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

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The University of Queensland Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) with Economics is a 5.5-year dual degree that combines building and designing infrastructure with understanding the economic forces behind big projects. It’s perfect for students who want to shape the world’s physical systems while also learning how markets, policies, and financial decisions influence how infrastructure is planned and delivered.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll begin by building a strong foundation in both civil engineering and economics. Civil courses like Engineering Fundamentals and Structural Mechanics introduce you to design and construction principles, while Introductory Microeconomics and Introductory Macroeconomics give you a clear picture of how economies function.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll explore how materials behave and how water and environmental systems interact with infrastructure through courses like Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Structural Analysis. Economics units like Tools of Economic Analysis and Introductory Statistics for Social Sciences strengthen your ability to interpret data and support decision-making.

Year 3
Year three focuses on applying your knowledge to more complex problems. Civil courses such as Hydrology, Geotechnical Engineering, and transport planning teach you to design infrastructure that meets society’s needs. Economics units like Econometrics and Policy Analysis develop your skills in analysing real-world economic challenges.

Year 4
This year blends technical and analytical learning. Advanced civil units in design, environmental engineering, and project integration are paired with specialised economics courses such as Public Policy or Strategic Behaviour, helping you solve problems from both engineering and economic perspectives.

Year 5 (Honours + Economics Integration)
In your final year, you’ll complete an honours project in civil engineering that demonstrates your technical and analytical skills. Simultaneously, you’ll undertake higher-level economics electives or honours units that prepare you for careers in consulting, finance, policy, or strategic planning, showing how engineering and economics can work together in real-world projects.

Focus Areas

Civil infrastructure and structural design, hydrology and geotechnical systems, environmental engineering, microeconomics and macroeconomics, econometrics, policy analysis, and decision-making models.

Learning Outcomes

Design and evaluate sustainable infrastructure, apply engineering principles to practical problems, analyse economic systems and data, and integrate economic thinking into project planning and policy development.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accredited by Engineers Australia, your engineering qualification is recognised nationally and internationally, while the economics component equips you with strong analytical and quantitative skills valued in consulting, finance, and policy roles.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

University of Queensland is highly ranked globally in both engineering and economics, giving graduates a strong reputation and excellent employability in Australia and around the world.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Queensland Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) / Economics, you’ll get much more than theory — you’ll gain real-world experience that prepares you for professional life. From hands-on civil engineering labs and fieldwork to economic data analysis and policy modelling, the program is designed so you can apply what you learn in practical settings. You’ll also work closely with peers on team projects and connect with industry professionals, giving you a head start in your career:

Some of the ways you’ll learn by doing include:

Specialised civil engineering labs: Work in the Structures Lab, Hydraulics Lab, and Concrete Lab, testing materials, building models, and exploring how engineering solutions perform in real conditions.
Fieldwork and site visits: Experience surveying, construction, and infrastructure projects firsthand, applying classroom knowledge to real-world environments.
Group projects and design challenges: Collaborate on engineering design and economic analysis tasks that simulate professional problem-solving and decision-making.
Economic data and software tools: Learn to use statistical software, modelling tools, and spreadsheets to analyse economic trends, policy impacts, and infrastructure investment decisions.
Industry workshops and networking: Attend seminars, workshops, and professional events that connect you with engineers, economists, and policymakers, often leading to internships or practical placement opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Queensland Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) with Economics leave equipped to tackle both technical and economic challenges in the real world. You could pursue careers as a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager, or Infrastructure Economist — roles where you apply engineering solutions with economic insight to make smart, sustainable decisions:

Here’s how UQ supports your career journey:

Career services tailored for you: The UQ Career Development Centre offers engineering- and economics-specific guidance, including resume and interview coaching, employer networking events, and access to internships and graduate programs.
Strong employment outcomes: UQ civil engineering graduates enjoy high employability, with typical starting salaries around AU$90,000–110,000, giving you a confident start in your career.
Industry connections: The program has strong links with engineering firms, consulting companies, and government agencies, providing opportunities for mentorship, internships, and real-world projects.
Accreditation and long-term value: Accredited by Engineers Australia, your degree is recognised nationally and internationally, ensuring long-term professional mobility and credibility.
Graduate-ready skills: You’ll finish the degree with both technical engineering expertise and economic analytical skills, ready to solve complex problems and contribute to impactful projects from day one.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this dual degree, you have several pathways to continue your studies. Many graduates pursue a Master of Engineering to specialise in areas like structural, transport, or environmental engineering, or a Master of Economics/Applied Economics to deepen analytical expertise. Research pathways such as a PhD in engineering or economics are also an option, along with professional programs in project management, sustainable infrastructure, or policy — all enhanced by the combination of engineering and economics skills you’ve developed.