Masters (Coursework)
UNSW Master of Engineering Science (Space Systems Engineering) is a two-year postgraduate degree with the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications.
UNSW Master of Engineering Science (Space Systems Engineering) is a two-year postgraduate degree with the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications. The degree is designed for students who already have an accredited engineering degree and want to move into the space industry or pursue research in the sector.
Through the Space Systems Engineering stream, you'll explore systems engineering in spacecraft and space systems, before delving into the ways these systems are being applied in current and future industries. You'll take a combination of core and elective courses as well as a year-long practical project. Subject areas you'll explore include:
The Master of Engineering Science is a non-accredited program designed to deepen your expertise, so you can dive into an exciting career in space systems.
*Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
When you study the Master of Engineering Science (Space Systems Engineering) at UNSW, you'll study at the largest electrical and telecommunications engineering school in Australia. We're ranked 1st in Australia and 31st globally for Engineering and Technology by QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024.
The benefits of studying with the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at UNSW are vast and include:
There are two entry points into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depending on your cognate background. This provides a structured and supportive option for students with a non-cognate background, while enabling students with cognate backgrounds earlier flexibility in their course selection. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UOC), and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.
Students with a cognate background:
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 a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*
Students with a non-cognate background:
Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.
Entry into the pathway 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.*
Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after passing 18 UOC of foundational courses. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with a cognate background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with non-cognate backgrounds must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.
*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average
| Cognate Discipline |
|
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.
1.3 Year program:
A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.
| Cognate Discipline |
|
1.7 Year program:
A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.
| Cognate Discipline |
|
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:
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.
There are two entry points into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depending on your cognate background. This provides a structured and supportive option for students with a non-cognate background, while enabling students with cognate backgrounds earlier flexibility in their course selection. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UOC), and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.
Students with a cognate background:
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 a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*
Students with a non-cognate background:
Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.
Entry into the pathway 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.*
Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after passing 18 UOC of foundational courses. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with a cognate background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with non-cognate backgrounds must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.
*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average
| Cognate Discipline |
|
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.
1.3 Year program:
A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.
| Cognate Discipline |
|
1.7 Year program:
An AQF Level 7 undergraduate qualification from any institution in a cognate discipline.
| Cognate Discipline |
|
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.
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:
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.
You'll graduate from the Space Systems Engineering Science stream with a deep understanding of space engineering, as well as a breadth of knowledge and experience in related disciplines.
As a Space Systems Engineer, you'll enter an industry with exploration, innovation and discovery at its heart. Your expertise will set you up to work in roles where you'll plan, develop, deploy, test and optimise systems related to space exploration and research.
The demand for systems engineers is high and the skills and experience you gain at UNSW Engineering will set you up to work in diverse roles and sectors, including:
During your time at UNSW, you'll be able to take advantage of our connections with leaders in the industry, like NASA, forging important networks before you graduate. Other UNSW Engineering industry partners include:
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.