Are you interested in the operation and performance of aircrafts? Do you want to be the driving force behind successful, cutting-edge technologies in the design, manufacture and maintenance of aircrafts? Reach new heights and launch your Australian Defence Force (ADF) career by studying a Bachelor of Technology specialising in Aerospace Engineering at UNSW Canberra.

Study with us and immerse yourself in the technology-forward aviation and aerospace industries.

The Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering) is organised into areas such as foundation science, engineering technology, materials and structures, dynamics and control, thermofluids, and design and management, as well as discipline specific areas such as aircraft design and maintenance and engine performance.

ATAR indicative

85.00

Degree type

Undergraduate

Duration

3 years full-time

Commencing terms

Semester 1

Program code

4430

Delivery mode

On campus

Study aeronautical engineering at UNSW Canberra

This degree provides a solid foundation in engineering technology, specially developed to meet the needs of the Australian Defence Force and accredited by Engineers Australia at the Engineering Technologist level.  

In your first year of study you’ll build a solid understanding of science and engineering, sharing common core courses with other technology and engineering students. In your second and third years, you’ll specialise in aeronautical engineering, where you’ll further explore the fundamentals of aeronautics, aircraft design and engine performance.  

With various electives to choose from, including materials and structures, aerodynamics and thermofluids, you can pursue interests both within and beyond aeronautical engineering.

In your last semester, a final project will build  problem-solving skills and apply your knowledge in technology, engineering, and aeronautics. 

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering) if you wish to upgrade to a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering, you may undertake a further 12 months study. Entry to the Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering at UNSW Canberra will be at the discretion of the Defence Services.

World-class teaching & facilities

As an Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Trainee Officer, you’ll have access to purpose-built workshops and facilities and benefit from the best university teacher-to-student ratio in Australia. Our teachers are experienced practitioners and collaborate closely with industry to ensure our graduates possess the skills to meet the needs of the workplace. Working alongside leading experts, you’ll gain the hands-on experience required to meet the global challenges of the future.

What our students say

“I always enjoyed science, maths and engineering subjects at high school, so doing a Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering) seemed perfect for me. My UNSW Canberra degree will open avenues into flight test engineering, which is an area that I am very interested in and would like to pursue in my career.”
Jace Stallard, Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering) Student

Take flight in your Defence career

With a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, you could design, build, maintain or manufacture aeroplanes and helicopters, design and operate unmanned aerial vehicles or wind turbines, or conduct research in the aerospace or energy sector. Engineering graduates may work for aerospace companies, airlines, energy companies or civilian and military aerospace organisations.

The Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering) is primarily undertaken by Air Force Trainee Officers who intend to become aircrew with specialised knowledge in aircraft design, manufacture, and maintenance. However, the program is also available to Navy and Army Trainee Officers, where you will find yourself employed in many technical branches of the ADF.  

As an Air Force Trainee Officer, you’ll graduate with an enhanced understanding of the operation and performance of aircrafts, leading you towards aircrew careers including:

  • Air Traffic Controller (mission controller) 
  • Ground Defence Officer   
  • Human Resource Manager  
  • Intelligence Officer 
  • Mission Aircrew  
  • Pilot  

For Pilots, the practical flying components are undertaken after graduating from ADFA.

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
ADF Trainee Officers
ADF Current Serving Members

Assumed knowledge
Mathematics, physics