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
- $37,000*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $37,000*
-
2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $44,500*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $45,500*
Fees
Fees
-
Fully online
-
Less than one year
-
Optional research project
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Full program structure
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.
Potential careers
- Systems engineer
- Marine engineer
- Weapons and ordnance engineer
- Test and Evaluation engineer
- Networks and Satellite communication engineer
- Reliability engineer
- Simulation Engineer
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.
