Bachelor of Technology (Defence Industries)

Translate defence tech to the world

South Australia’s defence industry is growing—and so is its demand for unique expertise. With many big projects in the pipeline, defence-related organisations are calling for specialists who can communicate defence-tech engineering ideas to everyone from on-the-ground operational personnel to potential commercial partners.

With our new Bachelor of Technology (Defence Industries) you’ll be ready to step up.

What will you do?

Taught over three years full-time within a faculty ranked 48 in the world for computer science and engineering*, the degree leverages the University’s strong industry links and world-class research. It features an emphasis on real-world experience, with two internships providing up to 760 hours of work-based training.

In addition to gaining a broad understanding of the foundations of technology, including computing, information, mathematics, and the natural and physical—you’ll develop skills in evaluating and using:

  • engineering methods, tools and processes in real-world defence-related contexts
  • systems-thinking principles to manage and develop well-structured, maintainable and safe defence technology solutions
  • AI and automation technologies (Industry 4.0)
  • data analytics and cyber security applications
  • mechatronics and electrical principles
  • advanced critical thinking and interpersonal communication.

In third-year, you’ll also have the opportunity to build deep knowledge in:

  • defence procurement and logistics
  • systems engineering, including maritime engineering
  • human factors and societal studies.

Where could it take you?

You could support defence-related technology development and management anywhere in the world. From advanced radar equipment R&D to submarine fit-outs; from Landing Helicopter Dock ship upgrades to Joint Strike Fighter through-life support.


  • Ranked #48 in the world for computer science and engineering*
  • Get hands-on with up to 760 hours of work-based training
  • Take courses taught by our research-active staff and industry experts

*Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2021

Entry Requirements

Please note: For programs including placements and/or study-related activities in settings where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory, it is an inherent requirement that all students be fully vaccinated prior to undertaking the placement and/or study-related activity.
From 30 June 2023, in accordance with Australian government requirements, the University will be returning to face-to-face teaching for all students where it is safe and practical to do so. For students with circumstances where it would not be practical or safe to travel to Australia, exemptions may apply. Students are encouraged to regularly check Study in 2023 and International Student Covid-19 FAQ for information and updates.

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
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Domestic applicants

Admissions information

SATAC Code 354131
2021 CSP ATAR 80.4
2021 CSP IB 29
Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR 70
Guaranteed Entry Score - IB 25
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Prerequisites SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Methods . IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL) MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods.
Selection Criteria
Recent Secondary Education Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Higher Education Study You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) study You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Work and life experience To be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2022. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2022 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2021 or 2020), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2020). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Other Entry Pathways

2021 Admissions Data for school leavers
ATAR
(raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer N/A
Median ATAR to receive an offer N/A
Highest ATAR to receive an offer N/A
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer N/A
Median Selection Rank to receive an offer N/A
Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer N/A
Minimum eligibility score 65
Additional criteria considered Selection rank only

Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $8,495

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Potential careers

Bioinformatics, Communications Technologist, Cyber Intelligence Expert, Data Analyst, Data scientist , Database Coordinator, Defence Industry Scientist, Encryption Specialist, Systems Analyst, Systems Support, Information Analyst, Information Officer, Information Technologist

Degree Structure

To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Technology (Defence Industries), students must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following courses with a combined total of not less than 72 units, comprising:

  • Level I courses to a maximum of 24 units
  • Level Il courses to a maximum of 21 units
  • Level III courses to the value of at least 27 units
  • Core courses to the value of 57 units
  • Elective courses to a maximum of 9 units, including Broadening Electives to the value of 9 units
  • Internships comprising 3 units at Level 2 and 12 or 6 units at Level 3

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Bachelor of Technology (Defence Industries)

Example Study Plan

Core Courses
Students must complete the following:

Core Course, choice of
Students must complete one of the following:
  • TECH 1007 Defence Industry and Security or;
  • Elective (3 units)
Work Based Training
Students must complete the following:
Work Based Training, choice of
Students must complete 12 units through one of the following options:
OR 

  • TECH 3100 Internship (6 units) with 2 Elective Courses (6 units)

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Thursday, 31 Mar 2022