Master of Engineering (Telecommunications and networks)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

La Trobe University

Program Overview

The Master of Engineering (Telecommunications and Networks) at La Trobe University is designed for engineering graduates who want to develop advanced skills in telecommunications, computer networks and digital communications. Students learn how to design and develop modern communication systems and network technologies while building practical knowledge in areas such as network architecture, wireless systems, routing and network security.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The first year builds the core engineering and professional knowledge needed for advanced telecommunications and networking work. Students study areas such as Computer Aided Engineering, Advanced Engineering Innovation and Risk and Cost Engineering, while beginning specialist learning in Network Engineering Fundamentals and Telecommunications Engineering.

Year 2

The second year takes students deeper into modern telecommunications and network technologies. Subjects such as Intermediate Network Engineering, Communication Systems, Telecommunications Engineering and Networks, Systems and Web Security help students develop advanced technical skills, while the Advanced Research Based Learning or Work Integrated Learning pathway allows them to apply their knowledge in a research or professional environment.

Focus Areas

Telecommunications Systems, Network Architecture, Computer Communication Networks, Routing Techniques, Digital Communications, Wireless Systems, Network Security, Cybersecurity, Network Engineering and Telecommunications Software.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to use advanced engineering knowledge and modern technical tools to solve complex telecommunications and networking problems. They gain expertise in network systems, digital and wireless communications, cybersecurity and engineering project development while strengthening their analytical, research and professional skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

La Trobe's Master of Engineering is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting graduates who want to pursue professional engineering careers and membership with the professional body. The course also provides opportunities for industry-based learning, helping students develop practical skills relevant to the telecommunications and networking sector.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

La Trobe University is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide, according to rankings highlighted by the university. La Trobe also reports 88.2% overall employer satisfaction, placing it second in Victoria, while its engineering research has been rated above world standard by the Australian Research Council.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Engineering (Telecommunications and Networks) at La Trobe University gives students strong opportunities to develop practical skills through specialist networking and telecommunications laboratories, industry projects and work-integrated learning. Students work with networking hardware, wireless technologies, cybersecurity systems and cloud platforms, allowing them to apply concepts such as network design, routing, digital communications and security to practical engineering challenges.

Students can gain hands-on experience through:

Cisco Network Laboratories: La Trobe has four Cisco network laboratories with more than 300 switches, routers, wireless controllers, 802.11AX access points and firewalls, allowing students to build, test and secure computer networks.
Cybersecurity Laboratory: The Bundoora cybersecurity laboratory includes 32 workstations, intrusion-detection software, network and system forensic tools, honeypots and penetration-testing tools for practical security activities.
Telecommunications Laboratories: Students undertaking Telecommunications Engineering complete practical laboratory activities focused on the analysis and design of modern digital communication systems.
Internet of Things Laboratory: The Bendigo IoT laboratory provides access to LoRa, LoRaWAN, 5G, NB-IoT and CAT-M1 networks, radio equipment and cloud technologies such as Amazon Web Services for developing and testing IoT solutions.
Industry Project Laboratory: The Bundoora Industry Project Laboratory supports postgraduate industry and research projects, with computers, current software and facilities for both individual and team-based work.
Work-Integrated Learning: Students can choose an 800-hour Work Integrated Learning program, gaining practical experience with engineering companies and industry employers. La Trobe has identified partners including Telstra, Siemens, the German Aerospace Centre and Fortis.
Research Projects: Students can choose an Advanced Research Based Learning pathway and undertake an advanced engineering research project under academic supervision.
Team-Based Projects: Industry and networking laboratories provide environments for collaborative projects, helping students develop teamwork and practical problem-solving skills.
Computing Facilities: La Trobe provides computing laboratories that students can use outside scheduled classes, supporting project development, assignments and practical experimentation.
Research and Industry Collaboration: La Trobe's facilities support research and industry collaboration in areas including networking, cybersecurity, IoT and emerging communication technologies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Engineering (Telecommunications and Networks) prepares graduates for professional careers across telecommunications, computer networking, cybersecurity and related technology industries. Students combine specialised technical knowledge with practical experience, helping them build the confidence and skills needed to work on modern communication and network systems.

Typical career roles include Network Systems Engineer, Development Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer and Cybersecurity Specialist.

Students can strengthen their transition into professional employment through:

Career Support: La Trobe's Career Hub provides access to employment opportunities, internships, graduate programs, career resources and support for students and recent graduates.
Work-Integrated Learning: Students can undertake an 800-hour industry-based learning opportunity, gaining substantial practical experience and developing professional connections.
Industry Connections: La Trobe highlights industry relationships with organisations such as Siemens, BMW, Audi and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR).
Industry Projects: Industry-informed projects, presentations and professional simulations help students connect their classroom learning with real engineering situations.
Professional Accreditation: The Master of Engineering at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting graduates seeking professional recognition and membership, subject to the professional body's requirements.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates can pursue roles such as development engineer, network or systems engineer, telecommunications engineer and cybersecurity specialist, with opportunities across telecommunications, technology, defence and scientific and technical services.
Employment and Salary: La Trobe reports 88.2% overall employer satisfaction, ranking second in Victoria. However, the university does not publish a specific graduate employment rate or salary figure for this particular master's specialisation.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates interested in advanced research can continue with research-based postgraduate study such as a Master of Philosophy or PhD, with potential research areas including telecommunications, networking, cybersecurity and wireless communications.