Master of Engineering Science (Sustainable Systems)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 1 - 2 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8338
- CRICOS code 084282A
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Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2025 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $9,500*
-
2025 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $19,000*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $58,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $121,000*
Fees
Fees
-
Upskill or retrain
-
Specialised degree
-
In-demand skills
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The UNSW Master of Engineering Science (Sustainable Systems) postgraduate degree is designed to help you specialise and gain a deeper knowledge across a broad range of disciplines. You’ll examine how engineers discover holistic and effective solutions to unsustainable practices in the modern world.
The degree features a range of exciting topics including sustainable systems engineering, industrial ecology, sustainability and environmental sciences, and sustainability management. It also includes a number of targeted courses in renewable energy engineering and energy efficiency and promotes flexible learning as a keystone of the program.
The typical two-year degree, sitting within the UNSW School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, comprises 16 courses. It features complex, open-ended enquiry-based projects as well as many other opportunities to help you become a leader in the field. You’ll develop a systematic approach to problem-solving and learn to plan projects effectively, as well as gaining key skills in order to analyse, interpret and communicate results proficiently.
This degree provides opportunities for continuing professional development, as well as the chance to interact with those at the cutting edge of sustainable systems engineering.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
UNSW Engineering is committed to advancing a more prosperous, safe and just society, with emphasis on sustainability and consideration of engineering impacts. We're one of the leading Civil and Environmental Engineering Schools in the world, ranked #1 in Australia and #17 globally in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our centres and discipline groups provide focal points for our 80 researchers to contribute to global efforts in innovative civil, environmental and geospatial engineering research. By studying at UNSW School of Civil and Environmental Engineering you’ll gain access to world-class facilities, including a water research laboratory, heavy structures laboratory and geotechnical engineering laboratory.
The school has six research hubs working across the full range of civil engineering disciplines and we provide research and consulting services to industry and government that focus on environmental footprint analysis, life cycle assessment and sustainable consumption and production.
Want to see more from UNSW Engineering?
Entry requirements
This Master of Engineering Science specialisation accepts students from any engineering discipline.
Entry into the Master’s program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*
*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average
Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)
UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.
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A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution from any engineering discipline.
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1. A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) from any institution in any engineering discipline.
2. A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in any engineering discipline.
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.
This Master of Engineering Science specialisation accepts students from any engineering discipline.
Entry into the Master’s program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*
*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average
Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)
UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.
-
A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in any engineering discipline.
-
1. A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) from any institution in any engineering discipline.
2. A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in any engineering discipline.
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.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
When you choose to study a Master of Engineering Science, you’ll choose from one of 26 specialisations which will help you make your next career move.
Within these specialisations your study will include:
- Enquiry-based courses
- Disciplinary courses
- Engineering and Technical Management Courses.
You’ll be able to tailor your degree to your interests by combining courses in your chosen specialisation with elective courses.
You’ll also have the chance to work on a complex, open-ended enquiry-based research project.
Full program structure
Degree structures can vary depending on your specialisation of choice, the number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.
Depending on your specialisation and your previous studies/professional experience you may study:
- At least 4 Disciplinary Courses
- At least 4 Advanced Disciplinary Courses
- At least 1 Engineering and Technical Management Course
- At least 3 enquiry-based courses (which includes a research project)
- At least 4 elective courses (across Disciplinary, Advanced Disciplinary and Engineering and Technical Management courses)
Through the Disciplinary and Advanced Disciplinary Knowledge courses you’ll learn the technical knowledge and skills you need for your chosen specialisation. You’ll also update your knowledge in cutting-edge developments in your area of interest.
Engineering and Technical Management courses help you build skills in communicating and justifying professional decisions, employing ethical approaches to practice, and developing the abilities required for roles more focused on project and or staff management, leadership and strategy.
You’ll complete a research project in this degree within the enquiry-based courses. In this you can choose to develop your Postgraduate Research skills to assist with the research project component of the degree or as your first step towards a Higher Degree Research (PhD) program. Or you can complete a “Launching a Startup” course where you will be equipped with the skills necessary to successfully commercialise your ideas.
Future careers
As a UNSW Sustainable Systems graduate, you'll be able to work in roles such as:
- Energy efficiency engineer
- Industrial ecologist
- Sustainability consultant
- Green building engineer
- Water project manager
- Corporate social responsibility officer
- Environmental economist
- Policy
Each year our academics and research centres work with business, government and community organisations on specific projects that transfer our research into practice.
Joining the cohort within the UNSW School of Civil and Environmental Engineering will enable you to take advantage of our strong links with industry partners such as:
- Advisian
- Laing O'Rourke
- Taylor Thomson Whitting
- Arup
- AECOM
- Cardno
UNSW Engineering graduates are some of the most sought-after professional engineers in Australia and abroad thanks to the reputation of our research and teaching. The proof is in the fact that our alumni are consistently high contributors to Engineers Australia’s Top 100 list of Most Influential Engineers.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. 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 and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online 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
$9,500*
$19,000*
All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply.
Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Austudy and Youth Allowance is available for some master's degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.
*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee 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.
Featured scholarship
The UNSW Women in Engineering Research Scholarship was established to assist women of high academic achievement with an interest in a research and/or an academic career in engineering. UNSW Engineering offers two Women in Engineering Top-up Scholarships every semester.
Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
I love that everything in the world is being engineered by somebody.
