Bachelor of Architectural Design/Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queensland University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Architectural Design/Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) at Queensland University of Technology is a dynamic double degree that blends creativity with technical expertise. It’s ideal for students who want to design inspiring spaces while understanding the engineering behind safe and sustainable infrastructure, preparing you to shape the cities of the future.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1–2:
In the first years, you’ll build a solid foundation in both architecture and civil engineering. Architectural units like Introductory Architecture Studio and Design Thinking teach you how to develop ideas, read sites, and create models, while engineering units such as Engineering Design and Professional Practice, Introductory Engineering Mathematics, and Engineering Mathematics and Statistics give you the analytical skills to think like an engineer and designer simultaneously.

Year 3:
By the third year, your architectural projects become more complex, focusing on sustainability, structural considerations, and human-centered design. Engineering units cover civil infrastructure, materials, and environmental impact, helping you develop solutions that are not only innovative but also practical and resilient.

Year 4:
This year deepens your design and engineering expertise. Advanced architectural studios challenge you to integrate environmental, cultural, and technological factors, while engineering courses such as Structural Engineering Systems, Transport and Planning, and water infrastructure equip you to design safe and efficient built environments.

Year 5–5.5 (Honours/Capstone):
In your final stage, you’ll combine everything you’ve learned through large-scale design studios and an engineering honours project. Architectural projects focus on complex, real-world briefs, while the engineering honours project allows you to lead a major technical challenge from concept to solution. You’ll also complete professional work-integrated learning, gaining hands-on industry experience before graduation.

Focus Areas

Architectural design, civil infrastructure engineering, sustainable built environments, structural systems, urban design, environmental design

Learning Outcomes

Graduate with strong creative design skills, advanced technical engineering knowledge, and the ability to tackle complex architectural and infrastructure challenges. Be ready to work across design, construction, planning, and engineering industries with confidence.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The engineering component is fully accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord, giving you the qualifications to pursue professional engineer status both in Australia and internationally.

Reputation

QUT is consistently recognised for excellence, ranking among the top universities worldwide for Architecture and Built Environment, while its engineering graduates are highly regarded for their practical skills and strong employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At QUT, the Bachelor of Architectural Design/Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) is designed so you’re learning by doing from day one. You’ll be working in cutting-edge design studios, hands-on engineering labs, and digital fabrication spaces, using the same tools and technologies that professionals rely on. From real-world projects to industry placements, everything is built to make sure you graduate with practical skills and confidence:

Professional Work Placements (WIL): Complete 60 days of real-world experience in engineering workplaces, applying what you’ve learned while building industry contacts and a strong professional portfolio.
Design Studios and Workshops: Work in creative architecture studios where you develop, sketch, and model your design ideas, using digital tools and fabrication equipment to bring concepts to life.
Digital and Fabrication Facilities: Access advanced software and fabrication spaces for CAD modelling, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping, helping you turn ideas into tangible solutions.
Collaborative Projects: Work in teams to solve practical design and engineering problems, mirroring how professionals collaborate on real projects.
Engineering Design and Research Labs: Use specialized research facilities where expert technicians guide you in testing materials, modelling structures, and exploring innovative engineering solutions.
Internships and Industry Projects: Beyond placements, you’ll have opportunities to work on internships and real-world projects that boost your experience and employability.
Campus Facilities: Study at Gardens Point campus in Brisbane, with dedicated spaces for engineering and architecture students to collaborate, experiment, and create.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Architectural Design/Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) at Queensland University of Technology leave with a powerful combination of creative design and engineering skills, ready to make a real difference in the built environment. Typical career paths include working as an architect, civil engineer, project manager, or sustainability design consultant — roles where your ability to blend creativity and technical expertise will really stand out:

University career support: QUT’s Career Development Centre helps you polish your resume and portfolio, prepare for interviews, and connect directly with employers through workshops, networking events, and mentoring programs.
Strong employment prospects: Graduates enjoy high employability, often securing full-time roles within six months. Civil engineers typically start with salaries around AUD 70,000–80,000, while architects start around AUD 60,000–70,000.
Industry connections: You’ll gain hands-on experience through partnerships with leading companies like John Holland, Lendlease, GHD, BMD, and CPB Contractors, as well as through design studios linked to real-world projects.
Accreditation and professional recognition: The engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised internationally under the Washington Accord, while your architecture training prepares you for professional practice, giving your qualification long-term career value.
Graduate outcomes: You’ll finish the degree with a mix of practical skills, industry experience, and interdisciplinary knowledge, ready to work across architecture, civil engineering, construction, and urban design sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
Once you graduate, you can take your studies further with postgraduate programs like a Master of Architecture, Master of Sustainable Infrastructure, or Master of Engineering Management. These pathways allow you to specialise, take on leadership roles, or pursue research and innovation in the built environment.