Key information
Design, code, automate, repeat - robotics has serious career potential
Automation, robotics and AI are transforming every industry - from mining to medicine. In Australia, demand for robotics engineers is growing fast, with strong job prospects in mechatronics, manufacturing, logistics, and defence.
Robotics engineer
Bring machines to life by developing systems that sense, think and act. You’ll learn how to integrate mechanical components with electronics and intelligent software to create autonomous technologies. From agricultural drones that monitor crops and boost yields, to surgical robots that assist with precision procedures, to self-driving vehicles that navigate complex environments - this field puts you at the forefront of innovation.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in robotics, control systems, sensor integration, and AI, preparing you for a career where your creations can improve lives, industries and the planet.
Automation engineer
Automation engineers design, build and maintain systems that keep modern industry moving. Whether it’s streamlining robotic manufacturing lines, creating smart factories, or developing automated logistics networks, they apply engineering and software expertise to make processes faster, safer and more precise.
From automotive production to pharmaceuticals, food processing to energy, automation engineers are shaping the future of work across every sector.
Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024 | Seek Australia, 2025
Mechatronics engineer
Perfect for students who enjoy combining hardware and software, this role focuses on building electro-mechanical systems—from robotic arms to smart consumer devices. Strong demand in Australian defence and manufacturing sectors.
Research and Development Engineer
Conduct research and develop new technologies and solutions in the robotics field. Research and Development Engineers bridge the gap between theory and application, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and software developers. Whether you’re working in a university lab, a tech startup, or a global robotics company, this career offers the opportunity to shape tomorrow’s solutions through creativity, critical thinking, and cutting-edge research.
Embedded systems developer
Build the control systems inside drones, robots, or industrial machines. You’ll need a strong grounding in electronics, coding, and real-time systems. Ideal for students interested in low-level programming and systems integration.
With further postgraduate study and work experience, careers could include:
- Robotics Researcher
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer (specialising in Robotics)
- Systems Engineer
- Automation Consultant
- Academic or Industry Lecturer
- Artificial Intelligence Specialist
What will you study to start your career in engineering?
This hands-on degree teaches you to bring machines to life. From sensors to servos, you'll learn the mechanics, electronics and intelligence behind robotics—and apply your skills in real-world projects.
Accreditation or Professional Recognition
This course is accredited by Engineers Australia at the level of professional engineer. Professional engineering courses accredited by Engineers Australia are recognised internationally under the Washington Accord. Graduates meet the academic requirements for attaining chartered professional engineering status.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
Robotics engineering is all about designing, building and programming intelligent machines that interact with the world. It combines elements of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to create everything from drones and factory bots to self-driving cars and surgical robots.
No! You’ll learn programming from the ground up in your first year. Whether you’ve never coded or you’ve dabbled in Python or Arduino, you’ll build the skills you need as you go.
A solid grasp of maths and physics is important, but equally important are creativity, problem-solving skills and curiosity about how things work.
Yes, the course includes industry placements, providing students with valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2025. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 95.20 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 76.17 | 80.42 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 61.00 |
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2025) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 44 | 37% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | 5 | 4% |
| Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 28 | 24% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 14% |
| International Students | 18 | 15% |
| All students | 118 | 100% |
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online
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