Bachelor of Naval Architecture Engineering (Honours) (Canberra)
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1
- Duration
- 4 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Canberra
- Codes
- Program code 4484
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $9,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $38,000*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- -
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- -
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Real-world experience
-
Research project
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Professional recognition
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Bachelor of Naval Architecture Engineering (Honours) at UNSW Canberra is your gateway to an exciting career in marine vehicle design and engineering. You’ll explore the latest naval technologies and learn to design everything from high-speed ferries to offshore platforms. With Australia leading in the research and development of multihull vessels, this program puts you at the forefront of innovation in the maritime industry.
Throughout your studies, you’ll gain hands-on experience in ship stability, hydrodynamics, propulsion and more, preparing you to tackle the complexities of real-world naval and maritime engineering challenges. You’ll explore design principles for monohulls, multihulls and advanced dynamic vessels like hovercraft and hydrofoils, and have the opportunity to conduct independent research into a study area of your choice.
Graduates of this program are in high demand by international engineering consultancies, shipping companies and classification societies, in Australia and around the world. For those interested in a career in the Australian Defence Force, you could apply your knowledge to develop and maintain Australia’s naval fleets.
Key features
Industry-aligned learning
Benefit from a curriculum closely aligned with the needs and standards of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Engineers Australia, positioning you for high-demand roles within Australia’s growing naval and maritime industries.
Integrated Honours year
In your final year, undertake an independent research project with guidance from expert faculty, allowing you to develop and demonstrate advanced problem-solving and technical skills in naval architecture.
Focus on sustainable innovation
As the maritime industry evolves to meet sustainability challenges, this program teaches you how to design eco-friendly vessels and contribute to renewable energy initiatives like offshore wind farms. You’ll be equipped to drive the future of sustainable maritime engineering and help reduce the environmental impact of marine transport.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
Recognised professional accreditation
Graduating from this program makes you eligible for membership with The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), an internationally recognised professional body. This membership enhances your credibility and connects you with a global network of maritime professionals, giving you an edge in your career from day one. The Bachelor of Naval Architecture Engineering (Honours) is also accredited by Engineers Australia.
Learn from leaders in maritime design
At UNSW Canberra, you’ll learn from world-renowned academics and industry experts who are at the forefront of maritime innovation. Their deep industry experience and research will provide you with insights into the latest technological developments and engineering challenges, helping you stay ahead of the curve in your career.
Join a strong alumni network
When you graduate, you’ll join a strong alumni network in the engineering and naval architecture sectors. Connect with a community of professionals who can provide mentorship, job opportunities and career guidance as you enter the workforce.
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra?
Entry requirements
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS), opens in a new window
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our Future Student Advisers to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on IRSAD and IEO indexes of SEIFA criteria, or are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person. It adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides early offers and early conditional offers to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
International direct entry
| Qualifications | Direct entry requirement |
|---|---|
|
International ATAR
|
Please contact us for direct entry requirements. |
| UNSW Foundation Studies GPA |
Please contact us for direct entry requirements. |
|
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)
|
Please contact us for direct entry requirements. |
|
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
|
Please contact us for direct entry requirements. |
|
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
|
Please contact us for direct entry requirements. |
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
The Bachelor of Naval Architecture Engineering (Honours) at UNSW Canberra is a four-year full-time degree. Students must complete 192 Units of Credit (UOC), including a mix of core courses and electives.
In your first two years, you’ll build a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, covering essential topics like engineering materials, dynamics and thermodynamics. Then, you’ll dive into specialised subjects like ship stability, hydrodynamics, propulsion and naval structures. You’ll also explore ship design, seaworthiness, and marine systems, gaining hands-on experience through practical projects and simulations. This combination of broad engineering principles and in-depth naval expertise prepares you to tackle real-world challenges in the maritime industry.
Full program structure
Students must complete 192 UOC of the following to satisfy the core requirements of this degree:
Future careers
Careers in Defence
Australia currently holds the leading position in the research and development of passenger and cargo multihulls, and the federal government remains committed to building an internationally competitive and sustainable Australian naval shipbuilding industry.
As a qualified engineering graduate, you’ll be prepared to work in a range of roles across the Australian Defence Force, primarily within the Navy. With your broad skillset across engineering and marine architecture, you’ll be prepared for jobs such as:
- Army Officer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer Submariner
- Nuclear Submarine Officer
Careers in non-Defence roles
The marine engineering and naval architecture sectors are evolving fast, driven by advancements in technology, sustainability initiatives and Australia’s focus on developing its naval and commercial fleets. Graduates with a Bachelor of Naval Architecture Engineering (Honours) from UNSW Canberra will be entering a field where demand is strong, particularly in roles focused on the design of energy-efficient vessels and renewable offshore platforms. As industries adapt to new environmental challenges and a global push toward sustainable shipping, you’ll have the opportunity to lead innovations that shape the future of marine transport and energy systems.
Potential civilian roles:
- CAD Technician
- Compliance Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Energy Efficiency Consultant
- Hydrographic Surveyor
- Marine Engineer
- Marine Surveyor
- Naval Architect
- Offshore Engineer
- Port Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Propulsion Engineer
- Research and Development Engineer
- Ship Systems Engineer
- Shipbuilding Project Manager
- Structural Engineer
- Sustainability Consultant
- Vessel Designer
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Naval Architecture Engineering (Honours) is accredited by Engineers Australia. Graduates are eligible for membership to The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA).
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website, opens in a new window and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website, opens in a new window for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online, opens in a new window service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025
AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Award, 2020-2024
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