Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is an integrated five-year program designed for students who aspire to become highly skilled professional engineers and future industry leaders. Combining the broad foundation of an engineering honours degree with the advanced specialization of a master's qualification, this program equips graduates with the technical expertise, research capabilities, and practical experience needed to solve complex engineering challenges in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1 – Foundations of Engineering
Students develop a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, programming, and engineering design. Core courses such as Engineering Mechanics, Electrical Engineering Fundamentals, Mathematics for Engineers, and introductory engineering design subjects build analytical thinking, technical problem-solving skills, and an understanding of engineering principles.

Year 2 – Core Electrical Engineering Principles
The curriculum advances into key engineering topics including Circuit Analysis, Digital Systems, Signals and Systems, and Electronics. Through laboratory work and project-based learning, students gain practical experience in designing, analyzing, and testing electrical systems while strengthening teamwork and communication skills.

Year 3 – Advanced Engineering Systems and Applications
Students explore specialized areas such as Control Systems, Electromagnetic Fields, Communication Systems, and Power Engineering Fundamentals. This year emphasizes the application of engineering theory to real-world challenges and introduces students to increasingly complex technical problems.

Year 4 – Professional Engineering Practice and Specialisation
Students deepen their expertise through advanced courses in Power Systems, Renewable Energy Technologies, Embedded Systems, Digital Signal Processing, and engineering project management. Industry-focused projects and design experiences help students develop professional engineering competencies and leadership skills.

Year 5 – Master’s-Level Advanced Study and Research
The final year focuses on advanced master's coursework and a substantial research or industry-based project. Students undertake specialized subjects aligned with their interests, such as smart grids, energy systems, telecommunications, automation, control engineering, or emerging technologies. The capstone project provides an opportunity to solve real-world engineering challenges while demonstrating advanced technical and research capabilities.

Focus Areas:

Electrical Engineering
Power and Energy Systems
Communication Systems
Control and Automation Engineering
Digital Systems and Signal Processing
Renewable Energy Technologies
Advanced Engineering Research

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will develop:

Advanced technical expertise in electrical engineering
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Research and innovation capabilities
Project management and leadership skills
Professional communication and teamwork competencies
The ability to design and implement complex engineering solutions
Expertise in applying emerging technologies to industry challenges

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring graduates meet internationally recognized professional engineering standards. The integrated master's qualification further enhances technical specialization and professional readiness for advanced engineering roles.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
UNSW is internationally recognized as one of Australia's leading universities for engineering and technology. Consistently ranked among the world's top institutions for engineering education and graduate employability, UNSW provides students with access to world-class facilities, industry partnerships, research opportunities, and a global alumni network that supports outstanding career outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) program is designed to provide students with a robust blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This hands-on approach is essential for preparing you for a successful career in the ever-evolving field of electrical engineering. With state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools, you will have ample opportunities to apply what you learn in real-world scenarios.

Here’s how UNSW enhances your experiential learning experience:

- Engineering Design Studio: A dedicated space where you can work on design projects, collaborate with peers, and bring your ideas to life using advanced tools and technologies.
- Laboratories: Access to specialized labs such as the Electrical Engineering Laboratory, where you can conduct experiments and gain practical experience with electrical systems and devices.
- Software Tools: Familiarity with industry-standard software like MATLAB, Simulink, and PSpice, which are integral for simulations and modeling in electrical engineering.
- Group Projects: Engage in collaborative projects that mimic real-world engineering challenges, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Internships: Opportunities to undertake internships with leading companies, allowing you to gain valuable industry experience and network with professionals in the field.
- Field Trips: Participate in excursions to local industries and research facilities, providing insights into the practical applications of your studies.
- Research Institutes: Collaborate with faculty and researchers at UNSW’s various institutes, such as the UNSW School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, to work on innovative projects.
- Libraries and Resources: Access to extensive engineering resources, including the UNSW Library, which offers a wealth of academic materials and study spaces tailored for engineering students.

These elements of experiential learning not only enhance your academic journey but also equip you with the skills and experiences that employers value. By choosing UNSW, you’re setting yourself up for a successful career in electrical engineering.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) from UNSW enter the workforce with both a professionally accredited engineering qualification and an advanced master's degree, giving them a significant competitive advantage in the global job market. The integrated program develops highly specialized technical expertise, research capabilities, and leadership skills that prepare graduates for complex engineering roles across rapidly evolving industries. As demand for skilled electrical engineers continues to grow, graduates are well positioned to contribute to the development of next-generation technologies and critical infrastructure projects worldwide.

Typical career pathways include: Electrical Engineer, Power Systems Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Renewable Energy Engineer, Signal Processing Engineer, Systems Engineer, Automation Engineer, Project Engineer, Engineering Consultant, and Engineering Manager.

This strong career outlook is supported by UNSW's industry connections, global reputation, and graduate employability outcomes:

UNSW Careers and Employability provides comprehensive support through career coaching, resume reviews, interview preparation, networking events, mentoring programs, internship assistance, and graduate recruitment opportunities.
Graduates are highly sought after across industries including renewable energy, power generation and distribution, telecommunications, defence, aerospace, transportation, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology.
Median starting salaries for engineering graduates in Australia typically range from AUD $75,000–$85,000+, while graduates with master's-level qualifications often benefit from accelerated career progression and increased opportunities for specialist and leadership roles.
UNSW maintains strong partnerships with leading engineering firms, government agencies, research organizations, and multinational companies, creating valuable opportunities for internships, industry projects, and graduate employment.
Accreditation by Engineers Australia ensures graduates meet internationally recognized professional engineering standards and supports professional registration and global career mobility.
The integrated Master of Engineering qualification provides advanced technical specialization and research experience that is highly valued by employers seeking engineers capable of solving complex, high-impact challenges.
Graduates develop expertise in power systems, communication technologies, automation, digital systems, renewable energy, signal processing, project management, and engineering innovation.
UNSW consistently ranks among Australia's leading universities for graduate employability and is internationally recognized for excellence in engineering, research, and technological innovation.

Further Academic Progression:

Although graduates complete both a bachelor's and master's qualification within this integrated program, further academic opportunities remain available. Graduates may pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Systems, Telecommunications, Signal Processing, Control Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Smart Grid Technologies, or related fields. Research-focused graduates may also undertake a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) before progressing to doctoral studies. These advanced pathways can lead to careers in academia, research leadership, advanced technology development, innovation management, government research agencies, and senior engineering consultancy roles.