Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Computer)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

UNSW’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Computer Engineering is designed for students who want to understand how software and hardware come together to power modern technology. It suits curious problem-solvers who enjoy building, testing, and improving real systems — from embedded devices to large-scale computing solutions.

Curriculum Structure

First Year
In your first year, you build a strong foundation in both engineering thinking and computing fundamentals. Courses such as Engineering Design, Programming Fundamentals, and Electrical Engineering introduce you to problem-solving through hands-on projects, coding exercises, and team-based design tasks. You’ll start learning how engineers think, not just how they code.

Second Year
Second year is where computer engineering starts to feel real. Through subjects like Digital Circuits, Data Structures, and Computer Systems, you explore how software interacts with hardware at a deeper level. Labs and practical work help you design logic systems, write more efficient code, and understand how computers actually work under the hood.

Third Year
By third year, you’re applying your knowledge to complex, real-world challenges. Courses such as Operating Systems, Embedded Systems, and Computer Architecture focus on performance, reliability, and system design. You’ll work on substantial projects that mirror industry problems, often collaborating the way professional engineers do.

Fourth Year
Your final year brings everything together through advanced technical electives and a major honours project. With subjects like Engineering Project, alongside specialised computer engineering electives, you’ll design, build, and deliver a significant piece of work that reflects your interests. This year is about independence, confidence, and transitioning from student to professional engineer.

Focus Areas
Hardware–software integration, embedded systems, computer architecture, systems programming, digital design

Learning Outcomes
Graduates can design and build complete computing systems, solve complex technical problems, work confidently in teams, and adapt to fast-changing technologies.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This degree is professionally accredited, meaning it meets the standards expected of graduate engineers. That accreditation gives employers confidence in your training and supports pathways toward professional engineering recognition in Australia and internationally.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)
UNSW Engineering is consistently recognised in major global rankings such as QS and Times Higher Education, with strong outcomes for graduate employability. Employers know UNSW graduates for their practical skills, strong fundamentals, and readiness to contribute from day one.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This program isn’t just about lectures and exams — it’s built around doing. From the moment you step into this degree, you’re shaping yourself into a career-ready engineer by applying classroom knowledge to real, tangible challenges. You’ll spend significant time developing both hardware and software skills through industry training and project work that mirrors the work of professional engineers. The experiences you gain — whether working with industry partners, building embedded systems, or collaborating with peers — help you grow confidence and capability long before you graduate:

What you actually get to experience in this degree:

A structured industrial placement of 60 days of approved industrial training, where you work in real engineering environments and put your skills into practice.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities that tie academic theory directly to workplace application with industry and community partners.
Discipline electives such as the Vertically Integrated Project, where you work over multiple terms on meaningful, team-based projects.
The chance to compete and innovate through Maker Games: Activation Hub, an award-winning rapid prototyping challenge with access to industry advising and professional skills coaching.
Participation in the ChallENG Program, a hallmark UNSW engineering initiative that connects students, academics and companies to solve real-world problems.
Hands-on experience creating embedded systems and integrated hardware/software solutions that reflect what computer engineers do in fields from consumer tech to medical equipment.

Every component of this program nudges you out of theory and into real engineering practice — which builds both your confidence and your portfolio in preparation for your career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the UNSW Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Computer Engineering step into careers where they don’t just use technology — they create it. You’ll be trained to design and build the hardware–software systems that power everything from everyday devices to complex infrastructure. That rare mix of skills is exactly what employers look for, which is why UNSW graduates move confidently into roles such as Computer Engineer, Embedded Systems Developer, Systems Designer, and Technology Consultant across industries like consumer technology, defence, transport, and advanced manufacturing. And with the strong reputation of UNSW Engineering behind you, you start your career with credibility and confidence.

So what does this mean for you in practical terms?

You gain real industry experience before you graduate.
As part of your degree, you’ll complete 60 days of industrial training, working with real organisations on real engineering problems. This isn’t an optional extra — it’s a core part of the UNSW Engineering experience, designed to help you understand how engineering actually works in the workplace and to graduate with experience already on your CV.

You’re supported to be career-ready, not just degree-ready.
UNSW Engineering places a strong focus on employability. You’ll have access to career guidance, employer networking opportunities, and hands-on, project-based learning that builds communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills alongside your technical knowledge. Employers consistently recognise UNSW graduates as being ready to contribute from day one.

Your learning is shaped by industry leaders.
The program is closely connected with major technology and engineering organisations such as Atlassian, Commonwealth Bank, Google, Honeywell, Microsoft, and WiseTech Global. These partnerships help ensure what you’re learning reflects real industry needs — and they often lead to internships, industry projects, and graduate roles.

Your degree carries professional recognition.
This program is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised by the Australian Computer Society, which is important if you plan to work as a professional engineer in Australia or pursue opportunities internationally. It’s a mark of quality that employers and professional bodies take seriously.

Looking ahead, your options don’t stop at graduation.
Because this is an honours degree, you’re well positioned for further study if you want to specialise or move into research. Many UNSW graduates continue into master’s programs in areas such as Embedded Systems, Robotics, Cybersecurity, or Artificial Intelligence. If you enjoy deep technical exploration and innovation, research pathways like an MPhil or PhD are also open to you — leading to careers in advanced research, academia, or high-impact technology development where you help shape what comes next.

In short, this degree doesn’t just prepare you for a job — it prepares you for a future where you can design, build, and lead the technologies that matter.