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Master of Engineering Science

Combine innovative thinking and technical expertise as you explore a new area of engineering. This two-year Master of Engineering Science program involves complex, open-ended and enquiry-based projects. It’s an exciting, practical degree that offers the chance to join a globally renowned school with a reputation for pushing boundaries.

Commencing Terms: Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration: 1 - 2 Year(s)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus: Kensington
Codes: Program code 8338; CRICOS code 084282A

Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program 2024 Indicative CSP first year fee: $9,000*
2024 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree: $18,500*
2024 Indicative first year full fee: $54,000*

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Overview

Engineers combine innovative thinking and technical expertise to develop creative solutions to natural and human problems. Engineers require up to the minute knowledge and expertise in their varying fields to maintain accreditation and offer the best solutions to their sector.

This degree is designed for students looking to further their career by upskilling, retraining, refreshing on recent developments in the field or further specialising in an area of engineering. You’ll have the flexibility to specialise in one area or broaden your knowledge in other areas of Engineering. As you build on your knowledge, you’ll meet the requirements to maintain professional accreditation standards and continue your professional development.

Exciting and practical, this degree features complex, open-ended enquiry-based projects as well as many other opportunities to help you become a leader in your field. Students will develop their technical knowledge and ability to analyse engineering problems. They will also gain further skills in solving engineering problems and justifying professional decisions. The completion of an enquiry-based project provides a pathway toward postgraduate research degrees.

^{*Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023}

Key features

The Master of Engineering Science is for students with a recognised four-year Engineering Degree. Recent updates and enhanced recognition of prior learning enable students to complete the degree between one to two years, depending on the selected specialisation, accreditation of undergraduate degree, previous study experience and/or relevant work experience.

Upgrade your skills by focusing on your discipline of choice or opt for a multidisciplinary approach when choosing your electives. This program offers both disciplinary and advanced disciplinary knowledge, with a strong enquiry-based learning component for proactive learning.

This degree is offered in a range of specialisations tailored to the needs of today’s engineering industry.

Specialisations include:

Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning, which may reduce the duration of this degree. Some specialisations allow entry from other cognate degrees in conjunction with relevant engineering work experience.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Postgraduate study at UNSW Engineering gives you the opportunity to make career change or progress in your current field. We offer study options in more engineering disciplines than any other Australian university. Our degrees are designed to help you specialise in your field and take a leading role in the industry.

UNSW Engineering is a leader in engineering education and research. We’re ranked #1 for Engineering in Australia and 36^th globally.

We’re also ranked:

1st for Civil and Structural Engineering in Australia
1st for Electrical Engineering in Australia
1st for Mechanical, Aeronautical, and Manufacturing Engineering in Australia
3rd for Mineral and Mining Engineering in Australia
4th for Chemical Engineering in Australia
4^th for Computer Science and Information Technology in Australia

UNSW Engineering is the largest engineering faculty in Australia. With eight schools and more than 70 years’ experience, our researchers are at the forefront of exciting technological developments engaging in partnerships both here and overseas.

UNSW is known for its graduate employability, UNSW placed in the GradConnection AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards in 2020 and 2021. Australia’s top employers prefer UNSW Engineering graduates over any other university and we’re ranked 22nd in the world for employer reputation.

We’re committed to providing a supportive, equitable and inclusive environment where all students and staff can thrive. We foster the highest number of female students of any engineering faculty. Our Engineering Equity Diversity and Inclusion committee works alongside students and staff to ensure the next generation of engineers succeed, regardless of their background.

Program Code

8338

CRICOS Code

084282A

Campus

Kensington

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

Indicative Enrolments

2,383

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Entry requirements

UNSW provides two entry points to the Master of Engineering Science depending on your cognate background. This provides a structured and supportive option for students with a non-cognate background, while enabling students with cognate backgrounds earlier flexibility in their course selection. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UoC), and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.

Entry into the Master’s program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline.

A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*

*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average

Specific specialisation requirements:

Candidates applying for the Biomedical Engineering can gain entry through any Engineering Degree.
Candidates applying for Project Management, Food Process Engineering, Renewable Energy, or Photovoltaics and Solar Energy can gain entry through a Science or any Engineering Degree.

Students with a non-cognate background:

Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.

