Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunications)

Telecommunications engineering is one of the frontier enabling technologies of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, which is bringing evolutionary changes in our societies, entertainment and human relationships. Telecommunications engineers are required to design and develop applications from mobile phone systems to hi-tech internet based entertainment systems. Many students find employment before completing the degree.

You will complete core courses and electives from a number of areas. Core courses are in the areas of mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, electronics, computer engineering, communication systems and networks, software engineering and wireless systems. Throughout the program, theoretical studies are complemented by practical laboratory and project work. You will have the opportunity to undertake an industry related project in your final year of study and must also complete 12 weeks of industrial experience throughout the program.

Telecommunications engineering graduates have excellent employment prospects and may be employed in computer networking/internet development, mobile/wireless communications, telecommunications services, broadcasting and ICT systems, computer engineering and systems, information technology, electronic engineering and technical analysis.

Current Australian Year 12 Students:

Apply for entry through UAC. Entry based on UAI or equivalent.

Non school leavers and previous Australian Year 12 students:

Apply for entry through UAC. Entry based on:

• Previous Year 12 studies and/or
• Higher education, tertiary, post-secondary qualifications and/or
• Overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications.

International Students

International students currently undertaking:

• an Australian Year 12 in Australia
• an Australian Year 12 outside Australia
• an International Baccalaureat (IB) in Australia

Apply for entry through UAC. Entry based on UAI or equivalent.

All other international students:

Apply direct to International Admissions. Entry based on overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications, as well as satisfying English language requirement.

Mathematics (Band 5 or above) or equivalent. Study of one science-related subject would also be an advantage (Physics assumed for Computer, Electrical and Telecommunication Engineering). Applicants who have achieved less than Band 5 or have not completed a science-related subject may be admitted but may need additional study and/or assistance to successfully complete the mathematics requirement of the program

Mathematics (Band 5 or above) or equivalent. Study of one science-related subject would also be an advantage (Physics assumed).

Credit transfer agreements with TAFE NSW and other education providers are under continuous negotiation. For more information about articulation arrangements please see the University's website, at www.newcastle.edu.au/credit/

Honours are embedded in the BE and based on outstanding performance throughout the duration of the program.

Honours grades in the Bachelor of Engineering degree will normally be awarded by Faculty Board on the basis of a graduating student's performance in the program as a whole, as measured by the WAM according to the following schedule:

Minimum WAM = Honours

77 = Class I

72 = Class II Division 1

67 = Class II Division 2

50-66 = Pass Degree

A Head of School may recommend to Faculty Board that a grade of Honours be awarded to a student who has achieved a WAM of other than indicated above or that Honours not be awarded to a particular student.

In such a case Faculty Board may either make an award of Honours in accordance with the recommendation of the Head of School or in accordance with the schedule detailed above.

Requirements for qualification for the award of the Bachelor of Engineering include completion of at least 12 weeks of industrial experience of a nature acceptable to the Faculty Board. Students are encouraged to obtain and to report on a substantial block of this experience at one time but several shorter periods not less than 2 weeks duration will be accepted.

Further information is available at: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/faculty/engineering/for-students/industrial-experience/

This degree program is accredited by Engineers Australia and other affiliated international bodies.

Standard University policy for entry.

Students who have impaired function in their hands or arms, or a visual impairment will have difficulty pursuing this program. It is highly advisable for any prospective student with such a disability to contact the Faculty to discuss the issue.

The Faculty accepts responsibility, in liaison with the student Support Unit, for providing reasonable accommodations to allow students with disabilities to complete the program.

Engineers specialising in the field of telecommunications design, implement and manage hardware, software and systems for processing and transmitting different types of information. Using their knowledge of electronics, computer hardware and software, signal processing and networking techniques, telecommunications engineers are involved in a range of voice, data and multimedia communication activities. For example, design of a cellular mobile telephone network requires knowledge of high frequency electronics, radio signal propagation, signal processing and networking techniques in order to make a mobile telephone system fully operational.

The telecommunications program is a 4 year program comprising 320 units; in which students complete core courses and electives from a number of areas.

The program is available at Callaghan Campus, however students do have the option of undertaking their first year at Ourimbah Campus, (with the remaining three years to be undertaken at Callaghan Campus). Any students wishing to undertake the program on a part-time basis are advised to contact the Program Convenor for advice on optimum selection of courses for part-time enrolment.

Note: Not all courses are offered each semester.

As programs are regularly reviewed and updated some students may experience changes to their program of study during the course of their enrolment, and which may require transition arrangements. Students affected by changes to the program or experiencing transition problems are advised to review the existing transition arrangements at: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/Resources/Faculties/Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment/PDFs/Transition_Arrangements/Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunications).pdf and consult with the Program Convenor or Student Hub for further information.