Are you interested in radar, communication, or weapons systems? Do you want to be the driving force behind the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) position at the forefront of technology? If these scenarios get your circuits firing, then studying a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) at UNSW Canberra could be for you.

Electrical engineering is built on a foundation of mathematics, computer science, and physical science. Our degree will provide you with high-level project management skills, as well as engineering expertise to equip you with the skills you need to practice as an electrical engineer. 

Stand out and brighten your career in the ADF.

ATAR indicative

85.00

Degree type

Undergraduate

Duration

4 years full-time

Commencing terms

Semester 1

Program code

4471

Delivery mode

On campus

Study at UNSW Canberra

Our Bachelor of Electrical Engineering offers subjects such as computational problem solving, programming, mathematics, physics, signals processing, communications, analog and digital design and power engineering.

We can ground you with the fundamentals you need for a career in electrical engineering. You’ll learn how to program electrical equipment, as well as design and construct the electronic circuits that make programs run. Later in your degree, you’ll begin applying these fundamentals to a wide array of real-world scenarios, from radar and satellite telecommunications systems to marine engineering. Your time in the classroom and workshop will prepare you for a 60-day internship. You’ll join a team in a professional electrical engineering environment to experience first-hand how an electrical engineer approaches and solves real-world problems.  

You will also pursue your own Honours research project with the assistance and supervision of one of our world-class academics. You’ll apply everything you have learnt to a new and novel problem and contribute original research to the field of electrical engineering.

World-class teaching & facilities

When you study with us, you’ll have access to purpose-built engineering workshops and facilities, and benefit from the best university teacher-to-student ratio in Australia. Working with experienced engineers and client representatives on industry-focused design and research projects, you’ll gain the hands-on experience required to meet the global challenges of the future. 

Our teachers are experienced practitioners and collaborate closely with industry to ensure our graduates possess the skills to meet the needs of the workplace. 

What our students say

“There are so many great things about studying at UNSW Canberra: a fantastic library, a small campus (it’s hard to get lost), state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and small class sizes, to name a few. The best thing is the people. Teaching staff and other students are friendly and supportive. This creates a safe and productive learning environment where students can succeed.”
Jane Millward, Electrical Engineering student


Brighten your career as an electrical engineer

This program is designed to meet the needs of the ADF. By studying electrical engineering at UNSW Canberra, you’ll be accredited by Engineers Australia to work as an electrical engineer within the ADF from the moment you graduate.  

Whether you are pursuing a career in the Navy, Army or Air Force, you will find yourself well-prepared to shine in your career. 

Navy 

As a Navy electrical engineering graduate from UNSW Canberra, you’ll be presented with opportunities to look after weapons systems, communication systems and sensor systems across our Australian Navy warships. You will experience rewarding challenges in the ADF across various roles including:  

  • Aerospace Engineer 
  • Electronics Engineer 
  • Electronics Engineer Submariner 
  • Marine Engineer 
  • Marine Engineer Submariner  

Army 

As an Army electrical engineering graduate, you’ll have the choice to join the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) or the Royal Australian Signals (RASigs) Corps. Regardless of your choice, you’ll find yourself leading a number of technical soldiers responsible for the maintenance and support across diverse systems including helicopters, ground-based telecommunications systems and ground-based weapon systems. Find your perfect ADF Career with roles in the Army including: 

  • Avionics Engineer 
  • Mechatronic and Electrical Engineer 
  • Army Officer (in any specialisation or corps)  

Air Force 

As an Air Force electronic engineering graduate, you’ll have a range of employment options with the ADF. You will have opportunities to work with advanced technology in aircraft and weapon systems, and ground-based technology such as radar, satellite and communication systems. Regardless of your choice, you'll be able to show your leadership and lead a group of highly skilled technical airmen and airwomen. Explore your opportunities in the Air Force in roles including:  

  • Armament Engineer 
  • Electronics Engineer  

Chief of the Defence Force Program

The Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) programs offer the opportunity for students entering UNSW Canberra with a high Entrance Rank, and who maintain a high level of performance in their studies, to undertake research in a range of disciplines that will develop their critical thinking and independent research skills beyond that available in the standard bachelor degree programs.

The range of CDF programs is characterised by the inclusion of specialist courses in critical analysis and/or research methods appropriate to the area of study. All programs also include discipline-specific research projects. The research projects will be supervised by academic staff from the relevant discipline. With the approval of the Head of School, multi- or cross-disciplinary projects may be undertaken. Students in the research courses may work independently or as part of a team, depending on the nature of the project undertaken, though all students will submit an individual assessment. The final assessment will be based on a written paper or report and oral presentations. 

Throughout the program, students will be engaged in cohort activities so as to develop and maintain their interest and continuing involvement in the program via invited lectures, seminars, general reading and social events.

Key contacts

Student Enquiries

E: sascanberra@unsw.edu.au
T: (02) 5114 5000 

Available to
ADFA Trainee Officers
ADF Current Serving Members
Non-Defence Students

Assumed knowledge
Mathematics, physics

Additional selection criteria
Defence Force Recruiting process