Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Electrical and Electronic)

Power our future

Electrical and electronic engineers do so much more than keep the lights on! From smart devices to medical imagery and defence technologies, electrical and electronic engineering contributes to every aspect of modern life.

The University of Adelaide's Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree is ranked number 25 globally^. We set you up for a range of global career options in a field that’s leading technological change.

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic) is practical right from the first year. Working with our internationally renowned staff who are active in cutting-edge discoveries, you will:

  • study in state-of-the-art facilities, including a 3D prototyping lab, autonomous vehicles lab, electric machines lab, quantum engineering and semiconductor laboratories, and augmented/virtual reality laboratories. 
  • learn and master new frontiers in biomedical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, quantum engineering, semiconductors, and applied electromagnetics
  • push the frontiers of knowledge in artificial intelligence, control, autonomous systems, integrated circuits for biomedical and space, and quantum electronics
  • work on practical and relevant projects with industry partners, and build confidence for tech entrepreneurship
  • specialise in your chosen electrical and electronic engineering major after the first two years
  • complete an eight-week practical experience

Majors are available in:

Minors are available in:

Where could it take you?

As an accredited engineer, you could work in artificial intelligence, industrial automation, e-commerce or cybersecurity. You might manage multimillion-dollar energy projects. Perhaps you’ll help design the first purely electric aircrafts.

This program is accredited by Engineers Australia.


Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.


  • #25 globally for electrical and electronic engineering^
  • Graduates qualify for professional membership with Engineers Australia
  • Showcase your work and network with future employers at Ingenuity

^US News Global University Ranking, 2023

Entry Requirements

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Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

Admissions information

SATAC Code 334811
2023 CSP ATAR 80.35
2023 CSP IB 29.75
Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR 80
Guaranteed Entry Score - IB 29.5
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July*
*Students commencing in July may have a slightly limited selection of courses.
Prerequisites SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Methods , Specialist Mathematics and Physics. IB: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL) and Physics (SL grade 4/ HL grade 3) MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods. Unsure if you will meet prerequisites or ATAR? Check out our Engineering Pathway.
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). Applicants who have not achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors) required for selection may be selected based on the grades in selected year 12 subjects. Applicants do not need to apply to be considered for subject-based entry, as this will automatically be done. For more information, please see: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/study/undergraduate/entry-pathways/recent-secondary-education/ 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 2024. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2024 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2023 or 2022), 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 2022). 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

2023 Admissions Data for school leavers
ATAR
(raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer 72.95
Median ATAR to receive an offer 91.9
Highest ATAR to receive an offer 99.55
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer 80.35
Median Selection Rank to receive an offer 96.45
Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer 99.95
Minimum eligibility score 80
Additional criteria considered Selection rank only
  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    15 32.6%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 N/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/A N/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    22 47.8%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/A N/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    N/A N/A
    International students 8 17.4%
    All students 46 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.

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Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $8,415

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

Career Readiness

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.


Now and into the future, Australia and the world will need electrical and electronic engineers to work in mining and power distribution, infrastructure, e-commerce, and to develop technologies for advanced manufacturing.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic) provides students with the technical knowledge and skills for careers across a range of specialist areas including power distribution, computing, medical technology, defence, and communications systems.

The program is highly regarded by employers. Our graduates have secured roles with leading technology companies worldwide—including Google—and with companies across the defence, energy and electronics sectors.

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

Industry Placement

Students are required to complete eight weeks of approved practical experience.

Professional Accreditation

Graduates qualify for professional membership of Engineers Australia.

Potential careers

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

Mechatronic Engineer;  Machinist;  Medical Device Developer;  Medical Technician;  Automotive Engineer;  Avionics Engineer;  Biomedical Engineer;  Biotechnologist;  Biotechnology;  Biotechnology Engineer ...

Degree Structure

The first two years of this program establish a deeper understanding of mathematics, physics and computer programming. They also cover the basic principles of themes that will be developed throughout the program: digital and embedded systems, electronic circuits and signals, electrical systems, and professional practice and systems engineering. This common foundation means that all graduates have the opportunity to work in many specialist areas, and are prepared with lifelong learning skills so that they are able to change specialisations over the course of their careers.

At the end of the second year, students have the opportunity to select a major from a wide range of topics. A major is a great way to specialise and pursue topics of interest without narrowing future options. All graduates—irrespective of major—qualify as electrical and electronic engineers and can pursue a career in any specialist field within the profession. Majors are available in: Communication Systems; Computer Engineering; Cybersecurity; Defence Systems; Medical Technologies; Renewable Energy; and Smart Technologies.

