Explore a world of possibilities 

If you’re keen to gain practical experience working alongside defence, government, and industry, our specialist non-defence undergraduate degrees could be for you. Our programs allow students to explore big ideas, create new knowledge, and tackle the most pressing global issues.  

As a non-defence undergraduate student at UNSW Canberra, you’ll study alongside students from the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and benefit from our custom-built facilities and the best university student-to-teacher ratio in Australia. With access to world-class academic staff and outstanding industry networks, become a future global leader at one of the country’s leading universities.

As a non-defence student you can undertake: 

  • A Bachelor of Engineering

  • An honours program in Arts, Business, Computing and Cyber Security, or Science. 

UNSW Canberra offers a range of full degree programs as well as single-year Honours programs for non-Defence undergraduate students. Application processes vary, depending on the degree program you are applying for. Visit How to apply for further information.

UNSW

Hear what our students have to say

"The best thing about studying at UNSW Canberra is the small class sizes. Since there is a small number of students in your classes (especially in comparison to other universities) it is much easier to develop one-on-one relationships with the academic staff who are teaching you."

- Jack Lawrence, civil engineering student 

Explore your study options

Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering (Honours) - Non-Defence

A Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering from UNSW Canberra will kickstart your career in this highly valued industry with the skills you need to thrive in your defence force career.

opens in a new window
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

This degree gives you strong communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills – essential attributes of effective leaders in the Australian Defence Force.  Arts degrees are flexible and allow you to keep your options open.

opens in a new window
Bachelor of Business (Honours)

Did you enjoy undertaking research for your assignments during your bachelor's degree? Do you want to learn more about a specific field of business studies? This degree provides the opportunity to do both, as well as deepen your critical thinking and communication skills.

opens in a new window
Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) - Non-Defence

This four-year full-time degree is in-built with an honours research project. Working with experienced engineers and client representatives on industry-focused design and research projects, you’ll gain the hands-on experience required to meet the global challenges of the future.

opens in a new window
Bachelor of Computing & Cyber Security (Honours)

This degree is designed to develop the attributes and skills needed to work on the front line of Australia's sovereign cyber capabilities. You’ll be able to understand and identify risks and make computing and networking systems secure.

opens in a new window
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) - Non-Defence

Do you have an interest in radar, communication, or weapons systems? Are you interested in driving the Australian Defence Force's position at the forefront of technology? If these scenarios make your circuits fire, then studying electrical engineering at UNSW Canberra at ADFA may be for you.

opens in a new window
Bachelor of Naval Architecture Engineering (Honours) - Non-Defence

Water covers more than 70 per cent of the world’s surface. To navigate oceans, rivers, lakes and other waterways, people depend on water vessels. In this program, you’ll learn how to solve design problems while boosting your career opportunities using military and civilian perspectives.

opens in a new window
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) - Non-Defence

A degree in mechanical engineering will provide you with a solid understanding of thermodynamics, mechanical systems dynamics, properties of solid materials, fluid dynamics, design, and high-level project management skills.

opens in a new window
Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Enhance your skills and understanding in your chosen area of science and lay the academic foundations for a master’s degree with a degree that connects high-performing students to a deeper knowledge of approaches and traditions in their chosen fields.

opens in a new window

Discover

Life-Long Connections

Your alumni community includes a network of inspiring, influential people. They’re leaders shaping Australia, the region and the international community. They work across all industries including defence, science and technology, government and humanities.

opens in a new window

Support Services

We offer a range of services to help you make the most of student life. From practical study advice to counselling and physical wellbeing, our student resources will help you get the most out of your university experience.

opens in a new window

Student Life

Student life at UNSW Canberra is more than just lectures and classrooms. When you study with us, you’re joining a vibrant and welcoming community. We offer plenty of activities and events that will make you feel at home, help you make new friends and provide you with an experience you’ll never forget.

 

opens in a new window