Master of Professional Engineering, specialization in Telecommunications and Networking Engineering

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Curtin University Perth

Program Overview

The Master of Professional Engineering, specialising in Telecommunications and Networking Engineering at Curtin University is designed for engineering graduates who want to develop advanced skills in modern communication and networking technologies. Students explore areas such as mobile radio communications, sensor networks and data network security, while gaining professional experience and learning how to apply these technologies to real engineering challenges.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The first year builds the technical and professional foundation needed for telecommunications and networking engineering. Students develop knowledge in areas such as mobile radio communications, sensor networks and data network security, while learning how modern communication networks operate and support different applications.

Year 2

The second year focuses on applying this knowledge to advanced engineering challenges and emerging telecommunications technologies. Students complete a major research or design project and undertake at least 12 weeks of engineering professional practice, giving them valuable experience in a professional environment.

Focus Areas

Telecommunications Engineering, Networking Engineering, Mobile Radio Communications, Sensor Networks, Data Network Security, Electronic Communications, Network Technologies, Emerging Telecommunications Technologies and Professional Engineering Practice.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop advanced knowledge of telecommunications and networking systems and learn how to tackle complex communication and network-security challenges. They also gain practical experience and strengthen their ability to investigate and apply emerging technologies through professional practice and a major engineering project.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Master of Professional Engineering develops the technical knowledge, professional skills and competencies required for professional engineering practice. Curtin states that the course meets the Stage 1 competency standards for professional engineer status, supporting graduates seeking professional recognition through Engineers Australia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Curtin University is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2025. The Telecommunications and Networking Engineering specialisation has strong industry relevance, with career opportunities including Telecommunications Network Engineer, Communications Specialist, Telecommunications Consultant and Telecommunications Specialist across telecommunications, IT and technical services.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential Learning

The Telecommunications and Networking Engineering major at Curtin University combines advanced technical learning with practical workplace experience and project-based study. Students explore mobile radio communications, sensor networks and data network security, complete at least 12 weeks of engineering professional practice, and undertake a major project where they can apply their knowledge to emerging telecommunications and networking challenges.

Students can develop their practical skills through Curtin’s industry-focused learning environment and facilities:

Professional Engineering Practice: Students complete at least 12 weeks of engineering professional practice and maintain a formal logbook documenting their workplace experience.
Major Research or Design Project: The final-year project allows students to investigate and apply emerging telecommunications and networking technologies to an engineering challenge.
Industry Projects: Curtin has collaborated with Cisco on network development using machine learning to improve the automation of computer-network maintenance and security, providing exposure to real industry challenges.
Networking and Computing Facilities: Curtin Perth provides major computer laboratories, including the Abacus labs, along with additional faculty computer laboratories for practical computing and project work.
Collaborative Study Spaces: The TL Robertson Library provides computer areas, study rooms, large tables and booths that support both individual and group work.
Engineering Learning Spaces: Curtin provides engineering learning environments with physical and computer laboratories and project spaces designed to support practical engineering activities.
Emerging Telecommunications Technologies: Students work with areas such as sensor networks, mobile radio communications and data network security, helping them develop knowledge relevant to modern communication systems.

Facilities information: Curtin University – Study Facilities and Equipment.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Telecommunications and Networking Engineering specialisation prepares graduates for professional careers in the rapidly evolving communications and technology sector. Students graduate with specialist knowledge in telecommunications and networking, practical workplace experience and skills that can be applied across IT, telecommunications and technical industries.

Typical career roles include: Telecommunications Network Engineer, Communications Specialist, Telecommunications Consultant, Telecommunications Specialist.

Students can strengthen their transition into professional employment through:

Career and Employment Support: Curtin provides career development services and opportunities to connect students with employers, helping them prepare for employment and explore career pathways.
Professional Experience: Students complete at least 12 weeks of engineering professional practice, supported by a formal logbook, giving them valuable workplace experience.
Industry-Relevant Learning: The specialisation covers mobile radio communications, sensor networks and data network security, while the major project allows students to work with emerging telecommunications and networking technologies.
Professional Recognition: The Master of Professional Engineering is aligned with the Stage 1 competency standards for professional engineer status, supporting long-term professional development and recognition through Engineers Australia.
Graduation Outcomes: Curtin identifies roles such as Telecommunications Network Engineer, Communications Specialist, Telecommunications Consultant and Telecommunications Specialist as potential career outcomes.
Employment and Salary: Curtin does not publish a specific graduate employment rate or salary figure for this particular specialisation, so no unsupported figures have been included.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the master’s degree, graduates interested in research can pursue a Higher Degree by Research, such as a Master of Philosophy or PhD. Potential research areas include telecommunications, networking, communication systems, cybersecurity and related engineering technologies.