Master of Systems Engineering
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1 & 2
- Duration
- 1 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Distance (online with some face-to-face)
- Campus
-
Canberra
- Codes
- Program code 8567
- CRICOS code -
-
2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $39,840*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $39,840*
-
2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $48,240*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $48,240*
Fees
Fees
-
Fully online
-
Optional research project
-
One year program
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Global systems are growing increasingly interconnected and complex every day. As a result, the demand for skilled systems engineers is rising rapidly. Systems engineers play a critical role in designing, integrating and managing complex systems throughout their life cycles, ensuring they meet operational needs while balancing performance, cost and schedule objectives.
The Master of Systems Engineering at UNSW Canberra is designed to provide postgraduate students with an advanced understanding of systems engineering principles, from design to development and application. This degree equips you with the tools to analyse, design and manage complex projects across a variety of sectors, with the option to specialise in areas such as Electronic Warfare, Space Systems and Marine Engineering.
Key features
Gain specialist expertise
Tailor your studies to your career goals by choosing from a range of specialisations, including Electronic Warfare, Space Systems, Networking, Marine Engineering and more. This flexibility allows you to focus on the area most relevant to your professional interests.
Refine your research skills
Interested in research? Take the opportunity to apply your systems engineering skills to real-world problems or explore an area of original research. This experience is particularly valuable for those looking to pursue higher-level research qualifications.
Flexible learning and support
Balance your studies with work, family and other commitments. The program is offered exclusively online, complemented by an online learning platform that allows you to receive support from your teachers and fellow students.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
Aligned to industry needs
UNSW Canberra’s close ties with government agencies and research institutions ensure that the program content is aligned with industry requirements.
Be part of Australia's defence hub
UNSW Canberra is located at the heart of Australia's Defence and government sectors, giving you unparalleled access to industry professionals and potential career opportunities in areas like defence strategy and national security.
Small class sizes and personalised support
Enjoy a more personalised learning experience with small class sizes at UNSW Canberra, where you’ll have greater access to academic support, networking opportunities and mentorship.
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra at ADFA?
Entry requirements
Please refer to the UNSW Handbook for the Entry Requirements.
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.
N/A
Please refer to the UNSW Handbook for the Entry Requirements.
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.
Program structure
The Master of Systems Engineering allows students to specialise in their chosen field, while gaining a solid foundational knowledge of Systems Engineering. The program consists of core courses, specialisation courses and prescribed electives. Students may also choose to complete a research project for credit.
The program is offered fully online and can be completed in one year with full-time study.
Full program structure
This program contains a total of 48 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in one year of full-time study. Students will complete:
Core courses - 24 UOC
- Systems Engineering Practice
- Requirements Practice
- Test and Evaluation
- Systems Thinking and Modelling
Specialisations – 24 UOC
- Electronic Warfare
- Reliability Engineering
- Simulation
- Marine Engineering
- Networking
- Space Systems
- Test and Evaluation
- Weapons and Ordnance
Prescribed Electives - Up to 24 UOC
- Logistics Management
- Software Project Management
- System Safety Engineering
- Project Administration
- Project Management Body of Knowledge
- Capability Option Analysis
- Applied Machine Learning
Research Project - Up to 12 UOC
- Project Report - Systems Engineering Part-Time
- Project Report - Systems Engineering Full-Time
Potential careers
Graduates of the Master of Systems Engineering are well-equipped for careers across a wide range of industries where complex systems management is critical. You’ll gain the skills to oversee systems throughout their life cycle, making you highly sought after in industries like defence, aerospace and telecommunications.
Potential roles
- Aerospace Systems Engineer
- Defence Systems Engineer
- Electronic Warfare Engineer
- Marine Engineer
- Networks and Satellite Communication Engineer
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager (Engineering)
- Reliability Engineer
- Simulation Engineer
- Software Systems Engineer
- Space Systems Engineer
- Systems Analyst
- Systems Engineer
- Test and Evaluation Engineer
- Weapons and Ordnance Engineer
Alumni testimonial
“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
International Council on Systems Engineering, Graduates could apply for the accreditation only after completing the degree (upon graduation). The eligibility criteria are to achieve more than 75% in each and every core course.
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
*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.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
