Engineering in 2027 and beyond
Greater flexibility for students starting their engineering degree.
From 2027, the University of Newcastle's undergraduate engineering programs will feature a common first semester and a new Bachelor of Engineering (Flexible Entry) option. Together, these changes provide greater flexibility and choice for students starting their engineering degree.
A common first semester
All engineering students will complete the same first semester, building core knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, engineering problem solving and professional engineering practice. You'll develop practical problem-solving skills, work on hands-on engineering projects and learn alongside students from across a range of engineering disciplines.
What will I study?
Your first semester includes four core courses designed to build the foundations needed for further engineering study:
- Engineering Problem Solving: Learn how engineers approach challenges and develop practical solutions.
- Professional Practice: Develop teamwork, communication and professional skills while applying your learning through hands-on engineering projects.
- Science Fundamentals: Explore the scientific principles that underpin engineering.
- Mathematics: Build the mathematical foundations for engineering.
New Bachelor of Engineering (Flexible Entry)
Not sure which engineering specialisation is right for you?
The new Bachelor of Engineering (Flexible Entry) is designed for students who know they want to study engineering but are still deciding which specialisation interests them most. Available for Semester 1 intake, it gives you the opportunity to explore all the different engineering disciplines before choosing your future direction.
You'll complete the same first semester as students enrolled in engineering specialisations before transitioning into your chosen pathway for Semester 2.
Designed to keep you moving forward
Courses completed in the Flexible Entry program are designed to align with your engineering specialisation degree, helping support a seamless transition into your chosen specialisation.
Elective flexibility
The single engineering specialisation programs provide 4 elective courses that allow flexibility for students to explore other areas of study. For example, these electives could be used to:
- Travel overseas on exchange
- Take a minor area of study (four prescribed courses that provide additional depth of learning in an area of your interest).
Explore our undergraduate Engineering degrees
Whether you already know which Engineering discipline you'd like to study or you're still deciding, explore our range of undergraduate Engineering degrees below.
Frequently asked questions
No. The common first semester and Bachelor of Engineering (Flexible Entry) apply to the engineering specialisations listed on this page. Some programs within the broader Engineering study area, such as the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) and the Bachelor of Surveying (Honours), have different program structures. Please refer to the relevant degree page for program-specific information.
Yes. You can apply directly to an engineering specialisation from the start of your degree or choose the Bachelor of Engineering (Flexible Entry) if you'd like more time to explore your options.
Updated handbook information for the 2027 engineering programs will be published later in 2026. The information on this page reflects the new 2027 program structure.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Flexible Entry) is designed for students who know they want to study engineering but are still deciding which specialisation is right for them. You'll complete the same first semester as other engineering students before selecting your preferred specialisation for Semester 2.
No. The Bachelor of Engineering (Flexible Entry) is available for Semester 1 intake only.
The common first semester provides greater flexibility for students exploring different engineering disciplines. Students who decide to change specialisations after completing their first semester can generally do so without increasing their study load or extending their completion time. If you're considering changing specialisations later in your degree, your available study options will depend on your individual circumstances.
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