Entry into the Master’s program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline.

A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*

^{*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average}

Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)

UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete this program in 1 year, 1.3 years or 1.7 years. Please consult individual specialisations for further details.

Find out more

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Students with a cognate background:

Admissions to the standard 2-year program requires the following:

A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) in a cognate discipline with a minimum 65% average*.
OR
Successful completion of the UNSW Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science (7373) , OR UNSW Graduate Diploma in Engineering Science (5373) with a 65% average.

Students with a non-cognate background:

Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.

Admissions requires the following:

A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) in any Engineering discipline with a minimum 65% average*.

Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after passing 18 UOC of foundational courses. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with a cognate background (2 years/ 96 UoC)

There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with non-cognate backgrounds must apply for the Master of Engineering Science in an eligible specialisation to be considered for this entry.

*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average

Eligible specialisations
Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering Environmental Engineering Food Process Engineering Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology Mechanical and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Nuclear Engineering Photovoltaics and Solar Energy	Project Management Renewable Energy Robotics Engineering Structural Engineering Sustainable Systems Transport Engineering Water Engineering- Catchments to Coasts Water, Wastewater and Water Engineering

Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)

Find out more

Admission pathways

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Program structure

When you choose to study a Master of Engineering Science, you’ll choose from one of 26 specialisations which will help you make your next career move.

Within these specialisations your study will include:

Enquiry-based courses
Disciplinary courses
Engineering and Technical Management Courses.

You’ll be able to tailor your degree to your interests by combining courses in your chosen specialisation with elective courses.

You’ll also have the chance to work on a complex, open-ended enquiry-based research project.

Full program structure

Degree structures can vary depending on your specialisation of choice, the number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.

Depending on your specialisation and your previous studies/professional experience you may study:

At least 4 Disciplinary Courses
At least 4 Advanced Disciplinary Courses
At least 1 Engineering and Technical Management Course
At least 3 enquiry-based courses (which includes a research project)
At least 4 elective courses (across Disciplinary, Advanced Disciplinary and Engineering and Technical Management courses)

Through the Disciplinary and Advanced Disciplinary Knowledge courses you’ll learn the technical knowledge and skills you need for your chosen specialisation. You’ll also update your knowledge in cutting-edge developments in your area of interest.

Engineering and Technical Management courses help you build skills in communicating and justifying professional decisions, employing ethical approaches to practice, and developing the abilities required for roles more focused on project and or staff management, leadership and strategy.

You’ll complete a research project in this degree within the enquiry-based courses. In this you can choose to develop your Postgraduate Research skills to assist with the research project component of the degree or as your first step towards a Higher Degree Research (PhD) program. Or you can complete a “Launching a Startup” course where you will be equipped with the skills necessary to successfully commercialise your ideas.

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Future careers

UNSW Engineering graduates are some of the most sought-after professional engineers in Australia and abroad thanks to the reputation of our research and teaching.

As a UNSW Master of Engineering Science graduate, you'll have the opportunity to hone in on your desired career pathway in engineering or build on your existing career to transition into management and leadership positions in the engineering industry.

You'll also have the opportunity to undertake research with UNSW Engineering. Each year, our academics and research centres work with businesses, government and community organisations on specific projects that transfer our research into practice. Your research efforts will make a real impact on today's most urgent issues.

Your career opportunities will depend on your area of specialisation, with career pathways spanning across mechanical, electrical and civil engineering, and more. Your degree will provide you with the special expertise to excel in your specialisation, as well as the broad knowledge that will ensure you can thrive across multiple fields. Visit the various engineering degree specialisations for examples of career opportunities.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.

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For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

Commonwealth Supported Places

2024 Indicative CSP First Year Fee

$9,000*

2024 Indicative CSP Fee to Complete Degree

$18,500*

All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply.

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$41,000*

2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$84,000*

*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee

$54,000*

2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$112,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

Featured scholarship

The UNSW Women in Engineering Research Scholarship was established to assist women of high academic achievement with an interest in a research and/or an academic career in engineering. UNSW Engineering offers two Women in Engineering Top-up Scholarships every semester.

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Innovation

#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

I love that everything in the world is being engineered by somebody.

Rachel McVittie

Engineering Alumni