Bachelor of Engineering Honours with Space Engineering

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering Honours with Space Engineering at the University of Sydney is a four-year undergraduate program designed for students in aeronautical, mechanical, or mechatronic engineering. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of space engineering, including orbital mechanics, spacecraft design, and space robotics. Graduates are equipped for careers in the space industry, aerospace engineering, and other related fields. The program includes a Professional Engagement Program (PEP) and exchange opportunities with partner universities worldwide.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Bachelor of Engineering Honours with Space Engineering is a four-year, full-time undergraduate coursework program, also available part-time.
It is specifically designed for students enrolled in the aeronautical, mechanical, and mechatronic engineering streams of the Bachelor of Engineering Honours.
• Objectives: The program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of space engineering, including orbital mechanics, space vehicles, ground station infrastructure, space avionics, and space robotics.
Students will learn to develop solutions for diverse space engineering challenges, such as designing optimal satellite orbits and spacecraft mechanics.
• Program Description: Students will delve into all aspects of space-related activities, from ground operations to the design and construction of orbital bodies and explorative spacecraft.
The program is accredited by Engineers Australia and other leading professional engineering institutions.

Outline:

• Content: The program incorporates a wide range of topics, including:
• Mathematics and computing fundamentals
• Multidisciplinary project units
• Stream core and specialist elective units in the chosen stream
• Optional specializations
• Elective units from the Engineering disciplinary pool or the shared pool
• Honours thesis in the chosen stream during the final year
• Structure:
• Degree Foundational Core Units:
Students will complete core units in mathematics and computing.
• Multidisciplinary Project Units: Students will participate in project units that cover various engineering disciplines.
• Stream Core and Specialist Elective Units: Students will take core and elective units related to their chosen stream (Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Mechatronic).
• Optional Specialization: Students can choose to specialize in a specific area of space engineering.
• Elective Units: Students will complete elective units to fulfill course requirements from either the Engineering disciplinary pool or the shared pool.
• Honours Thesis: In the final year, students will complete a research-based thesis in their chosen stream.
• Course Schedule:
• Semesters:
The program is offered across semesters, with intakes occurring according to the university's semester start dates.
• Duration: The program spans four years.
• Faculty: The program is taught by leading experts in aerospace design and development.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in:
• Space industry
• Aerospace engineering
• Defence
• Environmental sectors
• Civil aviation safety
• Space vehicle engineering
• Aircraft engineering
• Navigation systems engineering
• Rocket combustion engineering
• Consultancy
• Opportunities: The program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the growing space sector.
• Outcomes: The program aims to prepare graduates for successful careers in diverse engineering fields with a focus on space exploration and technology.

Other:

• Professional Engagement Program (PEP): The program includes a Professional Engagement Program (PEP) designed to enhance students' professional development and prepare them for the workforce.
• Components: PEP consists of two main parts:
• Zero credit point units of study completed each semester.
• 600 hours of professional engagement integrated throughout the degree.
• Minimum Requirements: Students are required to complete a minimum of:
• 70 hours of non-engineering focused activities (volunteering, part-time work, etc.)
• 200 hours of engineering-focused activities (industry projects, site visits, etc.)
• 200 hours of engineering work experience in industry (mandatory work component, typically in the final year)
• Exchange Programs: One-year exchange programs are available with partner universities in Europe, Asia, and North America.
• Rankings: The University of Sydney is ranked:
• 25th globally for engineering and computer science (2023 Shanghai Ranking of Academic Subjects)
• Top 20 university globally (2025 QS World University Rankings)
• Facilities: The university has invested over $200 million in a new engineering and technology precinct to support research and student learning.
• Industry Partnerships: Students have access to over 1200 industry, not-for-profit, and government partners to gain real-world work experience.