Mechanical engineering, autism studies and speech pathology are just a few of the new programs and courses offered at Griffith University in 2012.

Launched as a result of industry feedback and demand, the Gold Coast-based Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering ) will enable students to work in a range of industries including design, research and development and production.

Dr Wayne Hall from the School of Engineering said mechanical engineering was the most diverse of the discipline’s areas.

“Mechanical engineers work on the development of cutting-edge technologies in industries such as medical, automotive, marine, aerospace, renewable energy and sports,” he said.

Also at the Gold Coast, aspiring criminologists will be able to study a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

School head Associate Professor Janet Ransley said the Gold Coast corridor’s rapidly growing population warranted the School’s move.

“The School offers a multi-disciplinary field of study including psychology, sociology, law, social work, criminology and criminal justice, history, and political science.

“Our research is strongly policy relevant as we work closely with a range of government and community partners as well as national and international leaders in the field,” Associate Professor Ransley said.

New postgraduate degree programs include Griffith Health’s Master of Speech Pathology (Gold Coast) and the School of Education and Professional Studies’ Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies and Master of Autism Studies (Mt Gravatt).

The Master of Speech Pathology program will equip graduates to begin practice as highly competent speech pathologists in a wide range of health, community and education settings.

Undergraduate pathways to the Master of Speech Pathology are varied. Pre-requisite degrees may include health science, linguistics, medical science, psychology, public health, education, and nursing.

The Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies will provide students with a foundation in Autism Spectrum Disorders, while the Master’s program will address critical issues in ASDs such as transitions, counselling and collaborative practices.

The programs have been developed to provide postgraduate students with specific skills in autism to more effectively conduct education programs for learners with autism from early childhood to high school.

For more information on programs and courses visit http://www.griffith.edu.au