Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) Honours/Bachelor of Computer Science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) Honours / Bachelor of Computer Science at Edith Cowan University is a five-year journey designed for students who love understanding how things work — and then making them work better. It brings together practical engineering thinking and modern computing skills, making it an excellent choice if you’re excited by intelligent systems, real-world software, automation, robotics, or data-driven technology.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 is all about building confidence and clarity. You’ll start with the essentials — programming, engineering fundamentals, electrical principles and mathematics — while learning how hardware and software interact. From early on, you’ll be encouraged to think like both an engineer and a coder, solving practical problems and experiencing the satisfaction of creating systems that actually do something.

In Year 2, your understanding deepens as you move into system design, databases, digital electronics and computer security. You’ll begin to see how complex systems are structured behind the scenes, learn to design reliable database-driven solutions, and develop a strong analytical mindset for tackling technical challenges.

By Year 3, you’re thinking and working like a professional. Units such as computer architecture, software engineering foundations and data structures help you understand how processors function, how large software systems are built, and how performance and efficiency really matter in the real world.

Year 4 pushes you into advanced, future-focused areas like IoT and operational technology security, software testing and communication systems. This is where everything starts to connect — engineering design meets real computing challenges, and you begin preparing for the kind of work you’ll do beyond university.

Year 5 is your moment to bring it all together. Through industry-focused engineering practicum, distributed and control systems, and your applied project or honours thesis, you’ll work on real problems that showcase your skills. It’s a powerful transition from student to professional — and one employers genuinely value.

Focus Areas

You’ll graduate with strong capabilities in computer systems architecture, software development, embedded systems, communications and cybersecurity — a combination that opens doors across multiple industries.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to design and build complex computing solutions, confidently move between hardware and software thinking, collaborate effectively in teams, and communicate clearly with both technical experts and non-technical stakeholders.

Professional Recognition

This double degree is professionally accredited by Engineers Australia, giving your qualification immediate credibility. It tells employers that you meet recognised engineering standards and are ready to contribute from day one.

Reputation & Employability

ECU has built a strong reputation for teaching quality and graduate outcomes, particularly in engineering and computing. Its growing global recognition reflects a focus on practical learning, industry relevance and student support — and graduates from this program are known for being job-ready and adaptable.

If you’re looking for the professional confidence of an accredited engineering degree combined with the creative, problem-solving power of computer science, this double degree offers a supportive environment with just the right level of challenge to help you stand out.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This double degree is built around doing — not just reading about tech, but actually building it, solving real engineering problems, and preparing you for the kinds of tasks you’ll face in industry. Across the five-year course you’ll move from fundamentals like programming and microprocessor systems into hands-on units in robotics, real-time embedded systems, control systems and distributed systems. Importantly, the degree includes structured work experience and substantial project work, so you graduate with real artifacts, real skills and real confidence, not just theory. If you enjoy learning by creating, testing and reflecting, this course gives you those opportunities throughout your study journey:

Here are the experiential learning opportunities you’ll get in this program:

Engineering Practicum — a dedicated unit where you spend time working in a real professional engineering environment as part of your degree.
Applied Project — a substantial, capstone-style project where you design and build solutions that integrate your technical learning.
Project Development / Engineering Project units — structured design and development projects embedded into your later years of study.
Honours Thesis option — if you qualify and choose the honours pathway, you’ll undertake a two-part thesis with deeper research or development work.
Work experience requirement (minimum 12 weeks) — before graduating, you must complete and be credited with at least 12 weeks of professional practice in a relevant industry setting, which you can start at any point during the course.
Hands-on technical units — such as Robotics 1, Real-Time Embedded Systems, Microprocessor Systems and Distributed Systems that involve practical labs and applied problem solving as core components of learning.

These elements are woven into the structure so that by the time you finish, you’ve already built substantial, industry-relevant experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of ECU’s Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) (Honours) / Bachelor of Computer Science step out with a rare blend of engineering depth and advanced computing skills — the kind employers look for when technology has to work reliably in the real world. This combination opens doors to roles such as computer systems engineer, software engineer, embedded systems developer, and IT or systems consultant, across industries that rely on smart, connected technologies.

Here’s what this means for you:

Strong employability support at ECU
You’re backed by ECU’s Careers and Employability services, which help with career planning, resumes, interview preparation, and connecting your studies to real-world roles. Work-integrated learning is built into ECU’s engineering and computing culture, so you’re encouraged to graduate with practical experience — not just theory.
Industry-aligned learning
The program is designed around real engineering and computing problems, helping you develop skills that align with current industry expectations in systems design, software development, and computing technologies.
Accreditation value that lasts
The engineering component is professionally accredited, which is important for long-term recognition as an engineer in Australia and internationally. This adds credibility to your qualification and supports future professional registration.
Graduate outcomes that travel well
Because this is a combined honours engineering and computer science degree, your skills are transferable across sectors — from technology and communications to defence, automation, and advanced manufacturing — giving you flexibility as industries evolve.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this double degree, ECU offers clear pathways if you decide to continue your studies. You may progress into postgraduate coursework programs such as a master’s degree in engineering or computing, or move into higher degree by research options like a Master by Research or PhD. These pathways are well suited if you’re aiming for specialist technical roles, leadership positions, or a future in research and innovation.