Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Prerequisites
SACE Stage 2 Math Methods
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Assumed Knowledge
SACE Stage 2 Physics
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Admissions
Student Profile
Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 72.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 72.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above, or
- Complete the Associate Degree in Engineering at the University of South Australia
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
SACE Stage 2 Math MethodsAssumed Knowledge
SACE Stage 2 Physics
This program allows progression to fast-track Masters. Visit Fast-track to Masters in STEM for more information.
Degree overview
- Study at SA's number one university for graduate careers 16 years running1.
- Professionally accredited by Engineers Australia (EA), graduates are eligible for membership with EA and comparable international institutions.
- Endorsed by the Naval Shipbuilding College (NSC) as part of the College Endorsement Process.
- Focus on the design and operation of devices, equipment and systems.
- Develop skills in power systems, renewable energy, electronics, embedded systems, robotics, automation and control and signal processing.
- Gain real work experience through the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program.
- Learn in specialist, purpose-built facilities and prepare for Industry 4.0 with cutting edge software platforms and collaborative digital environments.
- Start now, decide later. Flexible entry pathways and common first-year across all Engineering Honours programs so you can change your specialisation based on your interests.
- Go on an overseas study exchange and choose from over 25 countries and more than 60 universities worldwide.
- Access a new pathway option for students to complete the required mathematical prerequisite.
1Graduate Destinations Survey 2007-2015 and Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016-2022 (Domestic Undergraduate Full-time Employment Indicator for SA public universities).
Snapshot
Electrical engineers are needed wherever electrically powered tools, devices or systems need to be designed, manufactured or maintained. These systems include those that:
- generate, transmit or distribute electrical energy
- acquire, process or deliver information, and
- automate processes and deliver services.
Professionally accredited by Engineers Australia, this degree is strongly hands-on, with significant opportunities to apply engineering theory to real-world challenges. In your final year, you’ll complete a major honours research project as well as an industry-focused design project.
You will develop skills in power systems, renewable energy, electronics, embedded systems, telecommunications, signal processing, robotics, automation and control, project management and systems engineering.
Through the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program you’ll gain at least 450 hours of skills and competencies to ensure you are graduate career ready. You will have access to a range of engagement activities such as placements, internships, guest lectures, industry panels, site visits, events and networking opportunities. Hear more about the benefits of the UniSA Industry experience from graduates William, Franke and Teresa here.
Enjoy a common first-year across most Engineering degrees enabling you to switch between specialisations and receive credit for completed courses. This means if you change your mind about your Engineering specialisation after first-year, you can change programs and still complete your degree in 4 years full-time. Start now, decide later.
On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.
New Pathway options for Engineering
If you haven’t completed SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods and want to study engineering, consider our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Flexible Entry). You’ll study first year courses, and catch up on the required prerequisite, before transferring into your preferred engineering specialisation with up to one year of credit.
What you'll learn
In your first year you will develop a strong, general foundation in engineering including computer programming, applied mathematics and physics. As your studies progress, you will learn about analog electronics, digital electronics, software development, embedded systems, computer networking, electrical machines, signal processing, robotics, control systems, power systems and renewable energy, and telecommunications.
Our UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program allows you to apply the skills and knowledge you've acquired throughout your degree in real-world settings.
At least half of your honours year will involve a major project. Under the guidance of engineering academic staff, you will use the latest design tools to develop an innovative product for a client or to progress research in an associated area.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations
- essays and other assignments
- examinations
- industry-relevant, research-based projects
- practical, individual and team-based projects.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Honours
This is a four-year, professional degree with honours. The honours component includes a minimum of one year of advanced studies in research and professional practice. You will receive First Class, Second Class or Third Class Honours, depending on your performance.
You will graduate with industry experience and connections, and a higher-level qualification than a bachelor degree. Your honours year is designed to prepare you for future leadership roles in electrical and electronic engineering.
Why Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic)
In your studies you will develop advanced practical skills and theoretical understanding of power systems, renewable energy, analog electronics, digital electronics, computer programming, embedded systems, telecommunications, signal processing, automation and control.
You’ll work alongside other engineering students on a major industry project in your final year. You may also be eligible for a full semester industry internship.
During your studies you’ll have access to our purpose-built engineering spaces equipped with industry-standard software and technology, including the:
- power system laboratory
- digital electronics laboratory
- electronics innovation laboratory
- mechatronics and robotics laboratory, and
- factory of the future laboratory.
All of our Engineering Honours programs share a common first-year, so choosing this degree offers ultimate flexibility. Should you wish to pursue a different specialty after completing your first-year, you can switch to an alternative Engineering program and receive credit for the courses completed. Start now, decide later.
4+1 Pathway to Masters
Are you interested in gaining a postgraduate degree with just one extra year of study? You can package the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic) with the Master of Engineering (Electrical Power) or the Master of Engineering (Engineering Management) with our Fast-track to Masters programs. This unique offering allows you to develop advanced expertise and broaden your career opportunities. You will graduate in just five years, instead of the typical six.
