Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical)
#1 in Australia for Engineering and Technology^
#1 in Australia for Engineering and Technology^
Electrical Engineering encompasses research, design, development, manufacturing and management of complex systems.
Electrical Engineering encompasses research, design, development, manufacturing and management of complex systems for many different uses. You'll work on mobile phone infrastructure or electricity wires that power cities.
This degree focuses on design, development, manufacturing and management of complex hardware and software systems, and reliable cost-effective devices. This involves the use of new information and computer-intensive technologies. Key courses include telecommunications, photonics, systems and control, energy systems, microelectronics and signal processing. To get you work ready, you'll apply these skills through 60 days of approved industry training.
You’ll study this degree at UNSW’s School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, the largest school of its kind in Australia and ranked 1st in Electrical Engineering by QS Subject Rankings*. We’re part of the top engineering faculty in Australia and #49 in the world according to the latest 2023 QS World University Rankings.
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 top employers prefer UNSW Engineering graduates over any other university and we’re ranked 29th in the world for employer reputation.
Our academic, professional and technical staff are internationally renowned experts in their fields. For the past three years, we’ve received a five-star rating for employability, teaching and research.
Benefits of studying with us:
When you study at UNSW Engineering you can take part in ChallEng, real-world, project-based learning initiatives. This award-winning program is made up of Vertically Integrated Projects, The Maker Games, Student Projects and Social Impact. You’ll connect with students, academics and industry to develop sought-after technical and professional skills for your future career as an engineering professional.
Make a difference to disadvantaged communities through our Humanitarian Engineering projects, electives and minors on offer. Humanitarian Engineering works to provide disadvantaged individuals and communities with engineering solutions that improve lives and livelihoods. These solutions may provide essential services such as food, water, shelter, energy and information where they are unavailable.
This degree includes 60 days Industrial Training which provides a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience. WIL allows you to engage in work learning experiences that integrate academic learning with its application in the workplace, connecting you directly with industry and community partners.
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.
* According to QS Top Universities Rankings by Subject 2023
3707
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Kensington
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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.
Mathematics Extension 1, Physics
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.
The Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS) is a possible alternative admission pathway for the admission of domestic undergraduate students to UNSW Faculty of Engineering degree programs, including the BSc Computer Science and the BSc Food Science (Hons), who do not meet the published Guaranteed Entry selection rank. Visit the FEAS page for more information.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
In this degree, you’ll develop expertise in the design, development, manufacturing and management of sophisticated electrical systems and reliable cost-effective devices. This degree blends theory with practice so you can bring in class learnings to life.
Options within Electrical Engineering include: Telecommunications, Photonics, Systems and Control, Energy Systems, Microelectronics, and Signal Processing.
You’ll study core courses including:
Electives you can choose from include:
Degree structures can vary depending on the number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.
In your first year you might study:
Two introductory courses in Mathematics
An introductory course in Physics,
and an introductory course in Computing
You may also study an introductory course related to your specialisation of choice. These courses equip you with the skills required for the rest of your Engineering degree.
All students study ENGG1000 “Introduction to Engineering Design and Innovation”. In this course you’ll learn to think the way that engineers think, developing solutions with limited budget, time and resources.
In your second year you’ll undertake:
Courses from your selected specialisations
Core courses to give you the fundamental knowledge in your area of interest
In your third and fourth year you’ll develop your knowledge further with a range of core and elective courses.
During your degree you’ll be required to complete two General Education electives. These courses help you broaden your education by completing several courses from outside the engineering faculty strengthening your cross-disciplinary thinking, developing a flexible approach and enhancing your critical analysis skills.
This degree also requires you to complete 60 days of industrial training, which gives you some on the job experience before graduating. This multidisciplinary educational approach connects students, academics and industry enabling you to develop the essential technical and professional skills, so you thrive in your future career.
This degree offers many exciting and rewarding career paths, with electrical engineers in high demand in many areas. Electronic, electrical, and computing engineers find better-paying jobs faster than other graduates according to recent data, with 78% securing a full-time job within four months of graduating.
Graduates can pursue careers in industries and sectors including:
This degree is globally recognised and is accredited by Engineers Australia and acknowledged by the Washington Accord.
Part of this degree involves applying your skills through 60 days of approved industrial training in Australia or overseas. Your industrial training will give you a taste of a real-world professional engineering setting and the hands-on experience to become career-ready.
Our double degrees give you a broad and cross-disciplinary education. Merge your interests to enhance your career prospects. Design your degree to suit your career goals with the flexibility to specialise in up to two areas of Engineering, or a subject outside of Engineering such as Science, Business or the Arts. Explore our double degree options below.
Students have the option to undertake a double degree - Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical)/Bachelor Engineering Science (Mechatronic Engineering), program code 3773, by applying for an Internal Program Transfer (IPT) after commencing study.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Women in Engineering Scholarships
UNSW provides a wide range of Women in Engineering scholarships to support high-achieving female students throughout their degree.
Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.
Engineering Rural Scholarship
The Faculty of Engineering Rural Scholarships Program aims to assist high achieving high school students from rural or isolated areas to study in the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW.
Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.
QS World University Rankings, 2024.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.