Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering)

Reach new heights and launch your ADF career

For Domestic Students only

Are you interested in the operation and performance of aircrafts? Do you want to be the driving force behind successful, cutting-edge technologies in the design, manufacture and maintenance of aircrafts? Reach new heights and launch your Australian Defence Force (ADF) career by studying a Bachelor of Technology specialising in Aerospace Engineering at UNSW Canberra at ADFA.

Faculty

UNSW Canberra

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Award

Bachelor of Technology

Commencing Terms

Semester 1

Duration (Full Time)

3 Year(s)

Overview

The Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering) is organised into areas such as foundation science, engineering technology, materials and structures, dynamics and control, thermofluids, and design and management, as well as discipline specific areas such as aircraft design and maintenance and engine performance. 

Why study at UNSW Canberra?

As an Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Trainee Officer, you’ll have access to purpose-built workshops and facilities and benefit from the best university teacher-to-student ratio in Australia. Our teachers are experienced practitioners and collaborate closely with industry to ensure our graduates possess the skills to meet the needs of the workplace. Working alongside leading experts, you’ll gain the hands-on experience required to meet the global challenges of the future.

Program Code

4430

Campus

Canberra

UAC Code

450080

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

144

Indicative Enrolments

Want to see more from UNSW Canberra at ADFA?

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Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank

85.00 + Defence Selection

2023 A levels

14 + Defence Selection

2023 IB Diploma

31 + Defence Selection

2023 Lowest ATAR

88.3

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

Additional Selection Criteria

Undergraduate entry to the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is open to Australian residents who are members of the Australian Defence Force and selected members of overseas Armed Forces. Trainee Officers are selected by one of the three services (Navy, Army or Airforce) in the Australian Defence Force and must also meet academic entry requirements for UNSW Canberra at ADFA. Applying for ADFA is a dual application process. As selection for the Australian Defence Force is a competitive process, which can take up to 12 months, it is preferable that you apply to Defence Force Recruiting in Year 11. Visit this site for more information on both application processes.

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics, 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

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:

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.

Program structure

This degree provides a solid foundation in engineering technology, specially developed to meet the needs of the Australian Defence Force and accredited by Engineers Australia at the Engineering Technologist level. 

In your first year of study you’ll build a solid understanding of science and engineering, sharing common core courses with other technology and engineering students. In your second and third years, you’ll specialise in aeronautical engineering, where you’ll further explore the fundamentals of aeronautics, aircraft design and engine performance.

With various electives to choose from, including materials and structures, aerodynamics and thermofluids, you can pursue interests both within and beyond aeronautical engineering.

In your last semester, a final project will build  problem-solving skills and apply your knowledge in technology, engineering, and aeronautics.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering) if you wish to upgrade to a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering, you may undertake a further 12 months study. Entry to the Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering at UNSW Canberra will be at the discretion of the Defence Services.

Full program structure

Go to the handbook

Potential careers

With a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, you could design, build, maintain or manufacture aeroplanes and helicopters, design and operate unmanned aerial vehicles or wind turbines, or conduct research in the aerospace or energy sector. Engineering graduates may work for aerospace companies, airlines, energy companies or civilian and military aerospace organisations.

The Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering) is primarily undertaken by Air Force Trainee Officers who intend to become aircrew with specialised knowledge in aircraft design, manufacture, and maintenance. However, the program is also available to Navy and Army Trainee Officers, where you will find yourself employed in many technical branches of the ADF.

As an Air Force Trainee Officer, you’ll graduate with an enhanced understanding of the operation and performance of aircrafts, leading you towards aircrew careers including:

Air Traffic Controller (mission controller)
Ground Defence Officer  
Human Resource Manager
Intelligence Officer
Mission Aircrew 
Pilot

For Pilots, the practical flying components are undertaken after graduating from ADFA.

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.