Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Commerce major Electrical and Electronic Engineering

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Curtin University Perth

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Curtin University is a comprehensive 5.5-year double degree that combines advanced engineering expertise with strong business and commercial knowledge. This program is designed for students who aspire to become technically skilled engineers while also developing the leadership, financial, and management capabilities needed to succeed in today's global business environment. Graduates gain a competitive advantage by understanding both the technical and commercial aspects of engineering projects, making them highly sought after across a wide range of industries.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Students establish a strong foundation in engineering, mathematics, science, and business principles. Core units introduce engineering design, programming, physics, calculus, economics, and introductory business concepts. This year develops analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of how engineering and business intersect in professional practice.

Year 2: The curriculum progresses into specialised engineering and commerce studies. Students undertake subjects such as circuit analysis, digital systems, engineering mechanics, and electronics while developing business knowledge through financial accounting, business law, and organisational management. Practical laboratory sessions reinforce theoretical learning and technical skills.

Year 3: Students deepen their engineering expertise through studies in control systems, electrical machines, electronics, signal processing, and electromagnetic engineering. Commerce studies focus on marketing, business analytics, economics, and organisational behaviour, helping students understand how technical innovation drives business success.

Year 4: Advanced engineering topics include power systems, communications engineering, embedded systems, renewable energy technologies, and engineering design. Alongside these, students explore strategic management, corporate finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership, developing the ability to manage projects and business operations within technical industries.

Year 5: Students undertake honours-level engineering coursework, industry-focused projects, and advanced commerce electives. This year emphasises integrating technical knowledge with commercial decision-making while strengthening project management, leadership, and innovation capabilities.

Final Semester (0.5 Year): The program culminates in a major capstone project and professional practice experience, where students apply their engineering and business knowledge to solve real-world industry challenges. This final stage prepares graduates for leadership roles by demonstrating their ability to manage complex engineering projects within commercial environments.

Focus Areas: Electrical and electronic engineering, power systems, communications technologies, electronics design, business management, finance, entrepreneurship, project management, and innovation.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in designing and analysing electrical and electronic systems, solving complex engineering challenges, managing projects, evaluating business opportunities, leading multidisciplinary teams, and making informed commercial decisions within technical environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring graduates meet internationally recognised professional engineering standards and are eligible for professional engineering recognition in Australia and globally.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Curtin University is recognised internationally for its strong industry connections, practical learning approach, and graduate employability outcomes. The combination of engineering and commerce provides graduates with a versatile skill set that is highly valued by employers in engineering, technology, consulting, energy, infrastructure, and business sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Curtin University, the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Electrical and Electronic Engineering program is designed to provide students with a robust blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The university emphasizes experiential learning, ensuring that students engage in hands-on projects and real-world applications throughout their studies. With state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools, students are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the engineering and commerce sectors.

Here are some of the key experiential learning opportunities and resources available to you:

- Engineering Laboratories: Access to specialized labs such as the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Lab, where you can work on projects involving circuit design, control systems, and more.
- Industry-Standard Software: Gain proficiency in industry-relevant software like MATLAB, AutoCAD, and LabVIEW, which are essential for engineering design and analysis.
- Group Projects: Collaborate with peers on team-based projects that simulate real-world engineering challenges, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Internship Opportunities: Benefit from Curtin’s strong industry connections, which provide pathways to internships and work placements with leading companies in the engineering and commerce sectors.
- Field Trips: Participate in field trips to local industries and engineering firms, giving you insights into the practical applications of your studies and networking opportunities.
- Curtin Library and Research Institutes: Utilize extensive resources at the Curtin Library and access research institutes that focus on innovation in engineering and technology.
- Digital Tools and Platforms: Engage with digital learning tools and platforms that enhance your learning experience and prepare you for the digital landscape of modern engineering and commerce.

These hands-on experiences not only enrich your education but also significantly enhance your employability upon graduation. By choosing Curtin University, you’re setting yourself up for a successful career in engineering and commerce.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Curtin University benefit from a powerful combination of technical engineering expertise and commercial acumen. This dual qualification prepares graduates to excel not only in engineering roles but also in management, consulting, business development, and leadership positions within technology-driven industries. With growing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between engineering innovation and business strategy, graduates enjoy strong career prospects across Australia and internationally.

Curtin University's strong industry connections and practical learning approach help students build the skills, experience, and professional networks needed for long-term career success:

Career Development and Employability Support: Curtin's Careers and Employability team provides career coaching, resume and interview preparation, networking opportunities, employer engagement events, mentoring programs, and graduate recruitment support.
Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from Curtin's close relationships with engineering consultancies, energy companies, mining organisations, telecommunications providers, infrastructure developers, government agencies, and multinational corporations.
Work-Integrated Learning: Industry placements, engineering design projects, business case studies, capstone projects, and professional practice experiences provide valuable workplace exposure before graduation.
Professional Accreditation: The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring graduates meet internationally recognised professional standards and can pursue engineering careers globally.
Business and Leadership Advantage: The Commerce component develops expertise in finance, management, marketing, economics, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning, preparing graduates for leadership and executive roles.
Strong Industry Demand: Ongoing investment in renewable energy, smart infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, telecommunications, automation, electrification, and digital transformation continues to create demand for professionals with both engineering and business expertise.
Graduate Outcomes: Career opportunities include Electrical Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Power Systems Engineer, Project Engineer, Engineering Consultant, Technology Analyst, Business Analyst, Engineering Manager, Operations Manager, Product Manager, and Technical Sales Manager.
Graduate Salary Potential: Graduates commonly commence their careers earning between AUD $80,000–$100,000 per year, depending on industry sector and location. Professionals who advance into project management, engineering leadership, consulting, or executive roles often earn AUD $130,000–$180,000+ annually.
Median Industry Salary: Electrical and Electronic Engineers in Australia typically earn median salaries of approximately AUD $110,000–$125,000 per year, while engineering managers and senior commercial leaders frequently earn substantially higher remuneration.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates may pursue postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Electrical Engineering, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Engineering Management, Master of Project Management, Master of Finance, or Master of Data Analytics. Those interested in research may continue to a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Renewable Energy Systems, Telecommunications, Smart Technologies, Engineering Management, or related disciplines. Professional certifications in project management, systems engineering, finance, business analytics, leadership, sustainability, and technology management can further enhance career progression and support advancement into senior technical, consulting, and executive positions.

The combination of engineering expertise and business knowledge positions graduates to become future innovators, project leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.