94.1% employed within four months of graduating.
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023-2025 - Undergraduate Engineering.
Degree overview
Delivering impact in the skies and beyond
Aerospace systems engineers design, operate, maintain and modify complex systems used across aviation, defence and space exploration. Their work can improve the safety and efficiency of aerospace operations and advance technologies used within and beyond the earth’s atmosphere.
What is Aerospace Systems Engineering? Aerospace systems engineering takes a whole-of-system approach to aircraft, spacecraft and their supporting technologies. These systems can be manned or unmanned and operate within and beyond the earth’s atmosphere.
Aerospace systems engineers consider how sensors, controllers, actuators and other subsystems interact and work together. A key challenge is designing systems that are lightweight while still meeting the high levels of safety and reliability required in aerospace operations.
At the University of Newcastle, you’ll develop your critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills while learning about aircraft performance, flight dynamics and control, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics and systems engineering.
The Hunter is a major aerospace industry hub, with strong aviation and defence activity and aerospace companies operating in the region. Studying in Newcastle places you close to an industry that is at the forefront of aerospace engineering in Australia.
Ranked 1
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in NSW for skills development
World top 250
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for Engineering
12 weeks
of Industrial Experience
Career opportunities
Aerospace systems engineers work across aviation, defence and space. Graduates may find opportunities with airlines, aircraft design and manufacturing companies, airworthiness organisations, defence, aerospace technology companies and government agencies.
Your career could involve designing, testing, monitoring, maintaining or upgrading aircraft and aerospace systems. You could also research and develop new technologies for aviation, defence and space exploration, or work in areas such as procurement, regulation, safety and certification.
The systems engineering skills you develop can also be applied in other industries, including mechanical and mechatronics engineering.
Professional outcomes include:
- aerospace engineer
- aerospace systems engineer
- satellite engineer
- systems engineer.
Course overview
Develop the technical knowledge and systems engineering skills to design, analyse and integrate complex aerospace systems. You’ll also have opportunities to personalise your studies through a minor or electives, allowing you to broaden your knowledge in a complementary area or explore other interests.
You'll develop skills in:
- aircraft operations and performance
- flight dynamics and control
- aerodynamics
- airframe and propulsion systems
- aircraft systems and avionics
- aerospace systems design
- systems engineering and embedded systems.
Throughout your degree, you’ll build practical and professional skills through industry experience, professional practice courses and a final-year engineering project.
Student experience
Demo Day: First Year Aerospace Systems Engineering 0:54
Hear from our first year aerospace systems engineering students about their hands-on gliders project and testing at Demo Day.
Career-ready placements
All University of Newcastle engineering students complete 12 weeks of industrial experience during their degree. This can be completed in one block or as shorter placements of no less than two weeks.
Through your work placement you’ll build important professional networks and put your learning into practice.
Studying at Newcastle campus
Living in Newcastle
Nestled on Australia's spectacular east coast and surrounded by some of the state's most popular destinations, Newcastle is an all-round wonderful choice as a safe and friendly place to live.
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Campus Life
Our campuses are welcoming, inspiring, and collaborative places for students, staff, and the community. Explore our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle.
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Scholarships
Our scholarships recognise achievement and support enthusiastic and dedicated students. If you are a current student, or planning to study with us, we encourage you to apply for all scholarships you meet the criteria for.
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Accommodation
Living on campus is an experience unlike any other. Whether you're from across Australia or around the globe, your home on campus is where you'll form lifelong friendships and harness your potential in a supportive and diverse community.
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Student showcase
Aerospace 1
Aero showcase 4
Aero showcase 3
Aerospace 2
How to apply
Apply as a domestic student
You are a domestic student if you are:
- An Australian or New Zealand citizen (including dual citizens)
- A permanent resident of Australia
- A holder of a permanent Australian visa.
Similar degrees
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)
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Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours)
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Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours)
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1 Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Learn more.
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Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. However, changes to courses and programs may occur. The University accepts no responsibility for any information supplied on this web site or any actions taken on the basis of the information. Users are advised to seek confirmation of the information from the relevant area of the University.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.