Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Launch your career at Australia’s #1 school for Engineering and Technology^

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Join a globally-renowned school and kickstart your engineering career with access to world-class facilities, industry-leading teachers and integrated work experience to give you a competitive edge after graduation.

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Award

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Commencing Terms

Term 1, Term 2, Term 3

Duration (Full Time)

4 Year(s)

Overview

The world needs engineers who can harness their creativity, collaboration and critical thinking skills to design solutions for a better world. As an engineer, you’ll tackle technical and environmental challenges by combining your expertise in science, mathematics and creative problem-solving.

Engineers work in various roles across different industries, from civil engineering to environmental, computer science to petroleum engineering – the possibilities are endless. The type of engineer you’ll become often depends on the specialisation you choose in this degree. The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) offers 18 engineering specialisations – six of which are ranked in the top five in Australia*.

In this degree, you’ll gain a solid background in mathematics, natural sciences and computing that will prepare you to dive into your chosen engineering discipline. You’ll graduate with the technical knowledge, skills and attributes required to succeed as a professional engineer.

^{^QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023}

^{**Quantum Engineering is provisionally accredited by Engineers Australia.}

Key features

Build your degree around your interests

Engineering is a broad and fascinating field. At UNSW, our academic staff represent some of the sharpest minds across the profession. When you choose your specialisation, you’ll be learning industry-aligned content from true leaders in their field. And with 18 disciplines to choose from, you’re bound to find a specialisation that sparks your passion.

Forge your own path with a flexible degree

You can complete a Flexible First Year, which allows you to explore different engineering fields before choosing your specialisation. The first year of engineering study has a core of common subjects, plus a wide choice of electives, so you can figure out which one is right for you. In your fourth year, you can choose from over 40 discipline electives to explore your interests and future career aspirations.

Get first-hand industry experience while you study

From day one, you’ll test your skills as an engineer in the classroom and beyond through hands-on practical experience. The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) includes 60 days of industrial experience and additional Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities to help you develop real-world knowledge and build valuable industry connections.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Study at Australia's #1 Engineering faculty*

We're Australia's #1 Engineering School with six study areas in the top five nationally, including Electrical, Mechanical and Civil Engineering taking out the top spot. No matter your field of interest or career aspirations, at UNSW Engineering, you'll have the support of our globally recognised faculty backing you every step of the way.

^{*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023}

Unlock your earning potential in a career that drives real change

With a career-focused, hands-on approach, you’ll graduate with the practical skills and industry knowledge to seamlessly transition into the workforce. UNSW graduates earn some of the highest salaries compared to other Australian universities and Engineering graduates are in high demand, with 87.5% finding full-time work after graduation^.

^{^QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023}

Connect with people who enrich and expand your thinking

At UNSW Engineering, we seek out and uplift diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences because we believe diversity sparks more innovative solutions. You’ll join a welcoming community of future-minded individuals looking to make a lasting impact. UNSW Engineering boasts 16 student societies, including a society for each school. Get involved in Engiqueers, Women in Engineering or our Indigenous Science and Engineering Program.

Connect with students, academics and industry through ChallENG

Our ChallENG program connects students with leading academics, researchers, companies and not-for-profits to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. Ideate, develop and test new ideas alongside a multidisciplinary team that brings their own unique expertise and perspectives. The program will prepare you for your future career by helping you develop technical and design skills and expanding your professional expertise.

Program Code

3707

CRICOS Code

056835E

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

425000

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

192

Indicative Enrolments

4,397

Want to see more from UNSW Engineering?

Visit Faculty

Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank

2023 A levels

2023 IB Diploma

2023 Lowest ATAR

79.2

Please note that the ATAR will vary depending on the specialisation you choose to study. You can view the required ATAR by visiting the specific page of the specialisation.

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 and Physics; for Bioinformatics: Mathematics Extension 1 and Chemistry; for Chemical and Chemical Product: Chemistry, Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics, for Software: Mathematics Extension 1

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 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. Learn more about FEAS.

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.

Assumed knowledge

Adjustment Factors

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.

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

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) is a four-year degree, which can be studied part-time or full-time. You’ll begin with a Flexible First Year that allows you to explore various specialisations before pursuing your chosen discipline. You’ll also gain foundational knowledge in mathematics, natural sciences and computing throughout the course to equip you with transferable skills to take your career in many directions after graduation.

