Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Civil Engineering)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Macquarie University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) at Macquarie University is a unique 5.5-year dual degree that equips you with both technical engineering skills and business expertise. It’s perfect for students who are curious, enjoy problem-solving, and want the flexibility to work on complex infrastructure projects while understanding the commercial and strategic side of business.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in both business and engineering. Commerce units like Introduction to Business and Economics introduce you to how organisations and markets operate, while engineering subjects such as Introduction to Engineering and Engineering Mathematics develop your technical problem-solving skills and scientific understanding.

Year 2:
Year two allows you to dive deeper into both disciplines. You’ll study Marketing Fundamentals or Business Analytics to develop analytical and decision-making skills, alongside engineering units like Mechanics of Materials and Engineering Design, where you start applying your knowledge to practical projects.

Year 3:
By the third year, you’ll be exploring advanced topics. Commerce units such as Corporate Finance or Management and Organisations prepare you for leadership and strategic decision-making, while engineering units like Structural Analysis and Hydraulics focus on designing safe and effective infrastructure systems.

Year 4:
In your fourth year, you’ll tackle complex, integrated problems. Engineering units like Transport Engineering and Construction Management allow you to apply your technical skills to real-world projects, while commerce units such as Strategic Management help you understand the business context behind engineering decisions.

Year 5:
Your fifth year is focused on capstone experiences and applying everything you’ve learned. You may work on Engineering Project Leadership or multidisciplinary projects that combine engineering design with business strategy, preparing you to take on roles that bridge both technical and commercial responsibilities.

Year 5.5:
The final half-year is dedicated to completing any remaining capstone or research projects, ensuring you graduate with a fully integrated skill set in both commerce and civil engineering, ready to step confidently into the workforce.

Focus areas:
Business fundamentals, economics and finance, marketing and analytics, structural and transport engineering, engineering design and project management

Learning outcomes:
Ability to integrate engineering solutions with business insight, advanced problem solving, professional communication, technical design skills, commercial strategy, and project leadership

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) component meets the academic requirements recognised by Engineers Australia, preparing you for professional engineering practice in Australia and internationally.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Macquarie University is highly regarded for producing graduates with strong industry connections and high employability in both business and engineering sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Macquarie University, you’ll learn by doing, not just by listening. This dual degree gives you plenty of opportunities to apply what you study in real-world settings — whether it’s solving engineering challenges, working on business projects, or collaborating with peers on practical assignments. You’ll use modern labs, professional software, and hands-on tools while building the teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills that employers really value:

Here’s how your practical learning comes to life:

Work-Integrated Learning with PACE: Through Macquarie’s Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) program, you’ll work on real projects with companies and organisations, gain industry insights, and complete internships or fieldwork that bring your studies to life.
Industry experience units: In the engineering component, you’ll spend time with real employers, getting hands-on experience and understanding how engineering projects are delivered in the workplace.
Collaborative projects: Both commerce and engineering subjects include team-based projects that mimic professional work, helping you develop communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.
State-of-the-art engineering labs: You’ll have access to fully equipped labs and prototyping facilities where you can test ideas, work on designs, and explore technical solutions in a safe, professional environment.
Commerce learning tools: In business units, computer labs and analytics workshops help you gain practical skills in data analysis, decision-making, and strategic planning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) at Macquarie University opens up a wide range of career opportunities where you can combine technical engineering expertise with business insight. Many graduates go on to roles such as Civil Engineer, Project Manager, Structural Engineer, or Business Analyst in engineering firms, ready to tackle complex projects with both practical and strategic skills:

Career support and employment services: Macquarie’s Employability Connect and CareerHub support you in planning your career, polishing your resume, preparing for interviews, and connecting with job opportunities, employer events, and internships tailored for both business and engineering students.
Industry experience through PACE: The Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) program gives you hands-on experience working with real companies and organisations, helping you develop professional skills and build networks before you graduate.
Employment outlook and salary potential: Civil engineers and related professionals are in demand across Australia. Graduates often start with competitive salaries (around AU$100,000 per year) and strong prospects for career growth as they gain experience.
University–industry partnerships: Macquarie’s partnerships with companies in construction, consulting, transport, and project management give you access to real projects, networking opportunities, and potential pathways to employment even before finishing your degree.
Accreditation and long-term professional value: The engineering component meets professional standards in Australia, giving your qualification recognition both nationally and internationally and supporting a long-term career in civil engineering.
Graduate outcomes: Graduates are equipped to work in infrastructure, transport planning, construction, consulting, and business roles within engineering organisations, combining technical know-how with business insight.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, you could pursue postgraduate programs such as a Master of Engineering or specialised engineering or business master’s programs. These allow you to deepen technical expertise, explore research opportunities, develop leadership skills, or specialise in areas like project management, construction innovation, or business analytics.