Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Science (Computer Science)

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Develop your engineering knowledge as well as an in-depth understanding of computer science in this double degree.

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering

Award

Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Commencing Terms

Term 1, Term 2, Term 3

Duration (Full Time)

5 Year(s)

Overview

When you undertake this double degree you’ll graduate with two separate degrees that provide a diverse but complementary knowledge and skill-base.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) component of this degree will give you a broad education in engineering so you can envision the different ways computer science can improve various engineering disciplines. Engineers develop practical solutions to technical and environmental problems by using science and mathematics. Through scientific discoveries engineers meet societal and consumer needs.

Through the Bachelor of Engineering you’ll gain a solid background in mathematics, natural sciences and computing that’ll prepare you to learn knowledge and skills in an engineering discipline. You’ll graduate with the technical knowledge, skills and attributes required to succeed as a professional engineer.

Computer Science is the study of the design, construction and use of computer systems. As a computer scientist you’ll use and create technology to solve problems and improve interactions between people and computers.

The Computer Science component emphasises comprehension of the basic principles behind computing tools, operating systems, compilers and translators, and computer hardware. You’ll study the representation of data and data structures and the design of algorithms, as well as the creation of hardware and software tools and the role of non-computing elements in the design and development process.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

UNSW Engineering is a leader in engineering education and research. We’ve invested in a $1 billion refurbishment of our engineering facilities. We’re ranked number 1 for engineering in Australia* and 49th globally. We’re also ranked:

1st in Australia - Civil and Structural Engineering
1st in Australia - Electrical Engineering in Australia
1st in Australia - Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing
2nd in Australia - Mineral and Mining Engineering
3rd in Australia - Computer Science
4th in Australia - Chemical Engineering

The School of Computer Science Engineering is a leading centre for research and innovation in the field of computer science. We’re making meaningful contributions to businesses, government and community organisations through our breakthrough research. Partnering with CSIRO’s Data61 we’ve made critical breakthroughs in Cybersecurity using microkernels which have been successfully used in Apple iOS devices and real-world military systems including a space satellite platform for the US Navy.

When you study at UNSW’s School of Computer Science and Engineering you’ll benefit from:

UNSW School of Computer Science and Engineering research is internationally recognised with 1st CS Rankings in Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Databases, Embedded & Real-Time Systems and Operating Systems
We have a five-star rating for employability, helping to guarantee your future on graduation
Learn from world-renowned researchers in their field
Our School is rated five stars by the Australian Research Council for the research field of Information and Computing Sciences
We leverage our strong industry ties to improve our research, teaching and students’ learning
Our industry partners include leading companies such as Atlassian, The Commonwealth Bank, Google, Honeywell, Microsoft and WiseTech Global

UNSW is known for its graduate employability, UNSW placed in the GradConnection AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Australia’s employers prefer UNSW Engineering graduates over any other university and we’re ranked 29th in the world for employer reputation.

UNSW Engineering is recognised as a global leader in research and innovation. We host and participate in several world class research centres and institutes. This includes ARC research hubs, cooperative research centres and other initiatives relating to renewable energy, water research and environmental technologies.

Take part in ChallEng when you study at UNSW Engineering. The award-winning ChallENG Program connects UNSW Engineering students, academics and companies to real-world, project-based learning initiatives. With exposure to a multidisciplinary learning approach, you’ll earn academic credit and develop your technical and design skills.

At UNSW Engineering you’ll benefit from a diverse and welcoming community. No matter what your particular interest, engineering or beyond, there’s a club or society for you. UNSW Engineering boasts 16 student societies including a society for each school. Get involved in Queer Students in Stem, Electrical Engineering Society, 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.

^{^ QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023}

Program Code

3785

CRICOS Code

085916G

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

425850

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

240

Indicative Enrolments

396

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Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank

2023 A levels

2023 IB Diploma

2023 Lowest ATAR

81.25*

The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.

The 2022 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. 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 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2022 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.
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.

See more

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics Extension 1, Physics

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

The Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS) is an alternative admission pathway for domestic undergraduate students to UNSW Faculty of Engineering degree programs who do not meet the published Guaranteed Entry selection rank. Visit the FEAS page for more info.

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:

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

I studied in:

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:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Program structure

Throughout this five-year degree you will be able to specialise in two separate areas:

Choose one of the 16 majors available in the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) program – these include traditional options like Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering but also new and emerging options like Renewable Energy Engineering and Quantum Engineering.
Complement your Engineering degree, with a cutting-edge Computer Science major in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Security Engineering and much more.

You’ll graduate with two powerful and complementary degrees, which will expose you to a variety of career options and opportunities.

Renewable Energy Engineering

Civil Engineering

Quantum Engineering

Surveying

Telecommunications

Chemical Engineering

Mechatronic Engineering

Petroleum Engineering

Geospatial Engineering

Mining Engineering

Chemical Product Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Photovoltaics and Solar Energy

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering
Computer Science (eCommerce Systems)

Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)

Computer Science (Security Engineering)

Computer Science (Computer Networks)

Computer Science

Computer Science (Database Systems)

Computer Science (Embedded Systems)

Computer Science (Programming Languages)

Full program structure

Degree structures can vary depending on the major you choose, number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.

In the first two years of your degree, you might study:

Introductory courses for your Engineering degree including courses in Mathematics, Physics and Computing
A range of introductory, core courses for your Computer Science degree in the areas of Programming, Computer Systems, Software Engineering, Data Structures, Computer Networks, Ethics, Object Oriented Design and Algorithms and Programming Techniques

From your third year onwards you’ll be able to tailor your degree to your interests by studying courses from your selected specialisations within Engineering and Computer Science. Within your specialisation options you will be able to choose elective units which will help you gain the skills you need for your career after graduating.

This degree requires you to complete 60 days of Industrial Training, which gives you some on the job experience before graduating, enabling you to develop the essential technical and professional skills, so you thrive in your future career. 

You’ll also be able to access UNSW Engineering’s ChallENG program which is a project-based learning initiative and allows you to work on multidisciplinary projects lead by academic researchers and industry partners.

Go to the handbook

Download sample program

Future careers

UNSW Engineering graduates are some of the most sought-after engineers in Australia and abroad thanks to the reputation of our teaching. When you combine two Engineering degrees to receive two qualifications, you increase your attractiveness to prospective employers and set yourself apart with a unique skill set. Double degree graduates can open the door to more opportunities.

Graduates in Computer Science at UNSW benefit from our leading reputation in research and teaching, with many graduates recruited by industry partners before their degree is complete.

As a graduate of a double degree, your career opportunities will depend on your area of specialisation. Visit the various engineering degree specialisations for examples of career opportunities.

Accreditation

Engineers Australia

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?

Apply now

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.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to start your application?

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Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$7,590*

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.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee

$48,220*

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$255,930*

*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.