Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Aerospace)


A foundation for advanced engineering

Aerospace engineers develop new technologies and materials for aeronautical, space and defence industries. This discipline will see exciting career opportunities and huge growth in South Australia with the establishment of our new national space agency!

Our Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Aerospace) is suited to engineering graduates and working engineers with relevant experience.

What will you do?

The program acts as a foundational year for the Master of Engineering (Aerospace). It’s designed to upskill students for advanced studies and career opportunities. You will:

  • study applied aerodynamics and aeronautical engineering
  • practise space vehicle design
  • explore different materials and structures
  • develop skills for research, communication, critical thinking, business and management.

Note: If you’re currently enrolled in the master program and wish to exit with the graduate diploma, see the academic requirements for this degree.

 


  • SA's only specialised aerospace engineering program
  • Taught by our research-active staff and industry experts
  • Gain credit towards the Master of Engineering (Aerospace)

Thinking of studying soon?

  • 2025

    Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or University of South Australia 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.

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

This is an Exit award for the Master of Engineering (Aerospace): SATAC Code 3CM065

Domestic applicants

Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed four-year Bachelor of Engineering degree or equivalent in a related discipline with a minimum GPA of 4.5

Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $43,500

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

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

Scholarships are not only for high achievers—they are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.

Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.

To browse scholarships offered by the University, visit: University Scholarships

To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the University, visit: External Scholarships

Careers

Career Readiness

Graduates are well prepared to pursue careers in the aerospace industry and other high-tech industries.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Aerospace Engineer;  Aircraft Engineer;  Instrumentation Engineer

Degree Structure

Academic Program Rules

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

 

Example Study Plan

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Aerospace), the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 24 units, comprising:

  • Core courses to the value of 12 units
  • Aerospace specialisation courses to the value of 12 units

All courses are 3 units unless stated otherwise.

Core Courses

Students must complete all of the following:

ELEC ENG 7164 Business Management Systems PG

MATHS 7025 Research Methods and Statistics

PROJMGNT 5021 Project Management Fundamentals

Core Course, choice of

Students must complete one of the following:

COMP SCI 7317 Using Machine Learning Tools PG

ENG 7057 Communication & Critical Thinking

MECH ENG 7056 Systems Engineering 1

PROJMGNT 5004 Risk Assessment and Management

PROJMGNT 7012 Project Governance and Contracts

PROJMGNT 7038 Project Leadership and Communication

Specialisation Courses

Students must complete all of the following:

MECH ENG 7066 Aeronautical Engineering

MECH ENG 7067 Advanced Mechanics of Materials

MECH ENG 7068 Applied Aerodynamics

MECH ENG 7073 Space Vehicle Design

Related Degrees

Further Study

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: Friday, 1 Mar 2024