Completion of a minor introduces students to an aligned field where there technical knowledge can be applied. This allows students to explore career opportunities in these areas. Minors are available in: Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian engineering.

As being a professional engineer is about more than just technical specialisation, students in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic) undertake three broadening electives as part of their degree. These can be used to study a language, to learn more about business and economics, to gain a greater understanding of general science or even to develop communication and interpersonal skills, which can strengthen a graduate’s employability

Students are required to complete eight weeks of approved practical experience.

Program Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes for this program were informed by the University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes, Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies and the characteristics of the Adelaide Engineering graduate.

Graduates of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic) will be able to:

  1. Contribute to the design of creative, sustainable, economic and safe solutions, which satisfy the objectives of clients and stakeholders.
  2. Demonstrate a broad, theory-based understanding of the mathematical, natural and physical sciences underpinning engineering practice, and evaluate the differences between theoretical and applied system behaviour.
  3. Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the computer and information sciences that underpin engineering practice.
  4. Demonstrate a substantial and contemporary body-of-knowledge of engineering methods, tools and processes for a specific discipline, complemented by relevant knowledge from related disciplines.
  5. Professionally and ethically conduct themselves and their work, respecting the communities and cultural norms within which that work is carried out.
  6. Communicate objectively and effectively, in written and oral forms, to lay and expert audiences.
  7. Apply critical and independent thinking to make sound judgements, based on evidence, theory and logical reasoning.
  8. Maintain and develop knowledge of advancements in engineering practice and research in the specific discipline, and apply this knowledge innovatively when devising solutions
  9. Be an effective, emotionally and culturally intelligent team member, with leadership potential.
  10. Apply a systems approach to managing and developing solutions to complex problems.

Academic Program Rules

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

Areas of Specialisation

Majors
Majors are available across the following areas:

  • Biomedical Engineering 
  • Communication Systems
    Communication systems engineers design and manage complex hardware and software, such as mobile, Internet and broadcast networks. In this major, students develop skills to work in industries including defence, mobile phone networks, satellite communications, and infrastructure systems.
  • Computer Engineering
    The Computer Engineering major focuses on the design, development and use of computers to control devices, equipment and processes, including robots, automated infrastructure, and autonomous devices. Graduates can secure jobs in fields such as industrial automation, logistics, and e-commerce.
  • Cybersecurity
    Cybersecurity is a high-growth industry. As more devices and systems are connecting to the Internet—creating the Internet of Things —employers are increasingly seeking graduates who can develop secure and robust systems. In this major, students learn from industry experts and can undertake international study opportunities, such as a cybersecurity tour of Estonia.
  • Mechatronics and Robotics
    Dreams of the future become today's innovations when engineers take ideas from science fiction and turn them into science fact. This major prepares students to take these quantum leaps, by studying the components that make up complex mechatronic and robotic systems.
  • Renewable Energy
    The Renewable Energy major exposes students to a broad range of engineering and regulatory topics, and prepares them for careers in a rapidly changing industry. Students develop the skills and knowledge required to work with current and future energy infrastructure. Courses cover electric power systems and renewable energy technologies.

Minors
Minors are available in the following:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 

  • Defence Systems
    South Australia is Australia’s defence state and home to many important defence investments and industries, including shipbuilding and the over-the-horizon radar project. Electrical and electronic engineers are critical to the future of Australia’s defence capabilities, and this major is ideal for launching a career in the field.
  • Entrepreneurship
    Take the technical knowledge from the degree and create ventures in areas from large corporations, to small businesses, the not-for-profit sector, and community organisations through an Entrepreneurship minor. All technology advances in the past decade were once an idea that is now a reality through entrepreneurs. Students learn the processes, risks, rewards, motivations and societal impacts of innovation and entrepreneurship within regional, national and global perspectives.
  • Humanitarian Engineering
    Learn how to work in emergency and humanitarian fields while having a positive global impact on developing populations through the Humanitarian Engineering minor. Students conduct design work with a focus on culture, economic background, and political climate, while developing a strong awareness of communities and the people who reside in them. Graduates are equipped to solve problems in complex environments, allowing them to make real-world change.

Example Study Plan

To satisfy the requirements for Core Courses students must complete courses to the value of 96 units.

All courses are 3 units unless stated otherwise.

Core Courses
Students must complete the following:

Engineering Internship A total of 8 weeks of approved engineering work placement is required. Students will need to enrol into the ENG 3100 Engineering Internship UG (0 units) course to complete this requirement.

Assessment

Assessment can vary from course to course and can include a combination of class work, tutorials, assignments, laboratory work, quizzes, project work and exams.

Testimonial

Working onsite you get to see what you have planned and designed in the office and how it works in the field.

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: Monday, 22 Jan 2024