Master of Engineering Science
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 1 - 2 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8338
- CRICOS code 084282A
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Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2026 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $9,500*
-
2026 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $19,000*
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $61,000*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $127,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Upskill or retrain
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In-demand skills
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Specialisation options
Admissions update for international students
Some programs are at capacity for 2026 intakes and new applications are closed to New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC). Applications to all 2027 intakes are open.
Click to find our latest updates for international student admissions.
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- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Master of Engineering Science at UNSW is a practical, project-focused degree designed to deepen your expertise in one engineering specialisation. It’s suited to graduates with a recognised four-year engineering degree who want to advance in their chosen field or pivot into a new area.
You’ll learn alongside engineers working at the forefront of their fields and gain insight into the challenges they’re currently facing and the solutions they’re applying. Deepen your technical knowledge, strengthen your ability to work through complex problems and build confidence in making and justifying decisions within a range of engineering contexts.
This hands-on postgraduate program will enable you to meet or maintain professional accreditation standards. Engineers require up-to-the-minute knowledge and expertise in their respective fields to maintain accreditation and offer the best solutions to their sector.
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- 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
- 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 Waste Engineering
Key features
Enquiry-based project
Work on a complex, open-ended enquiry-based project that brings your learning together. You’ll develop a structured approach to problem solving, strengthen your planning skills and build confidence in analysing, interpreting and communicating results. This experience also lays the groundwork for postgraduate research, helping you develop and demonstrate key enquiry-based skills.
Recognition of prior learning
You may be able to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, depending on your specialisation and previous experience. Recognition of prior learning considers your undergraduate degree, any prior study and relevant professional experience.
Shape your degree with electives
Tailor your degree with a wide selection of engineering electives. You can deepen your focus within your chosen discipline or broaden your perspective with subjects from across different areas of engineering.
Why study at UNSW?
Accelerate your career
Graduate with a competitive edge thanks to UNSW’s hands-on career support, future-focused curriculums and excellent global reputation. UNSW graduates are highly sought after by leading employers – We're known for our graduate employability, with UNSW awarded the Most Employable students for seven years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026).
Join a top engineering school
UNSW Engineering is a global leader in engineering education and research, and the largest engineering faculty in Australia. It’s ranked #1 in Australia and #33 globally for Engineering and Technology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026) and 7 of UNSW's Engineering schools are ranked in the global top 50 with one school ranked in the global top 10 for Engineering subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).
Thrive in a supportive and inclusive community
At UNSW, you’ll be part of a diverse and inclusive community where everyone is supported to succeed. The faculty has a dedicated Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee that works with students and staff to create a more inclusive future for engineering.
Want to see more from UNSW Engineering?
Entry requirements
UNSW provides two entry points to the Master of Engineering Science 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.
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.*
*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average
Specific specialisation requirements:
Candidates applying for Project Management, Food Process Engineering, Renewable Energy, or Photovoltaics and Solar Energy can gain entry through a Science or any Engineering Degree.
Students with a non-cognate background:
Students with a non-cognate background may be able to enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.^
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
^Entry into the Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, Systems and Control, Telecommunications and Civil Engineering specialisations require a qualifying bachelor's degree in a cognate discipline.
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 Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option dependent on your previous study.
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.
UNSW provides two entry points to the Master of Engineering Science 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.
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.*
*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average
Specific specialisation requirements:
Candidates applying for Project Management, Food Process Engineering, Renewable Energy, or Photovoltaics and Solar Energy can gain entry through a Science or any Engineering Degree.
Students with a non-cognate background:
Students with a non-cognate background may be able to enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.^
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
^Entry into the Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, Systems and Control, Telecommunications and Civil Engineering specialisations require a qualifying bachlor's degree in a cognate discipline.
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 Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option dependent on your previous study.
Admission pathways
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.
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
The UNSW Master of Engineering Science is a two-year program designed to build depth in your chosen specialisation. You’ll complete a combination of enquiry-based, disciplinary and engineering and technical management courses, along with electives that let you tailor your studies to your interests.
Full program structure
Degree structures vary depending on your chosen specialisation, course selection and timetable.
Below is an example of the type of structure you might follow:
- Disciplinary courses – at least four
- Advanced disciplinary courses – at least four
- Engineering and technical management courses – at least one
- Enquiry-based courses (including a research project – at least three
- Elective courses – at least four
Disciplinary and advanced disciplinary courses
These courses build the technical knowledge and skills required for your chosen specialisation. You’ll deepen your expertise while staying up to date with current and emerging developments in your field.
Engineering and technical management courses
Develop the skills needed to lead in an engineering environment. You’ll learn to communicate and justify professional decisions, apply ethical approaches to practice and build capabilities in areas such as project management, team leadership and strategy.
Enquiry-based courses
Complete a research project as part of your enquiry-based learning. You can choose to focus on developing research skills — either to support your project or as a pathway towards a PhD.
Elective courses
Electives vary depending on your chosen specialisation, giving you the flexibility to shape your studies around your interests.
For more information on the structure of the UNSW Master of Engineering Science, please visit the Handbook.
Future careers
As a Master of Engineering Science graduate, you’ll be well-positioned to advance your career, whether that means progressing in your chosen specialisation or building on your experience to move into leadership and management roles. With engineering roles projected to grow by 10.5% over the next five years, you’ll graduate ready to take advantage of strong industry demand (Seek Australia, 2026).
You may also choose to continue into research or pursue a PhD in Engineering. UNSW Engineering works closely with industry, government and community organisations on projects that apply research in real-world settings, addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges.
Potential careers
Your career path will depend on your chosen specialisation, with opportunities across areas such as mechanical, electrical and civil engineering and more. You’ll graduate with deep expertise in your field, supported by the broader knowledge and skills to adapt and grow across diverse engineering contexts.
Explore each specialisation to discover potential 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 details, visit the international admissions information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this degree/program. Your eligibility to receive a CSP will be automatically assessed when you apply, please ensure you preference the CSP code in UAC to be considered. Start your postgraduate application today with our guide on how to apply.
Please note that eligibility for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) is competitive, with places awarded based on academic merit. To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
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.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fees 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 (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average using historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you 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 first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costs for international students, 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.
Featured scholarship
The UNSW Women in Engineering Research Scholarship was established to assist women of high academic achievement with an interest in a research and/or an academic career in engineering. UNSW Engineering offers two Women in Engineering Top-up Scholarships every semester.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
Top 20 Worldwide
UNSW is ranked #20 university in the world
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Most Employable Graduates
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award seven years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
I love that everything in the world is being engineered by somebody.
