UNSW @ ADFA offers a range of programs for Midshipmen and Officer Cadets that conform to the highest standards in Australia's leading universities.

The Business, Engineering and Technology degrees have a set program structure, although there are some opportunities for elective study. The Arts and Science degrees have a more flexible program structure. It is a characteristic feature of all UNSW degrees that you must undertake at least some subjects outside the main study area.

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts is a very flexible degree program. Students can combine courses and build expertise from one or more of the following specialisations: Economics, English literature, Indonesian language and culture, Information Systems, Geography, History, Management and Political Science. Courses from Science discipline areas in Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Oceanography, Operations Research and Statistics and Physics can also be taken.

Bachelor of Science (BSC)

A Bachelor of Science degree develops lifetime skills including creativity, problem-solving ability, critical thinking and communication skills. These will be useful not only in a scientific environment but in all professions, including the military.

The following Science discipline areas are available in the BSc: Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Information Systems, Mathematics and Statistics, Oceanography, Operations Research and Statistics, and Physics. The flexible nature of this degree also allows students to choose courses from the Arts discipline areas of Economics, English, History, Indonesian, Management and Politics.

The Chief of Defence Force Students Programs

Since 2007 we have been offering an exciting new range of undergraduate degree options for high-performing students, known as the Chief of Defence Force Students Programs. They have been designed to provide academically gifted students with a rich and challenging educational experience that will develop their critical thinking and research skills. Eligible students will undertake individual research projects from their area of interest and upon completion will receive a unique award that reflects their involvement in this outstanding program.

The CDFSP will be on offer across all five schools of the Academy and is an exceptional opportunity for gifted students to reach their full academic potential.

Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electrical Engineering

The BE in Electrical Engineering is built on a foundation of mathematics, computer science and physical science. During the first three years of the program students can specialise in areas such as communications, surveillance and radar, computer engineering and guided weapons electronics.

Bachelor of Business (BBUS)

The Bachelor of Business is designed to enhance business acumen among future leaders and managers in the ADF and to provide them with the capacity to interact effectively with external business providers. It aims to lay solid foundations in communication, numeracy and problem solving capabilities.

Required courses within the program provide students with an understanding of contemporary business functions and knowledge bases. This includes project management, human resource management, finance, accounting, business law, economics and quantitative analysis. In addition to the core business courses, students are expected to take six business related electives, available in areas such as finance, accounting, logistics, information systems selection, leadership and economic growth and fluctuations.

Bachelor of Engineering (BE)
in Aeronautical Engineering

Aircraft are critical to the operations of all the services in the Australian Defence Force. ADF engineers must ensure that they are supplied and maintained to the highest standards. The Aeronautical Engineering program covers the design, reliability and maintenance of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

Bachelor of Technology
(Aeronautical Engineering) (BTECH) (AERO)

This degree program is designed for the student who wishes to work in the ADF as an Aeronautical Engineering Technologist, but not necessarily as a fully qualified Engineer. The program is organised into streams including mathematics, computing, physics, material properties, structures, dynamics and control, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, design and management. Discipline specific streams like aircraft systems and propulsion are also included.

Bachelor of Engineering (BE)
in Mechanical Engineering

A Mechanical Engineer's core task is to devise new and better ways to extract mechanical power from heat and to use that power to perform a useful task. Mechanical Engineers also concern themselves with machine control, lubrication, heating and cooling and vibration of machines. This course covers many areas including but not limited to, thermodynamics, properties of solid materials and fluid dynamics.

Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Civil Engineering

The career prospects for Civil Engineers, both in the ADF and in civilian life are very exciting. The training in science and technology provides a fantastic basis for a career in modern society. There are nine major engineering streams to the course which are: structural, materials, geotechnical, water, environmental, surveying and construction, transport and the management of engineering projects.

Bachelor of Technology (Aviation) (BTECH) (AV)

This program is designed for potential pilots entering the ADF. Acceptance into the degree is conditional on passing aptitude tests conducted by the ADF's Basic Flying Training School. The course covers both the technical and organisational aspects of flying, with a high concentration on the safety of aviation and safe practices. For example: pilot, maintenance and air traffic control.