Masters (Coursework)
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.
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.
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.
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
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 from 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.
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.
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
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 a cognate discipline.
1. A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.
2. A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in any engineering 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.
As a UNSW Sustainable Systems graduate, you'll be able to work in roles such as:
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:
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.