Master of Systems Engineering

Help shape complex systems for the future.

For domestic and international students.

As the world becomes more interconnected, and the systems on which we depend become increasingly complex, systems engineers will be highly sought after. The systems engineering process coordinates and leads the translation of operational needs into a system designed to meet that need. It is a forward-thinking process that transcends software, electrical, and mechanical engineering. It focuses on how to design, integrate, and manage complex systems throughout their life cycles, coordinating performance, cost, and schedule goals.

Degree type

Postgraduate coursework

Duration

1 year full-time

Commencing terms

Semester 1, Semester 2

Program code

8567

Delivery mode

Online (some face-to-face electives)

Overview

The Master of Systems Engineering at UNSW Canberra is designed for postgraduate students who wish to develop a high-level understanding of the principles that shape systems engineering and their implementation through the design, development and application phases. This course will provide you with in-demand skills and experience in analysing, designing and managing complex projects with the opportunity to specialise in a specific engineering discipline.

Design your degree

As part of the Master of Systems Engineering, you can choose from a variety of specialisations including:  

Electronic Warfare 
Networking 
Space Systems 
Test and Evaluation 
Weapons and Ordnance 
Marine Engineering 
Simulation
Reliability Engineering

To complete a specialisation, you must complete the four core courses, two courses from the chosen specialisation, and two electives from anywhere else in the program.

With the approval of the Program Coordinator, students with a high credit average or better in four courses may complete a research project in lieu of two elective courses.

The project is recommended for those with a strong interest in pursuing original research in a particular area or intending to undertake a higher-level research qualification.

We help you balance study with work, family and other important parts of your life by offering this degree under a mixture of online and intensive delivery modes.

What our students say

“The calibre of UNSW Canberra’s staff, the breadth and quality of its programs, the flexibility offered in its various course delivery mediums and the support for its students, are all simply first class.”

Anthony Barnes, Master of Systems Engineering student

Find out more

For more information on this degree, see the UNSW Handbook.

Find out more

Students undertaking the Master of Systems Engineering are required to complete 48 Units of Credit (UOC) by completing eight 6-UOC courses from the list in the Handbook entry for the program (see the list in Course Availability below).

In the Master of Systems Engineering program, students must complete four core courses and four elective courses (from the general electives or any of the specialisations). Not all elective courses will be available in a particular year.

Students may choose to complete the generalist Master of Systems Engineering program or may choose to complete the Master of Systems Engineering with a specialisation (options include Test & Evaluation, Space Systems, Electronic Warfare, Weapons and Ordnance, Networking, Reliability Engineering, Simulation and Marine Engineering). To complete a specialisation, students must complete the four core courses, two courses from the chosen specialisation, and two electives from anywhere else in the program.

The courses in the program may be taken in any order but it is recommended that the four core courses are completed first, followed by the four elective courses.

With the approval of the Program Coordinator, students with an average mark of 65% or higher in four courses may complete a 12-UOC research project in lieu of two elective courses. The project is recommended for those with a strong interest in pursuing original research in a particular area or intending to undertake a higher-level research qualification.

With the approval of the Program Coordinator, students may take up to two elective courses (12 UOC) from other coursework programs.
The option of undertaking a research project worth 12 UOC is available to master's students who obtain a high credit average or better in four courses and is subject to approval by the Program Coordinator.

The research project can be completed within one semester through enrolment in ZEIT8297 Project Report - Systems Engineering (full-time) or spread across two semesters through enrolment in ZEIT8296 Project Report - Systems Engineering (part-time). Completion of either course results in the achievement of 12 UOC.

The project is recommended for those with a strong interest in pursuing original research in a particular area or intending to undertake a higher research degree qualification. Students undertaking the research project (ZEIT8297 or ZEIT8296) are unable to enrol in elective courses from other coursework programs.
For information regarding entry requirements, please refer to the UNSW Handbook.
If you have successfully completed approved professional development courses, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning towards future study.

Find out more