Study at UniSA
Hear from Liam a UniSA electrical and electronic engineering graduate.
Your career
To be a successful electrical and electronic engineer you should be a good problem solver, show a passion for understanding science, mathematics and technology, and applying your knowledge to the betterment of the quality of lives.
Careers to consider:
- Electrical Design Engineer: study customer needs to create solutions ranging from small component designs to large-scale systems; working on all stages of design for electrical services including early research and development through to detailed design, installation and final commissioning
- Electronics Engineer: use nonlinear and active electrical components (such as semiconductor devices, especially transistors, diodes and integrated circuits) to design electronic circuits, devices, VLSI devices and systems.
- Computer/Embedded System Engineer: design and implement embedded systems performing sensing, communications, signal processing and control for various applications, ranging from consumer appliances to Industrial Internet of Things equipment. You will deal with graphics processing units and field-programmable gate arrays for advanced applications.
- Power Systems Engineer: design, build, maintain and monitor systems that deal with the generation, transmission, distribution and use of electric power, and electrical apparatus connected to such systems.
- Telecommunications Engineer: design, commission, maintain and monitor the installation of telecommunications equipment and facilities, such as complex electronic switching systems, optical fibre cabling, IP networks, and microwave transmission systems.
- Control System Engineer: select, commission, design and maintain control systems for automated devices, systems (as small as electric toothbrushes or as big as rockets) or processes.
- Robotics Engineer: design, develop and program mobile robots, autonomous, driverless vehicle for transportations, agricultural uses, age care systems, warehouse management, and so on.
- Systems Engineer: apply a robust approach to the design and management of complex systems over their life cycle, including the integration of a large number of products from multiple vendors.
- Engineering Consultant: provide consulting services to help organisations improve performance and efficiency, analysing businesses and creating solutions to help meet their goals.
- Entrepreneur: using initiative, commercial acumen and broad ranging business skills to develop or transform a product or service for yourself or an organisation.
Explore a range of engineering and construction careers here.
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program is professionally accredited by Engineers Australia and is designed to meet the requirements for graduate membership of Engineers Australia and comparable international institutions.
Industry facts
Applying to study with us:
- go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
- you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in STEM (Engineering)
- SAIBT Diploma of Engineering
- Eynesbury Diploma of Engineering
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- SAIBT Diploma of Engineering
- Eynesbury Diploma of Engineering
Deferment
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
You will have access to the latest industry technology and tools in our engineering learning spaces:
- Experience One Studio: a unique first year engineering space with open studio, small group and learning spaces. There are also chill out areas.
- ENE Experience Studio: the studio for second and third year students.
- Experiential Learning Space: a collaborative, innovation space. Final year students, postgraduate and research students, leading researchers and industry partners work side-by-side, in a flexible, open and creative environment.
- Digital Electronics Laboratory and Electronics Innovation Laboratory: build circuits with analog and digital components, program field-programmable gate arrays, and develop embedded systems using the latest electronic laboratory equipment
- Power System Laboratory: get hands-on experience with electrical machines and power electronics using industry-recognised equipment
- Mechatronics and Robotics Laboratory: explore active suspension systems, mobile robotics, industrial robotics, industrial control stations comprising programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software
- Factory of the Future Laboratory: explore networked collaborative robots, machine vision, and Industrial Internet of Things in the Industry 4 Robotics & Machine Vision Laboratory and Advanced Design Studio
Your program director
Dr Habibullah is a Lecturer in Mechatronics Engineering at the UniSA STEM, Mawson Lakes Campus. Previously, he worked as a lecturer in Mechatronics Engineering with the School of Environment, Science and Engineering (SESE), Southern Cross University (SCU), Australia. Followed by an FNRS Scientific Collaborator with the BEAMS Department, Universite Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium, Research Associate, and Casual Academic positions at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy.
Dr Habibullah received a BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering with First Class Honours 1st from the Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET), Bangladesh. He has been awarded the University Gold Medal for his excellent performance during his undergraduate study. He has completed ME and PhD degrees in Mechatronics Engineering from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia. He is a member of the Asian Control Association (ACA), the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC), and an Ex. member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC).
His research interests are in the joint areas of control theory and application, mechatronics, bio-mechatronics, robotics, industrial automation, nanotechnology, low-frequency vibration isolation, and vibration control of mechanical structures.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
What others are saying
After working as an Electronics Technician for several years, I sought to expand upon my knowledge of engineering principles and practices through a UniSA Engineering degree. Support from my employer, Defence Science and Technology Group (DST), coupled with UniSA's flexible approach to study and content delivery, made my degree really rewarding and beneficial for my career.
Timothy Chiknaikin
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic)
