About us

Welcome to UNSW School of Computer Science and Engineering

Founded in 1991, UNSW School of Computer Science and Engineering is one of the largest schools of its kind in Australia.

We don't train students to be computer programmers. We teach engineering, which is a discipline about design. While science focuses on theory and research, engineering focuses on practice and development. We educate students to be the designers of new technology.

Software and Applications Programmer roles have grown very strongly in the last five years: from 80,200 in 2014 to 135,000 in 2019.

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Most people who study computer science and engineering work in professional, scientific and technical services; financial and insurance services; and public administration and safety.

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To become an international leader in digital skills and employment, Australia will require an additional 388,000 workers in technology roles.

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Why choose UNSW School of Computer Science Engineering?

The field of computer science and engineering has completely transformed in recent years. Most of us now carry a computing device in our pockets that has as much power as room-sized computers a few decades ago. These innovations have not only introduced technological change but also social change and new ways of social interaction and the diffusion of information.

There are few other careers where the product you’re working on is routinely used by millions of people around the world every day, and you can design and build that product from scratch. Our students have worked on improving search-engine algorithms, animating the lead character in an Academy Award-winning movie, developing the bionic eye and creating a new operating system used on mobile phones.

UNSW School of Computer Science Engineering is a partner with Data61 (formally NICTA - the National ICT Australia group). Our academic researchers focus on areas including:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Data Science
Networking and Security

Critical Infrastructure
Human-centred Technologies
Algorithms and Theories

Our people

Connect with our world-renowned academics. Use our search tool to find the right person to contact by searching via keyword or role or meet our professional team.

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Our research

Our staff and students are at the forefront of research across diverse areas including AI, data science, cyber-security and software and systems. Our interdisciplinary, internationally-recognised research focuses on addressing key challenges facing society today through the diffusion of information and ways of social interaction.

Alumni  & industry

There are many ways to engage with the expertise of our school. By working together, we can find the best outcomes for everyone.

News & events

Stay up to date on the latest news and upcoming events. Learn more about what happens in our school and join us at one of our events.

Welcome from the Head of School

I am honoured to be leading Australia’s most prestigious and established School of Computer Science and Engineering.

The school was founded over two decades ago and today is known for its vibrant and nurturing community that fosters an environment where our students, academics and researchers collaborate in advancing their engineering skills, scientific knowledge, creativity and leadership in the computing field.

We are recognised for providing the most technically challenging computing degrees in Australia, producing entrepreneurial students who are sought after by leading employers here and throughout the world.

Our research spans both scientific discoveries and technological developments in the broad fields of artificial intelligence, databases, embedded and operating systems, networks, programming Languages, service-Oriented computing, software engineering, theory, and CSE is a partner with Data61 (formally NICTA) and the Cybersecurity Cooperative Research Centre.

In our education and research endeavours, we foster strong partnerships with industry, government and the community and I look forward to further growing these relationships as we address significant global challenges to meet the demands of society and improve lives.

I am really excited about the opportunities ahead for our school. If you would like to be a part of CSE’s next chapter through research, industry collaboration, or taking the first steps towards pursuing computer science as a career, we would be delighted to hear from you.

- Professor Aaron Quigley, Head of School
UNSW Computer Science and Engineering