Space and Aerospace Engineering

What is Space and Aerospace Engineering?

Space and Aerospace Engineering involves the design, manufacture, operations and development of aircraft, spacecraft and their systems.  

At UNSW, you can choose a pathway that matches your interests through one of two Schools:

• The School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering delivers the Aerospace Engineering undergraduate program, with a focus on the mechanical aspects of flight, including aircraft and spacecraft design, aerodynamics, propulsion, structures and manufacturing.
• The School of Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications delivers the Space Systems Engineering postgraduate program, focusing on the electrical and systems aspects of space, including satellite communications, navigation and control, robotics, embedded systems and space electronics.

Together, these complementary programs give you the opportunity to develop expertise across the mechanical and electrical disciplines that underpin modern aerospace and space engineering.

Why study Space and Aerospace Engineering?

If you’ve ever dreamed of understanding things beyond our planet, this is for you. Space research is an integral part of our future and a rapidly developing area of study, supported by Australia's growing space sector and significant government investment.

Depending on your chosen program, you'll gain hands-on experience with technologies such as:

• aerodynamics, propulsion, structures and flight vehicle design
• complex spacecraft guidance, navigation and control systems
  
• electronics, embedded systems, signal processing and radar technologies
• robotics and autonomous systems for space applications
• satellite communications and telecommunications
• space power systems and photovoltaics.

Why choose UNSW?

UNSW is home to internationally recognised expertise in both aerospace and space engineering. 

The School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering delivers one of Australia's leading Aerospace Engineering programs, preparing graduates to design, build and maintain aircraft and spacecraft. The School is ranked #2 in Australia for Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026).

The School of Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications delivers the Master of Engineering Science (Space Systems Engineering), a program unique to UNSW that develops advanced capabilities in satellite systems, communications, navigation, robotics and autonomous space technologies.

Across both Schools, students benefit from world-class teaching and research, including opportunities to engage with The Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research (ACSER), which plays a national leadership role in Australian space engineering research. UNSW is also ranked #1 in Australia and #33 globally for Engineering and Technology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).

What about careers?

The Aerospace industry is growing and fast. It’s one of Australia’s major exporters of high value-added manufactured goods and a growing field of research with strong career potential. UNSW graduates in the field earn amongst the highest salaries in Australia. 

You might choose to continue studying a Masters in Space Systems Engineering and then move on to a PhD. The degree is designed to produce industry-ready Space and Aerospace Engineers.

Your career path could include:

• aircraft and spacecraft design 
• management and operation of space infrastructure 
• manufacture and maintenance of flight vehicles for commercial airlines and defence  
• remote sensing and Earth observations 
• satellite communications and global navigation systems 
• satellite systems engineering  
• space mission planning and development 
• space policy and law 
• space propulsion and launch vehicle design 
• space robotics and autonomous systems 

Students interested in advanced space engineering can continue with postgraduate study through the Master of Engineering Science (Space Systems Engineering) before progressing to doctoral research.