Bachelors of Engineering (Honours)(Civil Engineering) / Commerce

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) / Commerce at The University of Queensland is a unique 5.5-year dual degree that combines technical engineering expertise with strong business and financial knowledge. It’s ideal if you want to design and build infrastructure while also understanding the commercial side of projects — opening doors to both engineering and business careers.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
You’ll begin with a flexible first year in engineering alongside introductory commerce subjects, giving you a well-rounded start. Courses like Engineering Modelling and Problem Solving and Programming for Engineers build your technical base, while commerce units introduce areas like economics and business fundamentals.

Year 2
As you move forward, you’ll start developing core civil engineering knowledge while continuing your business studies. You’ll explore how infrastructure systems work and begin learning key concepts in materials, mechanics, and environmental systems, alongside subjects like accounting or business analytics.

Year 3
This is where your civil engineering focus becomes more specialised and practical. You’ll study subjects such as Structural Mechanics and Environmental Fluid Mechanics, while commerce courses deepen your understanding of areas like finance, management, and decision-making in organisations.

Year 4
You’ll start applying your engineering and business knowledge together in more complex scenarios. With courses like Integrated Structural Design and Environmental Issues and Sustainability in Engineering, you’ll learn how to design infrastructure that is both technically sound and economically viable.

Year 5–5.5 (Honours stage)
In your final phase, you’ll focus on advanced civil engineering topics and complete an honours project, often linked to real industry challenges. At the same time, your commerce studies will strengthen your ability to manage projects, understand financial systems, and make strategic decisions — a powerful combination for leadership roles.

Focus areas (in a string):

Structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transport systems, water and environmental engineering, accounting, finance, business management

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Strong engineering design and analytical skills, ability to integrate technical and business decision-making, understanding of infrastructure and environmental systems, financial and economic awareness, teamwork and leadership skills

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Accredited by Engineers Australia (for the engineering component) with international recognition under the Washington Accord, alongside a professionally recognised commerce qualification

Reputation (employability rankings):

Ranked #1 in Queensland for engineering and technology and #1 in Queensland for accounting and finance (QS World University Rankings 2025)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At The University of Queensland, the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) / Commerce isn’t just about lectures — it’s about learning by doing. From your first year, you’ll be hands-on in labs, out on fieldwork, and working on real projects that blend engineering and business. These experiences help you develop practical skills, understand how concepts work in the real world, and prepare you to step straight into professional roles:

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Hands-on lab work: Explore state-of-the-art facilities like the Advanced Engineering Building, where you can test materials, analyse structures, and run experiments that bring classroom concepts to life
Collaborative projects: Work with your peers on design challenges and workshops that mirror real engineering and business problems, building teamwork and project management skills
Fieldwork experiences: Visit infrastructure sites, water systems, and transport projects to see how engineering solutions are applied in the real world
Work placements & internships: Gain professional experience through placements, including global or virtual options, so you graduate with a head start in industry
Practical commerce learning: Apply business and finance concepts in real scenarios, including case studies, competitions, and internship opportunities
Digital tools & data skills: Learn to use modelling, analytics, and simulation software, equipping you to make informed, data-driven decisions
Collaborative study spaces & libraries: Take advantage of modern learning hubs and engineering workshops to work on projects, conduct research, and study effectively
Industry-connected teaching: Learn from academics who work closely with industry, and benefit from guest lectures and real-world project insights

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) / Commerce at The University of Queensland gives you a unique mix of engineering expertise and business savvy that makes you highly attractive to employers. You’ll be ready for roles like civil engineer, structural engineer, project engineer, or business analyst in engineering firms, giving you the flexibility to work on both the technical and commercial sides of projects.

Here’s how UQ helps turn your degree into real career opportunities:

Strong graduate outcomes: Around 90% of UQ engineering graduates find a job within 12 months, reflecting strong industry demand and the practical skills you gain during your studies.
Competitive starting salaries: Graduates can expect starting salaries between AUD $65,000–$113,000, with civil engineers often moving into the $90,000–$110,000+ range as they gain experience.
Career support services: UQ offers tailored support through one-on-one career coaching, internships, resume guidance, and networking events to connect you directly with employers.
Industry partnerships & work experience: With placements, collaborative projects, and industry-linked teaching, you gain hands-on exposure and often secure ongoing opportunities with placement employers.
Accredited, globally recognised degree: The engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised internationally under the Washington Accord, while the commerce component gives you professional credibility in finance and management.
Business skills in action: Your commerce studies equip you with finance, management, and analytical skills that broaden your career options into consulting, project management, or commercial roles in engineering-related fields.

Further Academic Progression:

After graduation, you have plenty of pathways to take your skills further. You could pursue postgraduate studies like an MBA, a specialised master’s in project management or infrastructure planning, or even a research pathway such as a PhD in engineering or commerce at UQ. There are also opportunities to pursue professional certifications in areas like finance, project management, or advanced engineering specialisations, giving you flexibility to shape your career exactly where you want it.