Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Computer Science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Computer Science at the University of Queensland is built for students who want to do more than just code — they want to design, build, and shape the technology behind real-world systems. It combines the structured problem-solving of engineering with the flexibility and depth of computer science, making it a great fit if you enjoy logical thinking, system design, and turning ideas into working solutions. You’ll graduate with both advanced computing skills and a professionally recognised engineering qualification.

How the degree unfolds

Year 1 is all about getting your foundations right. You’ll learn how engineers and computer scientists think — through courses that introduce programming, mathematical reasoning, and professional engineering practice. Subjects like software engineering and core maths help you understand how complex systems are built and analysed, while early engineering courses give you context for how your code fits into the real world.

Year 2 is where things start to click. You move beyond small programs into larger, more structured software systems and begin to understand how software interacts with hardware. At the same time, your maths becomes more applied and powerful, helping you model and solve tougher problems. This is also when you begin shaping your degree through electives, gradually leaning toward areas that interest you most.

Year 3 pushes you into more advanced territory. You’ll tackle subjects like algorithms and data structures, where efficiency and smart problem-solving really matter. Engineering-focused courses introduce system design and digital logic, and you’ll work on practical projects that mirror real engineering challenges — collaborating with others, managing complexity, and building solutions that actually work.

Year 4 is the honours year, and it’s where everything comes together. You’ll apply both your engineering and computing knowledge to substantial projects, often linked to real industry problems. Advanced topics such as cyber security, machine learning, or embedded systems give you exposure to cutting-edge technologies, while reinforcing professional engineering practice.

Year 5 (where applicable) allows for deeper specialisation and major project work, depending on how you structure your degree. This final stage is about refinement — building a strong project portfolio, engaging with industry collaborations, and graduating with confidence in both theory and practical application.

What you’ll focus on

Throughout the degree, you’ll develop strong grounding in engineering principles while building advanced skills in software systems, algorithms, data science, cyber security, and machine learning — all anchored in hands-on design and problem-solving.

What you’ll graduate with

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to design and implement complex computing solutions, approach engineering challenges with creativity and confidence, communicate technical ideas clearly, and adapt quickly as technology evolves.

Professional recognition

The engineering component of this degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, which means it meets national and international professional standards. That accreditation matters — it signals to employers that you’re ready to work as a graduate engineer on serious, real-world projects.

Why UQ

UQ has a strong reputation in engineering, technology, and computer science, both in Queensland and globally. Employers recognise the university’s graduates for their technical depth, problem-solving ability, and readiness to step into complex roles across industries.

If you’re looking for a degree that keeps doors open — whether that’s software development, engineering design, data-driven roles, or emerging tech fields — this double degree gives you the breadth, depth, and credibility to get there.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re considering the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Computer Science at The University of Queensland, what really sets this degree apart is how naturally it blends learning with doing.

From your first year, you’re not just sitting back and taking notes. You’ll be building systems, testing ideas in labs, and tackling real problems that mirror what engineers and computer scientists work on every day. The program is designed so that theory and practice go hand in hand, helping you develop confidence as you go — not just at the end of your degree.

You’ll spend plenty of time in hands-on labs, where concepts come to life through active experimentation rather than textbooks alone. Workshops and tutorials give you guided time to work with tools, technologies, and problem-solving techniques, while collaborating closely with classmates — just like you would in a real workplace.

The degree also looks beyond the classroom. With overseas study opportunities, you can expand your perspective and see how engineering and computing challenges are approached around the world. Along the way, you’ll have direct exposure to industry, helping you understand what employers are looking for and how your skills translate into real careers.

What’s especially powerful is the program’s flexibility. You can shape your studies through majors and specialisations such as cyber security, machine learning, or data science, allowing you to focus on practical areas that genuinely matter in today’s tech landscape.

Overall, this isn’t a passive, theory-heavy degree. It’s a hands-on, immersive experience that helps you graduate with real skills, real confidence, and a clear understanding of how you can make an impact from day one in an engineering or tech role.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Computer Science at The University of Queensland sets you up for a career that sits right at the intersection of engineering and advanced computing — a space where demand is only growing. With this dual skill set, many graduates move into roles like software engineer, machine learning engineer, cyber security analyst, or data scientist, working across tech companies, engineering consultancies, startups, and research-driven teams. It’s also a strong launchpad into systems design, analytics, and technical leadership, even early in your career.

What this really means for you:

Career support that feels practical, not generic
UQ’s Careers and Employability team is there to help you make sense of the job market. You’ll get hands-on support with resumes, interviews, networking, and career planning, plus access to tools and events that connect you with real employers — not just advice on paper.
Real industry mentors, real connections
Through programs like the EAIT Industry Mentoring Program, you’re matched with professionals and alumni who’ve been where you are. It’s a chance to ask honest questions, learn how the industry actually works, and start building a network well before graduation.
Experience built into your degree
This isn’t a program where practice comes at the end. Industry-informed projects, team-based problem solving, and hands-on technical work run throughout the degree. The School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science brings industry perspectives directly into your learning, so what you’re doing in class reflects what employers expect on the job.
Strong employment outcomes
Graduates from UQ’s engineering and computing programs are known for transitioning quickly into work after finishing. Early-career roles in computing and IT are well paid and competitive, reflecting how sought-after these skills are in today’s market.
A qualification employers trust
This dual degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and aligned with national computing standards. That means your qualification is widely recognised — in Australia and internationally — and signals quality, rigour, and credibility to employers.

Thinking about further study?
If you decide to keep going academically, this degree gives you excellent options. Many graduates move into postgraduate programs like a Master of Computer Science, or specialise further in areas such as cyber security, data science, or artificial intelligence. Others take the research path, progressing into honours research and eventually a PhD. Whatever direction you choose, you’re building on a strong foundation of analytical thinking, technical depth, and real-world project experience.

In short, this dual degree doesn’t just teach you how systems work — it prepares you to shape what comes next.