and credentials. Indeed, practical project work required as part of a course can frequently be undertaken – where appropriate – within a student's own company,” said Rodd.

EIT and ECT: A Powerful Partnership for Global Education

EIT reaches students in over 160 countries, and as a well-established and respected Australian-based online engineering provider of professional development and engineering qualifications, EIT is a powerful ECT affiliate.

EIT has a proven track record of delivering education that meets global standards, and this strengthens ECT's ability to offer education excellence.

ECT students will benefit from the extensive resources, experienced lecturers, global networks, and industry contacts (including NASA, Rolls Royce and BHP) which EIT has accrued and established over the decades.

Exciting New Degrees and Online Learning Opportunities

ECT has launched four online engineering degrees.

Each degree is designed to meet the highest industry standards while the learning platform provides students with the flexibility to study while working full-time, and from anywhere in the world.

The degrees on offer include:

• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Industrial Automation
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical Engineering
• Master of Science in Industrial Automation and Instrumentation Control
• Master of Science in Power System Analysis and Renewable Integration

These qualifications are designed to be completed entirely online, leveraging EIT’s advanced digital platform, which includes remote laboratories connected to real equipment, simulation software, dedicated learning support officers, and interactive webinars with both British and international lecturers.

Aside from the online practical applications, students can attend scheduled workshops at the ECT Learning Centre in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

Stevenage is also home to the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the UK-based professional body that champions the engineering profession worldwide.

Looking ahead for ECT

ECT's registration, with its base in Britain, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, with solid interest from Europe, Africa, Asia and North America.

The launch of the ECT online degrees and the continued success of its micro-credentials, positions the college to be a leading force in the UK’s engineering education sector. Like EIT, ECT is committed to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the ever-evolving engineering industry.

As ECT continues to expand its offerings and build on its strong foundation, students can expect a dynamic and forward-thinking educational experience, supported by a global network of engineering professionals and experts.