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

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queensland University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) / Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) at Queensland University of Technology is a double degree that blends creative product and systems design with strong civil engineering expertise. It’s ideal for students who want to combine innovation, sustainability, and technical engineering to shape the built environment and everyday products used in modern life.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you build foundations in both design thinking and engineering principles. You’ll study core areas such as Design Studio: Form and Function, Engineering Mathematics, and Introduction to Civil Engineering Systems, helping you develop creativity alongside analytical problem-solving skills.

Year 2

The second year strengthens your technical and creative base through more specialised learning. You’ll explore units like Industrial Design Studio: Materials and Manufacturing, Engineering Mechanics, and Civil Infrastructure Fundamentals, where you begin connecting design concepts with real engineering applications.

Year 3

In year three, learning becomes more applied and project-focused. You’ll work on units such as Product and Systems Design Studio, Structural Analysis, and Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering, developing solutions that merge usability, safety, and infrastructure performance.

Year 4

This year focuses on advanced engineering and complex design integration. You’ll study Transport and Infrastructure Design, Advanced Industrial Design Studio, and Reinforced Concrete Structures, working on large-scale, real-world inspired projects that require collaboration and innovation.

Year 5

In your final year, you bring together both disciplines through major capstone work. You’ll complete a Final Year Design Project and Engineering Thesis/Project, focusing on solving industry-level problems that combine civil infrastructure planning with human-centred design thinking.

Focus Areas (in a string):

Industrial product design, human-centred design, civil infrastructure engineering, structural engineering, transport systems, sustainable design, materials and manufacturing, urban development

Learning Outcomes (in a string):

Integrate design thinking with engineering problem-solving, develop sustainable infrastructure and product solutions, apply advanced civil engineering principles, create user-focused designs, and manage complex interdisciplinary projects

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring strong professional recognition and international engineering standards compliance.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Queensland University of Technology is widely recognised for its strong industry-connected teaching approach and is ranked in global systems such as QS World University Rankings for graduate employability and practical learning outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) / Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) at Queensland University of Technology, learning is very hands-on and closely tied to real industry practice. You won’t just study design theories or engineering formulas—you’ll actively build, test, and prototype solutions across both disciplines. Students spend a lot of time in studios and engineering labs, working on real design challenges that combine creativity with technical problem-solving. The program is also strongly industry-focused, meaning you regularly work on projects that reflect real workplace expectations in both design and civil engineering fields:

Design & Engineering Studios : Work in dedicated industrial design studios and civil engineering learning spaces where you develop prototypes, structural models, and design concepts using real-world briefs
Industry-Standard Software Tools : Gain hands-on experience with professional tools such as CAD software, 3D modelling platforms, structural analysis tools, and digital design applications used in both engineering and industrial design industries
Integrated Design and Engineering Projects : Complete collaborative projects where you combine product design thinking with civil infrastructure solutions, working in teams to solve complex real-world problems
Work-Integrated Learning (Industry Exposure) : Access internship opportunities and industry placements through Queensland University of Technology, giving you experience in engineering firms, design studios, and construction-related environments
Specialist Labs, Maker Spaces & Research Centres : Use advanced fabrication labs, prototyping workshops, and engineering testing facilities, along with access to the QUT Library and design research environments supporting innovation and experimentation

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) / Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) at Queensland University of Technology are uniquely positioned to work across both the creative design and technical engineering industries. This combination makes you highly valuable in roles where innovation, usability, and infrastructure all come together in real-world projects.

You could step into careers such as civil engineer, industrial designer, product development engineer, or infrastructure design consultant, working on everything from public infrastructure to consumer products and smart city solutions:

Career Development & Employability Support: Queensland University of Technology offers dedicated career services including resume support, interview coaching, career fairs, and direct employer networking to help students transition into industry
Employment Outcomes & Salary Range: Graduates in engineering and design fields are in strong demand across Australia, with starting salaries typically ranging from AUD $65,000–$90,000+, and higher growth potential in specialised or dual-skilled roles
Industry Partnerships & Real Projects: The program is closely connected with engineering firms, design studios, government infrastructure bodies, and construction industries, offering internships, collaborative projects, and real industry exposure
Professional Accreditation Value: The engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring long-term professional recognition and global mobility in engineering careers
Graduate Outcomes: Students graduate with a rare mix of creative design thinking and technical engineering capability, allowing them to work confidently across multidisciplinary teams in both design innovation and infrastructure development

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, students can continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Design, Master of Urban Development, or specialised research programs, opening pathways into advanced engineering, innovation leadership, or design consultancy roles.