Master of Engineering Electrical and Electronics Engineering specialisation

3 Years On Campus Masters Program

Charles Darwin University

Program Overview

The Master of Engineering specialising in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Charles Darwin University is a three-year full-time program designed for students with a relevant science or engineering background who want to build advanced engineering expertise. The course covers areas such as electrical power, electronics, communication systems, renewable energy, control systems and digital technologies while developing practical, research and professional skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students develop a strong engineering foundation through subjects such as Mathematics 2A, Analogue Electronics, Electrical Circuit Analysis, Electrical Machines and Power Systems, Digital Systems and Computer Architecture, and Electromagnetics and Communication Technology. They also develop broader professional skills through areas such as Sustainability and Project Management, Risk and Reliability.

Year 2: Students progress into advanced topics including Power Engineering, Analogue Devices, Digital Signal Processing, Communication Systems, Power Systems Analysis, Control Engineering and Renewable Energy Systems. They also explore emerging technologies through Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms, connecting electrical engineering with modern digital applications.

Year 3: Students focus on professional practice and research through Competitiveness and Practice, Concepts of Academic Research and Development and Concepts of Industry Research and Development. They then complete either an Industry Design and Research Project or an Academic Research Thesis, giving them the opportunity to apply their knowledge to a substantial engineering project.

Focus Areas

Electrical engineering, electronics, power engineering, power systems, renewable energy, analogue electronics, digital signal processing, communication systems, control engineering, electrical machines, digital systems, computer architecture, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and engineering research.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop advanced knowledge and practical skills in electrical and electronics engineering, including power systems, communication technologies, renewable energy and control systems. They also build research, project management, teamwork, sustainability and professional practice skills, preparing them to address complex engineering challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Master of Engineering is accredited by Engineers Australia at the Professional Engineer level across its specialisations. The qualification is also recognised under the Washington Accord, providing professional recognition that can support engineering careers in Australia and other participating countries.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Charles Darwin University was ranked #2 in Australia for postgraduate employment outcomes in the Good Universities Guide 2024. The university also highlights strong graduate employment outcomes and starting salaries, reflecting its focus on preparing students for professional careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Engineering specialising in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Charles Darwin University places a strong focus on practical, industry-relevant learning. Students build hands-on engineering skills through specialist subjects, professional practice and a substantial final project, giving them opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real engineering challenges.

Students gain practical experience through:

450 hours of professional practice: Students complete 450 hours of professional practice, providing valuable exposure to engineering workplaces and opportunities to develop professional industry connections.
Industry Design and Research Project: Students can complete the Industry Design and Research Project, where they apply their engineering knowledge to a substantial industry-related project.
Academic Research Thesis: Students interested in research can undertake the Academic Research Thesis, allowing them to investigate an engineering problem in depth and develop advanced research skills.
Electrical and electronics practical work: Subjects such as Electrical Circuit Analysis, Analogue Electronics, Digital Systems and Computer Architecture, Electrical Machines and Power Systems, Power Engineering, Communication Systems and Control Engineering provide practical exposure to electrical and electronic systems.
Renewable energy applications: Renewable Energy Systems introduces students to sustainable energy technologies and their applications in modern power systems.
Digital and programming skills: Students study C Programming, Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms, building digital skills relevant to modern engineering.
Remote practical learning: Online students can use take-home kits, virtual collaboration and remote access to laboratory machinery, allowing them to complete practical activities away from campus.
Teamwork and project management: Project Management, Risk and Reliability and Competitiveness and Practice help students develop project planning, teamwork, risk management and professional skills.
Industry engagement: The course has been developed with input from industry leaders, helping ensure that the skills taught remain relevant to professional engineering practice.
Research experience: Subjects including Concepts of Academic Research and Development and Concepts of Industry Research and Development prepare students for research-based engineering projects and further academic study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Engineering specialising in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Charles Darwin University prepares graduates for professional opportunities in electronics, renewable energy, power generation and distribution, manufacturing, process control, mining, oil and gas, consulting and project management. The program also includes 450 hours of professional practice, giving students valuable workplace experience and opportunities to build industry connections.

Typical career roles include Electrical Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Power Systems Engineer, Renewable Energy Engineer.

Students can strengthen their career prospects through:

Career support: CDU's Careers Centre provides career guidance, resources, career counselling and support to help students prepare for employment and identify suitable opportunities.
Professional experience: The course includes 450 hours of professional practice, allowing students to experience professional engineering environments and develop industry connections.
Industry connections: The course has been developed in consultation with and supported by industry leaders, helping ensure that the skills taught remain relevant to current engineering requirements.
Industry opportunities: CDU works with organisations such as Power and Water Corporation, providing engineering students with opportunities to gain practical industry experience and connect with the engineering sector.
Employment outcomes: CDU reports that 94% of its undergraduate engineering students find full-time employment, based on the 2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey National Report. CDU's broader 2025 figures report a 90.7% overall employment rate and a median full-time undergraduate graduate salary of AUD 80,000; these figures are university-wide rather than specific to this master's specialisation.
Engineering employability: CDU was ranked #2 in Australia for engineering and technology employment outcomes and #4 for engineering and technology starting salary in the Good Universities Guide 2025.
Professional accreditation: The Master of Engineering is accredited by Engineers Australia at the Professional Engineer level across its specialisations and is recognised internationally under the Washington Accord, giving the qualification strong long-term professional value.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can explore opportunities across electronics, renewable energy, power generation and distribution, manufacturing, process control, mining, oil and gas, consulting and project management.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates interested in research can progress to a PhD or another doctoral research program. The final-year Industry Design and Research Project or Academic Research Thesis can provide a strong foundation for students who want to develop advanced research expertise.