Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
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Is engineering for me?
- Would I like university studies in engineering?
If you like understanding the physical world around you, and you like making things happen, then you probably would.
- Could I handle university studies in engineering?
If you are good at maths and science, have basic computer skills and can express yourself clearly in English, then you probably could.
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What is each of the School's undergraduate degrees like?
Each of the five programs in the School leads to the award of the Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree. Tables are available that summarise our five plans for the new Flexible Entry scheme (see above); if you are entering into a later year you will follow the previous scheme shown in the Plan charts for students who commenced PRIOR TO 2006.
The first two years of our five basic plans are common, so you don't have to choose between them until the end of year 2.
The first two full-time years for all basic programs comprise:
- basic sciences — physics, chemistry and mathematics
- engineering sciences — fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, statics and dynamics, mechanics of solids
- design
In year 1, ENGG1000 Design and Innovation, MMAN1300 Engineering Mechanics 1, and MMAN1130 Design and Manufacturing will introduce you to the basic features of engineering work as early as possible in your studies.
Toward the end of year 2 you must decide which of the five programs (Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Management, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Naval Architecture) you will follow in the remaining years. These programs, all building upon the common core, lead to employment opportunities in many industries.
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What requirements must I meet for entry?
The basic requirement is a high enough NSW UAI or equivalent. See UNSW Entry requirements website. If your UAI is just below the formal cut-off it may still be possible to gain entry via the Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS), which usually involves an interview.
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What about the Faculty of Engineering Flexible First Year Scheme?
Since our programs are part of the Faculty of Engineering Flexible First Year initiative, you may change to them at any time before the end of year 1. However, your progress will be easier if you choose our preferred electives, particularly in Semester 2. Tables are available that show our preferred selection of courses in the new Flexible Entry scheme. If you are entering into Third or Fourth Year you will follow the previous scheme shown in the Plan charts for students who commenced PRIOR TO 2006.
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What scholarships are available?
A range of competitive scholarships is available.
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What is it like to study these courses?
Engineering programs are challenging. After all, they are the entry point into a profession that brings with it much responsibility. They include hard work and fun and provide a sense of satisfaction when you have completed your degree and receive your testamur (certificate).
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How about student life?
For many students, non-academic activities are an important part of the student learning experience. These range from the engineering-related student-led projects such as Formula SAE, to other student societies such as sporting clubs.
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Can I arrange some study overseas?
International exchange arrangements have been negotiated with many overseas universities.
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How much does it all cost?
This depends on your circumstance, e.g. fee-paying or Commonwealth supported. See UNSW Fees website for details.
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What are the job opportunities?
We cannot predict opportunities four years ahead, when new students who are starting now will be graduating, but all our degrees, with their common grounding in fundamentals, offer a wide range of opportunities for employment in traditional engineering occupations and in others such as finance and management consulting.
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How do I apply?
Application details may be found on the UNSW How to apply website.
Questions specific to enquirers from:
HIGH SCHOOL
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What are good subject choices at high school (HSC)?
- Engineers must communicate their ideas, so English language is important.
- The technical language of engineering is Mathematics, so mathematics is important.
- Engineers in our School all work with the physical environment, so Physics is important — and Chemistry to a lesser extent.
Engineering studies are helpful, but are not assumed knowledge. See Assumed and Recommended Knowledge for specific details.
TAFE
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What exemptions might I get?
There are practical components in year 1 for which TAFE studies might provide exemption. This is determined by the School's Advanced Standing Officer. Contact the School's General Office for details: Tel 9385-4093, email Cynthia Rolfe [see Staff Lookup for contact details].
OVERSEAS (INTERNATIONAL)
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How can I get recognition of previous studies, at a technical college for example?
For students from some overseas institutions there are standard exemptions pre-arranged. For other cases exemptions are determined by the School's Advanced Standing Officer. Contact the School's General Office for details: Tel 9385-4093, email Cynthia Rolfe [see Staff Lookup for contact details].
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Does the School offer internships?
Unfortunately the School does not offer internships.
ANOTHER UNIVERSITY
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How are entry qualifications determined?
This is explained on the UNSW Entry requirements website.
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Are there special arrangements for advanced standing (credit)?
This is determined by the School's Advanced Standing Officer. Contact the School's General Office for details: Tel 9385-4093, email Cynthia Rolfe [see Staff Lookup for contact details]. There are special arrangements for those who have completed two years of a comparable Mechanical Engineering degree elsewhere in Australia and wish to transfer to either the Aerospace or Naval Architecture program (see the Online Handbook for Aerospace or Naval Architecture).
A BACKGROUND NOT LISTED ABOVE
General Questions
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Am I an international student?
If you have Australian or New Zealand citizenship or have full Permanent Residence status of Australia then you must apply as a local student. If you gain Permanent Residence status after applying but before you start your studies then you must inform the Admissions Office/Research Student Administration providing proof of this change.
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How do I apply for a student visa?
For many, applying for a student visa will be quite a lengthy and complex process. Plan ahead and make sure you have plenty of time. Refer to the Australian Government website for more details about visa matters.
Questions specific to Postgraduate Coursework Students
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Can I defer the start date of my studies?
Yes. It is possible, subject to School consent, to defer the start of your studies. You must advise the Direct Admissions Office in writing no later than the last Friday before the start of the offered semester.
Questions specific to Postgraduate Research Students
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How long does it take to finish a research program?
It ranges from 1 to 4 years depending on program and progress.
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Can I do hands-on research?
Our School has very well-equipped laboratories offering the opportunities for hands-on work during a research program.
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Is there any tutoring work that I can do during my research program?
The School considers the range of skills the research students have and endeavours to match these skills with tutorial assistance where the School has a need. Students with APA/UPA and Faculty Research scholarships are given the option of a Supplementary Engineering Award (SEA) for tutoring duties.
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