UNSW Master of Engineering Science (Space Systems Engineering) is a two-year postgraduate degree with the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications. The degree is designed for students who already have an accredited engineering degree and want to move into the space industry or pursue research in the sector.
Through the Space Systems Engineering stream, you’ll explore systems engineering in spacecraft and space systems, before delving into the ways these systems are being applied in current and future industries. You’ll take a combination of core and elective courses as well as a year-long practical project. Subject areas you’ll explore include:
The Master of Engineering Science is a non-accredited program designed to deepen your expertise, so you can dive into an exciting career in space systems.
When you study the Master of Engineering Science (Space Systems Engineering) at UNSW, you’ll study at the largest electrical and telecommunications engineering school in Australia. We're ranked #1 in Australia for Electrical Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).
We're also ranked #1 in Australia and #33 globally for Engineering and Technology. As well as this, 7 of UNSW's Engineering schools are ranked in the global top 50 with one school ranked in the global top 10 for Engineering subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).
The benefits of studying with the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at UNSW are vast and include:
When you choose to study a Master of Engineering Science, you’ll choose from one of 26 specialisations which will help you make your next career move.
Within these specialisations your study will include:
There are two entry points into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depending on your cognate background. This provides a structured and supportive option for students with a non-cognate background, while enabling students with cognate backgrounds earlier flexibility in their course selection. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UOC), and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.
Students with a cognate background:
Entry into the Master’s program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*
Students with a non-cognate background:
Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.
Entry into the pathway requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline.
A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*
Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after successfully completing the Graduate Certificate. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with a cognate background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with non-cognate backgrounds must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.
Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average
Recognition of Prior Learning is the transfer of credit towards your program from previous study. If you have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study.