You’ll choose one of 18 specialisations ranging from traditional areas of Engineering, including Civil, Mechanical and Electrical, to emerging areas like Quantum Engineering or Renewable Energy Engineering.

Minor in Nuclear Engineering

In this degree, you can choose to study a minor in Nuclear Engineering. With a UNSW Minor in Nuclear Engineering, you will be able to apply your degree expertise to work on energy efficiency, material improvements, defence technology, and crucial nuclear medicine for Australia. Find out more.

Aerospace Engineering

Bioinformatics Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Product Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Computer Engineering

Civil Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Mechatronic Engineering

Mining Engineering

Petroleum Engineering

Photovoltaics and Solar Energy

Quantum Engineering

Renewable Energy Engineering

Software Engineering

Surveying

Telecommunications

Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear Engineering

Humanitarian Engineering

Full program structure

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

First Year

Two introductory courses in Mathematics
An introductory course in Physics
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 DESN1000 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. 

Second Year

Courses from your selected specialisations
Core courses to give you the fundamental knowledge in your area of interest

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 to thrive in your future career. 

Go to the handbook

Download Sample Program

Go to the handbook

Future careers

When you graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), you’ll be eligible to apply for membership with Engineers Australia. UNSW Engineering graduates are some of the most sought-after engineers in Australia and abroad thanks to the reputation of our teaching.

Your career opportunities will depend on your area of specialisation. From your second year, you can specialise in a particular field of engineering. Visit the various engineering degree specialisations for examples of career opportunities.

Potential roles in engineering

Explore the potential industries and roles based on different engineering disciplines.

Space industry

Consulting

National security

Transportation

Airlines

Maritime construction
Pharmaceutical and health

Agrotech

Banking and finance

Computer security

Bioinformatics

Big data and digital services

Consulting
Pharmaceuticals

Food and beverage

Chemical processing

Energy generation and storage

Environmental services

Minerals

Petroleum

Water and wastewater treatment
Chemical and materials engineer

Chemist

Food and wine scientist

Production manager (manufacturing)

Production or plant engineer

Product tester

Research and development manager
Transport 

Traffic 

Infrastructure 

Manufacturing 

Government 

Mining 

Construction 

Defence 

Consulting  

Water supply 
Research laboratories

Technology manufacturers

IT and digital consulting firms

Agrotech businesses

Banking, finance and health and education industries

VLSI design

Embedded systems
Electronics

Quantum computing

Networking

Power distribution

Robots and control

Transport

Infrastructure

Health

Mining

Government
Water

Construction

Energy

Manufacturing

Government

Humanitarian engineering

Sustainability
Automotive industries

Biomechanics

Manufacturing

Minerals and energy technology

Robotics

Construction

Transport
Product and process design

Computer-aided design and manufacturing

Quality improvement

Technical and commercial analysis and decision making

Strategic decision making

Consulting

Technical and organisational maintenance

Supply chain management
Automation

Robotics

Computer simulations and modelling

Gaming

Engineering design

Propulsion systems

Control systems

Technology
Drilling

Project management

Sustainability

Quarry and tunnelling

Community relations

Management consulting

Investment firms, finance, banking and government sectors
Refining cell production technology

Researching and developing multi-junction cells

Concentrated solar power

Multi-axis tracking

Thin film technologies

Grid-connection and integration

Utility scale developments

Independent system design

Building integrated photovoltaics
Private sector roles

Large organisation like Microsoft and IBM

Local start-ups like Q-CTRL and SQC

Research institutes like CSIRO and DST

Research and academia

Government and defence
Project manager

Renewable energy engineer

Protection engineer

Energy consultant

Solar and battery design engineer
Software developer

Computer applications engineer

Software engineer

Database designer

Systems architect
Engineering surveying

Mining surveying

Hydrographic surveying

Cadastral surveying

Geodetic surveying

Photogrammetric surveying
Telecommunications service providers

Large private industrial groups

Small to medium service and technology providers

Accreditation

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.

This degree with majors in Bioinformatics, Computer Engineering and Software Engineering is accredited by Engineers Australia and the Australian Computing Society.

This degree with majors in Chemical and Chemical Product Engineering is accredited by Engineers Australia and the Institute of Chemical Engineers (iChemE).

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 apply?

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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.

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Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$6,880*

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

$48,100*

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$200,820*

*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.

Featured scholarships

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.