Master of Systems Engineering
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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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)
Mode
Online
Fees
$AU 30,200 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025
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Entry requirements
Applicants will be required to have completed a Bachelor degree, Graduate Certificate, or a Graduate Diploma in a relevant discipline from a recognised higher education institution.
Relevant disciplines for entry typically include engineering (aeronautics, astronautics, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, industrial, mechanical, nuclear, software, systems), chemistry, physics, computer science, or mathematics. Applicants with qualifications in other disciplines are encouraged to apply and will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Applicants who have:
- A relevant four year honours degree, or a three year bachelor degree with a minimum of three years relevant professional work experience in a senior role in STEM related industries, are eligible to enter the program with 18 units advanced standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or part-time equivalent.
For international students, this program can only be studied online from their home country.
Degree overview
- Understand the full systems engineering life cycle, from conceptual design through to delivery into operations.
- Learn to apply interdisciplinary skills associated with engineering management, integrated logistics support, test and evaluation, model based systems engineering and project management.
- Endorsed by the Naval Shipbuilding College (NSC) as part of the College Endorsement Process.
- Draw on expertise from industry to underpin the focus on real-world defence sector requirements.
- Develop high level engineering skills relevant to Australia's National Defence Interest.
- UniSA is rated well above world-class for research in engineering1.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities2, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
2UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
This program provides recent graduates from a wide range of disciplines such as engineering, finance, business, and management with opportunity to kick start their career as systems engineers in Defence industries or other industries such as telecommunication, transportation, and rail.
The program is also ideal career step for a range of engineers and professionals in defence or non-defence industries: mid-career professionals with three or more years’ of experience from graduation, working within a defence or non-defence company who are looking to further their formal qualifications in engineering and prepare for a role as a senior engineer or a systems engineer; engineers from small to medium enterprises where the company is seeking to be part of a supply chain for a defence prime, and needs to increase the level of defence engineering knowledge in the company.
This postgraduate degree is offered as part of a suite of two programs (graduate diploma and master). The Graduate Diploma qualification easily transitions to a master level qualification.
There are also opportunities available to upskill with a Defence Professional Certificate, you may also receive credit for the Master of Systems Engineering. For more information about the new Defence short courses please visit our defence short course website.
What you'll learn
You'll draw on your foundation of engineering knowledge to develop further skills in systems engineering, particularly tailored to the defence sector, and encompassing other sectors such as telecommunication, rail, mining, healthcare etc.
Courses taught in the program will align with the University's research strengths including: systems engineering and systems architecting, autonomous and unmanned systems, information technology, project management and engineering management, and the execution of large scale projects. Students will focus on a systems engineering approach to full life cycle development, from systems design and implementation, to test and evaluation and integration. The program will also develop skills in engineering management and integrated logistics support. Students will have the opportunity to study elective courses of their choice to broaden their knowledge and skills in specific areas and domains.
Through in-class exercises, coursework assignments, and the completion of a research project, you will develop an advanced knowledge of, and learn to implement, systems engineering tools and problem-solving methodologies in a complex systems environment.
In the final semester, students have the option of completing a minor thesis in a topic relevant to their workplace, or a group project where they will apply the theory and techniques to realistic problems in a professional development context.
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. 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 and project documentation
- essays
- group projects and presentations
- reflective journals
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.
Why Master of Systems Engineering
Major projects in defence, telecommunication and rail industries are inherently complex systems, which draw on many disciplines; including hardware, software, power electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, and engineering management. The integration of these disciplines in a systematic way requires the coordination of many and diverse resources over an extended period.
This program enables you to develop an advanced understanding of the principle and practice of systems engineering in the development of complex systems through a combination of practical case studies and in-class exercises based on real-world scenarios.
This program is studied online.
Real-world connections
With strong connections with global defence companies, UniSA provides opportunities to network and receive insights from industry experts.
UniSA is one of Australia’s leading universities for Engineering research1. Our leading researchers will be your teachers and everything you learn will be supported by our research excellence. We also host regular University-wide career expos and employment forums through our Career Service, as well as alumni events in Australia and overseas.
1 UniSA’s Engineering research rated well above world-class – 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
Your career
Graduates of the program will be able to further their careers in various roles within the defence industry and government departments.
Potential employers include:
- Department of Defence
- Lockheed Martin
- Naval Group
- Nova Systems
- SAAB Australia
- Thales
- ASC
- BAE Systems
- Boeing
- Telstra
- Optus
- Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
Industry facts
Thinking of studying soon?
2025
Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.
When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.
2026
Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.
Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.
Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.
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.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
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. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those 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 program director
Dr Mahmoud Efatmaneshnik is a senior Lecturer at UniSA, where he teaches Model Based Systems Engineering and Integrated Logistics Support, among other courses. He has a PhD in Complexity Management for Systems Engineering from University of New South Wales. He has valuable Systems Engineering experience with the $200M Systems F6 DARPA (Defence Advanced Research Project Agency) project in the US as well as with an ARC-Linkage project on Automated Agriculture System. He has thought Systems Engineering and related topics in UNSW-ADFA and ANU. He is the editor in chief of Australian Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering. He has served on the board of Systems Engineering Society of Australia (SESA) for any years and works closely with that of INCOSE.
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.
