Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Materials Science & Engineering) / Master of Biomedical Engineering
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 5 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 429630
- Program code 3133
- CRICOS code 088840K
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $8,000*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $45,000*
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $54,500*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $303,500*
Fees
Fees
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In-demand skills
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Research hubs
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Real-world impact
International application pause for 2025 intakes
Applications for international students to study at UNSW in 2025 are currently paused. Please submit your expression of interest to join our application waitlist so we can contact you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The School of Materials Science and Engineering and the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering offer an integrated five years double degree program that provides you with fundamental undergraduate skills in materials science and engineering and specialised postgraduate training in biomedical engineering. Upon completion, you will receive both a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Materials Science and Engineering and a Master of Biomedical Engineering.
The materials science and engineering component of the program focuses on the study of the structure, properties, synthesis, and applications of various materials, including metallic, ceramic, polymeric, composite, nano-structured, and bio- & nature-inspired materials. The biomedical engineering component applies these principles to develop technologies and solve problems in various healthcare-related fields.
Through this integrated program, you will gain theoretical and practical skills to be at the forefront of innovation in areas such as developing life-sustaining systems, designing body parts and orthopaedic devices, creating artificial organs and implantable bionics, improving robotic surgery, inventing health technologies and novel drug delivery systems, and more.
On completion of this program, you will possess a diverse skill set and be well-equipped to pursue a wide range of career opportunities. This will enable you to find employment in research and development laboratories, biomedical device companies, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare institutions, government agencies, or academic institutions.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
Study with the best
UNSW Materials Science is ranked equal 30th in the world and 1st in Australia.* We're also ranked 1st in Australia for Materials Science and Engineering.^ The UNSW School of Materials Science and Engineering is perfectly positioned to train the next generation of materials engineering graduates with a passion for making a positive difference to the world. The School’s team of leading educators and state-of-the-art teaching, computing, materials processing, characterisation, and property testing facilities provides you with a world-class education and industrial training environment that prepares you for a significant and fulfilling professional career.
Leverage our industry partnerships
We have a number of partnerships and collaborations with leading industry names including Cochlear, Boral, CSIRO, BHP, Hitachi Chemical Limited, OneSteel and Weir Minerals. Our strong industry links provide you with great opportunities to develop valuable relationships with Australian and international materials engineering enterprises.
Connect with world class research centres, hubs, and institutes
UNSW is home to advanced developments in the fields of materials science and engineering, biomedical engineering, and sustainable materials processing, and many of our staff are affiliated with one or more of the following centres, hubs, and institutes:
- UNSW Centre for Sustainable Materials Research & Technology
- UNSW Future Materials & Manufacturing Institute
- The Australian Centre for NanoMedicine
- ARC Centre for Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies.
- ARC Research Hub for Connected Sensors for Health
- ARC Research Hub for Transforming Waste in Cost Effective Green Manufacturing
- ARC Research Hub for Fire Resilience Infrastructure, Assets and Safety Advancements
- ARC Training Centre for Innovative Composites for the Future of Sustainable Mining Equipment
- Baosteel-Australia Joint Research Centre
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
^ 2023 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Shanghai Ranking Consultancy.
Want to see more from UNSW Science?
Entry requirements
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- The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
- The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Assumed knowledge
Mathematics Extension 1, Physics, Chemistry
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to 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.
International direct entry
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
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.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Full program structure
In this double degree, you'll gain fundamental materials engineering skills at the undergraduate level and specialist postgraduate training in Biomedical Engineering.
The materials science and engineering component of the program focuses on the study of the structure, properties, synthesis, and applications of the major classes of materials. You'll select two societal materials electives, two general electives from outside the discipline, and two free electives from any discipline.
The biomedical engineering component applies these principles to develop technologies and solve problems in a diverse range of healthcare-related fields like implantable bionics, drug delivery systems, medical imaging, radiotherapies, robotic surgery, and cell and tissue engineering.
Biomedical engineering courses include:
- Medical Imaging
- Biocompatibility
- Cellular and Tissue Engineering
- Mechanics of the Human Body
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology
- Biomedical Instrumentation
- Modelling Organs, Tissues and Devices
- Masters Project
You'll also complete a minimum of 60 days of Industrial Training before graduating.
Future careers
A postgraduate degree in biomedical engineering offers diverse career opportunities, including:
- Biomedical Engineer: designs and develops medical devices, equipment, and technologies to improve healthcare and enhance patient well-being.
- Biomaterials Scientist: works in research and development, conducting experiments and designing new biomaterials for various applications.
- Medical Device Engineer: designs, develops and manufactures medical devices, and ensures that the devices meet the required biocompatibility standards and regulatory requirements.
- Tissue Engineer: grows tissues and organs in the lab to replace or repair damaged tissues and plays a crucial role in this field by developing biocompatible materials and scaffolds that support cell growth and tissue formation.
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist: works with regulatory bodies and companies to ensure that biomaterials and medical devices comply with applicable regulations and standards.
- Bioprocess Engineer: develops and optimises manufacturing processes for the production of biomaterials, biologics, and pharmaceuticals.
- Biomechanics Specialist: works in research institutions, sports companies, or rehabilitation centres, applying engineering principles to analyse and understand the mechanical aspects of human physiology.
Accreditation
This double degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, the largest professional body for engineers in the country. By becoming a member of Engineers Australia, you will have access to a network of over 100,000 professionals and enjoy the benefits of being connected to the biggest advocate for your future profession.
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
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
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at 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.
*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 Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
UNSW has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.
