Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 1 year F/T, 2 years P/T
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 7373
- CRICOS code 113782C
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Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2025 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $10,000*
-
2025 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $10,000*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $58,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $59,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Upskill or retrain
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Specialised curriculum
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Less than one year
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
What does this mean for my studies? UNSW is moving to a new ‘flex-semester’ calendar.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Graduate Certificate of Engineering Science is designed for engineers and graduates wanting to develop and expand their knowledge and skills in an area of specialisation. It will enable you to meet or maintain professional accreditation standards and provide opportunities for continuing professional development as well interaction with those at the cutting edge of their discipline.
You’ll add breadth to your knowledge of engineering in general and expand your knowledge and skills in engineering management, as well as developing your technical knowledge and ability to analyse engineering problems.
Key features
Complete a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science in less than a year to meet or maintain professional accreditation and expand on your knowledge. Upgrade your skills by focusing on your discipline of choice or opt for a multidisciplinary approach when choosing your electives. This program offers both disciplinary and advanced disciplinary knowledge, with a strong enquiry-based learning component for proactive learning.
You can choose from a number of specialisations when you study the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science. The specialisations available include:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy Systems
- Environmental Engineering
- Food Process Engineering
- Geoenergy & Geostorage Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
- Mechanical and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Photovoltaics and Solar Energy Specialisation
- Project Management
- Renewable Energy
- Robotics
- Space Systems Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Sustainable Systems
- Systems and Control
- Telecommunications
- Transport Engineering
- Water Engineering- Catchments to Coasts
- Water, Wastewater and Water Engineering
The program articulates to the Graduate Diploma of Engineering Science with full credit for courses completed in the Graduate Certificate.
Why study at UNSW?
Postgraduate study at UNSW Engineering gives you the opportunity to make a career change or progress in your current field. We offer study options in more engineering disciplines than any other Australian university. Our degrees are designed to help you specialise in your field and supercharge your career in engineering.
UNSW Engineering is a leader in engineering education and research. We're ranked #1 in Australia and #25 globally for Engineering and Technology. All eight of UNSW's Engineering schools are ranked in the global top 50 with two schools ranked in the global top 10 for Engineering subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
Further rankings from QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025:
- Ranked #1 in Australia for Civil and Structural Engineering
- Ranked #1 in Australia for Electrical Engineering
- Ranked #1 in Australia for Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering
- Ranked #1 in Australia and #2 globally for Mineral and Mining Engineering
- Ranked #2 in Australia for Chemical Engineering
- Ranked #2 in Australia and =#10 globally for Petroleum Engineering
- Ranked #4 in Australia for Computer Science
UNSW Engineering is the largest engineering faculty in Australia. With eight schools and more than 70 years’ experience, our researchers are at the forefront of exciting technological developments engaging in partnerships both here and overseas.
Australia’s top employers prefer UNSW Engineering graduates over any other university. UNSW is known for its graduate employability, with UNSW awarded the Most Employable students for six years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025).
At UNSW Engineering you’ll benefit from a diverse and welcoming community with plenty to keep you busy. UNSW Engineering boasts 16 student societies including a society for each school. Get involved in Queer Students in Stem, Women in Renewable Energy Society or Robogals. UNSW’s Women in Engineering (WIE) society runs social and industry events as well as programs designed to mentor and develop female engineers.
Want to see more from UNSW Engineering?
Entry requirements
Admissions to the standard 1 year program requires the following:
- A bachelor's degree or AQF Level 7 equivalent in a cognate discipline with a minimum 65% average.
View our list of cognate disciplines for this degree and specialisations for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)
Recognition of Prior Learning is the transfer of credit towards your program from previous study. If you have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science in under a year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study.
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A bachelor's degree or AQF Level 7 equivalent from any institution in a cognate discipline.
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.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Admissions to the standard 1 year program requires the following:
- A bachelor's degree or AQF Level 7 equivalent in a cognate discipline with a minimum 65% average.
You can view our list of cognate disciplines for this degree here.
Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)
Recognition of Prior Learning is the transfer of credit towards your program from previous study. If you have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science in under a year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study.
-
A bachelor's degree or AQF Level 7 equivalent from any institution in a cognate discipline.
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.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
Program structure
When you choose to study a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science at UNSW Engineering you’ll choose from our range of specialisations.
Deepen your knowledge in your chosen field or embark on a multidisciplinary education with a related engineering discipline. Choose from:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy Systems
- Environmental Engineering
- Food Process Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
- Mechanical and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Photovoltaics and Solar Energy Specialisation
- Project Management
- Renewable Energy
- Robotics
- Space Systems Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Sustainable Systems
- Systems and Control
- Telecommunications
- Transport Engineering
- Water Engineering- Catchments to Coasts
- Water, Wastewater and Water Engineering
Full program structure
Degree structures can vary depending on your specialisation of choice, the number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.
The Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science is a program made up of 48 Units of Credit which means you’ll study eight courses. Depending on your specialisation and your previous studies/professional experience you may choose to study from a range of:
- Foundation Disciplinary Courses, Disciplinary Courses or Advanced Disciplinary Courses
- Engineering and Technical Management Courses
- Electives in your area of interest
Through the Disciplinary and Advanced Disciplinary Knowledge courses you’ll learn the technical knowledge and skills you need for your chosen specialisation. You’ll also update your knowledge in cutting-edge developments in your area of interest.
Engineering and Technical Management courses help you build skills in communicating and justifying professional decisions, employing ethical approaches to practice, and developing the abilities required for roles more focused on project and or staff management, leadership and strategy.
Some specialisations require you to complete core courses, which ensure you have the foundational knowledge in the area before you customise your certificate according to your career path.
This program is the first step on your pathway to the Master of Engineering Science.
Future careers
UNSW Engineering graduates are some of the most sought-after engineers in Australia and abroad thanks to the reputation of our research and teaching.
Your career opportunities will depend on your area of specialisation. Visit the various engineering degree specialisations for examples of career opportunities.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
$10,000*
$10,000*
You may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for this degree. Domestic students who receive a CSP will have a substantial proportion of their fees subsidised by the Australian government. Start your postgraduate application today with our guide on how to apply.
Commonwealth Study Assistance, such as Austudy and Youth Allowance, is available for some master’s degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees, visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.
*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
Crunchbase venture capital start-up data, 2021
I love that everything in the world is being engineered by somebody.
