Master of Systems Engineering

About the course

The Master of Systems Engineering at UNSW Canberra develops the skills to design, integrate and manage complex engineering systems across their full lifecycle. You’ll study systems thinking, requirements and architecture, modelling and analysis, risk and project delivery, and how people, process and technology interact. The program is suited to engineers and technical professionals seeking advanced capability in large-scale, multidisciplinary projects in engineering.

Career outcome

Graduates can pursue roles where complex systems must be specified, integrated and assured across organisations and technologies. Typical pathways include systems engineer, systems integration or verification/validation engineer, requirements or safety engineer, project/engineering manager, and defence/aviation or critical-infrastructure specialist. The degree supports careers in government and industry delivering large, high-reliability engineering programs as a Masters qualification in engineering systems.

Living Costs in Canberra**

Restaurant (Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant) A$ 17 - 23	Rent per Month (1 bedroom in City Centre) A$ 1,584 - 2,095	Rent per Month (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) A$ 1,253 - 1,657
Transportation (Daily) A$ 4 - 10	Utilities per Month (Electricity, Mobile & Internet) A$ 264 - 348

Average Salary***

*Source: QS World University Subjects Rankings (2026)

**Source: numbeo.com

***Source: PayScale.com (2026)