Curtin University

What you'll study

This master’s combines advanced technical subjects with professional practice, project work and elective options to tailor the degree to your discipline. Core themes include advanced engineering analysis and design, systems engineering, project and risk management, professional ethics and communication, and research methods.

• Core units — typically cover professional engineering practice, project management for engineers, engineering leadership and ethics, and advanced engineering mathematics or computational methods.
• Technical electives — choose advanced subjects aligned with your background (examples: structural and geotechnical design for civil streams; thermofluids, materials and manufacturing for mechanical streams; power systems, electronics and control for electrical streams; process design and safety for chemical streams).
• Capstone/project — a major individual or team project that integrates technical knowledge with real‑world problem solving, often industry‑linked and focused on deliverables, design documentation and professional reporting.
• Workplace and professional development — subjects or short placements designed to build industry awareness, professional communication skills and preparation for chartership or professional registration.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an accredited undergraduate degree in engineering or a closely related discipline. Applicants with a non‑engineering bachelor degree but with substantial relevant professional experience or recognised prior learning may be considered, often with bridging or prerequisite units required.

• Academic transcripts and a qualification equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree in engineering, or evidence of relevant professional experience.
• A current curriculum vitae outlining engineering experience and responsibilities.
• Evidence of English language proficiency to meet Curtin’s admission requirements (international applicants should consult Curtin for acceptable tests and minimum scores).
• Some applicants may be requested to provide a personal statement, referee reports or attend an interview depending on the entry pathway and specialisation.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for professional engineering roles across consulting, construction, manufacturing, resources, energy, infrastructure and government sectors. The program is designed to support progression to chartered/registered engineer status in jurisdictions where Curtin’s accreditation is recognised.

• Design engineer, structural or systems engineer
• Project engineer or project manager on medium to large capital works
• Engineering consultant or technical specialist in areas such as power, transport, resources and manufacturing
• Research and development engineer or product development lead
• Engineering manager, operations manager or technical director roles with additional leadership and commercial responsibilities

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin offers a practical, industry‑focused engineering education with strong links to local and international employers, modern laboratories and interdisciplinary research strengths. The Master of Professional Engineering emphasises workplace readiness through capstone projects and professional development, helping graduates meet the competencies required for professional registration.

• Industry engagement and project opportunities that connect learning to real engineering challenges.
• Accreditation pathways and support for professional registration and chartership processes.
• Access to Curtin’s facilities, including engineering workshops, specialised laboratories and computing resources.
• A global alumni and partner network across industry and research that supports career development.