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University of New South Wales (UNSW)

  • 34% international / 66% domestic

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Computer)

  • Bachelor (Honours)

Computer engineering is an engineering discipline that combines computer science and electronic engineering to develop computer hardware and software.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor (Honours)
Duration
4 - 4 years full-time
Study Mode
In person
Domestic Fees
$7,500 per year / $238,000 total

About this course

Overview

Computer engineering is an engineering discipline that combines computer science and electronic engineering to develop computer hardware and software. As a computer engineer you'll become a leader in innovation and development of new technologies that impact the world.

Computer Engineers don't just work with personal computer systems. You'll learn about embedded systems for vehicles and operating systems for consumer electronics, telecommunications, medical equipment and more.

In this degree you'll learn about the structure and integrated design of hardware and software components within computer systems, by combining elements of electrical engineering with computer science methods.

Taught by leading researchers in the field of Computer Science and Engineering, you'll be challenged to engineer innovative solutions required for your future career.

Key features

The Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering) is a four-year, full-time degree designed for students who want to pursue a career in computer engineering.

This degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and the Australian Computer Society. Part of your study involves applying your skills through 60 days of approved industrial training. Your industrial training will give you a taste of a real-world professional engineering setting and the hands-on experience to hit the ground running.

You can take part in discipline electives including a Vertically Integrated Project and the Maker Games: Activation Hub - an award-winning rapid prototyping competition that includes access to industry experts and professional skills training.

You can choose to undertake this degree after completing a Flexible First Year at UNSW Engineering. Flexible First Year allows you to explore different engineering fields before choosing your specialisation, Computer Engineering is just one of the specialisations available. The first year of engineering study has a core of common subjects, plus a wide choice of electives, so you can figure out which one is right for you.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

You'll be studying at Australia's leading Engineering faculty. We're ranked 1st in Australia and 31st globally for Engineering and Technology by QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024.

UNSW's School of Computer Science and Engineering's research is ranked 1st in Australia for Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Databases, Embedded & Real-Time Systems and Operating Systems by CS Rankings. Our strong focus on research, with our world-class research facilities feeds leading-edge discoveries straight into our degrees. Our research culture provides an education where you'll question, test, learn and experiment, making new discoveries along the way.

This degree includes 60 days Industrial Training which provides a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience. WIL allows you to engage in work learning experiences that integrate academic learning with its application in the workplace, connecting you directly with industry and community partners. Our industry partners include leading companies such as Atlassian, Commbank, Google, Honeywell, Microsoft and WiseTech Global.

UNSW is known for its graduate employability, with UNSW awarded the Most Employable Students Award in the AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards for 5 consecutive years (2020-2024).*

At UNSW Engineering you'll benefit from a diverse and welcoming community. No matter what your particular interest, engineering or beyond, there's a club or society for you. UNSW Engineering boasts 16 student societies including a society for each school. Get involved in Queer Students in Stem, Electrical Engineering Society, Women in Renewable Energy Society or Robogoals. UNSW's Women in Engineering (WIE) society runs social and industry events as well as programs designed to mentor and develop female engineers.

When you study engineering at UNSW you can take part in the ChallENG Program. This unique program connects students, academics and industry to exciting, real-world, project-based learning initiatives. The program will prepare you for your future career by helping develop technical and design skills and expanding your professional expertise.

*AFR Top100 Future Leaders 2024

Program Code
3707
CRICOS Code
056835E
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
425700
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
192
Indicative Enrolments
4,397
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
2023 Lowest Selection Rank 1
90
2023 A Levels 2
16
2023 IB Diploma 3
34
2023 Lowest ATAR 4
80.85*
    1. The 2023 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023.
    2. The 2023 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
    3. The 2023 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023. It is to be used as a guide only.
    4. The 2023 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
  • At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

    To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

    We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

    See more
Assumed knowledge

Mathematics Extension 1, Physics.

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)
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

The Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS) is a possible alternative admission pathway for the admission of domestic undergraduate students to UNSW Faculty of Engineering degree programs, including the BSc Computer Science and the BSc Food Science (Hons), who do not meet the published Guaranteed Entry selection rank. Learn more about FEAS.

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.

International direct entry
I studied in:
Qualifications Direct entry requirement
International ATAR
85
UNSW Foundation Studies GPA
7.5
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)
11

All applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry Scores are calculated from the best two, three, or four A2 Level subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1.

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
31

Results based on scores required for entry into UNSW in 2019 and are only applicable if the Diploma has been completed. Students currently attempting the IB can apply directly to UNSW or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). For more details, visit www.uac.edu.au

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
1210

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) based on the total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies.

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.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program
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Study locations

Kensington

Career pathways

Future careers

Computer Engineers work with personal computer systems, such as desktops and laptops but also embedded systems for gaming, vehicles and PDAs. Computer Engineers may work with supercomputers as used in climate modelling and gene analysis and prosthetic systems such as ocular implants.

Your career won't just be limited to work in IT-specific industries, there are opportunities to work in a broad range of industries and in a variety of organisations. Computer Engineers can work in many different fields such as robotics, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, mobile apps and operating systems.

Graduates can pursue careers in a range of sectors including:

  • Telecommunications
  • Software Industry
  • Research and Development
  • Government
  • Manufacturing
  • Mining
  • Agriculture
  • Finance
  • Transport
  • Defence
  • Aerospace
  • Research
Potential careers
  • Research laboratories
  • Technology manufacturers
  • IT and Digital consulting firms
  • Agrotech businesses
  • Banking, finance and health and education industries
  • VLSI Design
  • Embedded systems
Accreditation

This degree is globally recognised and is accredited by Engineers Australia and acknowledged by the Washington Accord. This degree is also accredited by the Australian Computer Society.

Part of this degree involves applying your skills through 60 days of approved industrial training in Australia or overseas. Your industrial training will give you a taste of a real-world professional engineering setting and the hands-on experience to become career-ready.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Computing & Information Systems courses at University of New South Wales (UNSW).
70.6%
Overall satisfaction
73.7%
Skill scale
50.3%
Teaching scale
90.5%
Employed full-time
$110k
Average salary