Bachelor of Engineering Honours(major Electrical Power)/Bachelor of Commerce

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (majoring in Electrical Power) / Bachelor of Commerce at Edith Cowan University is a comprehensive 5-year double degree that combines advanced engineering expertise with strong business and commercial knowledge. This program is designed for students who want to develop the technical capabilities required to design and manage electrical power systems while also gaining the strategic, financial, and leadership skills needed to succeed in today's competitive business environment. Graduates emerge with a unique combination of engineering and commerce qualifications that are highly valued across the energy, infrastructure, consulting, and technology sectors.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Students establish a strong foundation in both engineering and commerce. Core studies include engineering fundamentals, mathematics, physics, introductory electrical engineering, and business principles. These units develop analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of how engineering and business interact in professional environments.

Year 2: The curriculum progresses into specialised engineering and commerce subjects. Students study electrical circuits, engineering mechanics, electronics, and engineering design while building commercial knowledge through financial accounting, economics, and business law. Practical laboratory work reinforces technical learning and develops hands-on engineering skills.

Year 3: Students undertake advanced engineering studies in power systems, control systems, electrical machines, and energy technologies. Concurrently, commerce studies focus on areas such as marketing, organisational behaviour, business analytics, and management, helping students understand how engineering projects operate within commercial organisations.

Year 4: Students deepen their expertise through advanced electrical power engineering subjects, renewable energy technologies, power distribution systems, and engineering project work. Commerce studies expand into strategic management, finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership, providing a broader understanding of business operations and decision-making.

Year 5: The final year integrates engineering and business knowledge through honours-level engineering studies and a major capstone project. Students address real-world industry challenges while applying both technical and commercial skills. Advanced commerce electives further strengthen leadership, project management, and strategic planning capabilities.

Focus Areas: Electrical power systems, renewable energy, energy management, business strategy, project management, finance, leadership, and commercial operations.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in designing and managing electrical power systems, solving complex engineering challenges, evaluating commercial opportunities, managing projects, leading multidisciplinary teams, and making informed business 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 internationally.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Edith Cowan University is recognised for its strong focus on industry engagement, practical learning, and graduate employability. The combination of engineering and commerce creates graduates who are highly attractive to employers seeking professionals with both technical expertise and business acumen.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Edith Cowan University (ECU), students pursuing the Bachelor of Engineering Honours (majoring in Electrical Power) and Bachelor of Commerce programs are immersed in a rich environment that emphasizes experiential learning. This hands-on approach not only enhances theoretical knowledge but also equips students with practical skills that are essential in today’s job market. With state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of tools at their disposal, students can engage in real-world projects, collaborate with peers, and gain invaluable industry experience.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in these programs:

- Engineering Laboratories: Access to specialized labs such as the Electrical Engineering Lab and the Renewable Energy Lab, where students can work on practical projects and experiments.
- Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with leading companies provide opportunities for internships and work placements, allowing students to gain firsthand experience in the field.
- Software Proficiency: Students will use industry-standard software such as MATLAB, AutoCAD, and PSpice, which are essential for electrical engineering design and analysis.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects are a core component of the curriculum, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills as students tackle real engineering challenges.
- Field Trips: Regular excursions to local industries and power generation facilities give students insights into the practical applications of their studies.
- Research Institutes: Access to ECU’s research institutes, such as the Centre for Renewable Energy and Power Systems, where students can engage in cutting-edge research.
- Library Resources: The ECU library offers extensive resources, including access to engineering and commerce databases, journals, and textbooks to support student learning.
- Digital Tools: Utilization of digital platforms for project management and collaboration, enhancing students' ability to work effectively in teams.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enrich the academic experience but also prepare students for successful careers in engineering and commerce. If you’re looking to gain practical skills and make meaningful connections in your field, applying to ECU is a fantastic choice!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical Power) / Bachelor of Commerce at Edith Cowan University develop a highly valuable combination of technical engineering expertise and business acumen. This dual qualification enables graduates to understand both the engineering and commercial aspects of modern organisations, making them highly competitive across industries such as energy, utilities, infrastructure, consulting, finance, technology, and project management. Typical career pathways include Electrical Power Engineer, Renewable Energy Engineer, Energy Consultant, Project Engineer, Engineering Manager, Business Analyst, Asset Manager, Operations Manager, and Infrastructure Consultant.

This strong career outlook is supported by ECU’s industry-focused approach and commitment to student employability:

Career Development and Employability Support: ECU Career Services provides personalised career planning, resume and interview preparation, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, employer engagement events, and graduate recruitment support.
Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from ECU's relationships with energy providers, engineering consultancies, mining companies, infrastructure organisations, government agencies, financial institutions, and technology firms, creating opportunities for internships, industry projects, and professional networking.
Work-Integrated Learning: Industry placements, engineering design projects, business case studies, and practical learning experiences help students develop workplace-ready skills and gain valuable professional experience before graduation.
Professional Accreditation: The Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring graduates meet internationally recognised engineering standards and are eligible for professional engineering recognition worldwide.
Business and Leadership Advantage: The Commerce component develops expertise in finance, management, economics, business strategy, and organisational leadership, preparing graduates for technical management and executive-level career pathways.
Strong Industry Demand: Growing investment in renewable energy, power generation, infrastructure development, smart grids, sustainability initiatives, and energy transition projects continues to create demand for professionals who can combine technical expertise with commercial decision-making skills.
Graduate Outcomes: Graduates are employed across sectors including renewable energy, electricity generation and distribution, engineering consulting, infrastructure, mining, banking and finance, government agencies, technology companies, project management, and business operations.
Graduate Salary Potential: Graduates commonly enter the workforce with salaries ranging from AUD $75,000–$95,000 per year, while professionals who progress into project management, engineering management, consulting, or commercial leadership roles often earn AUD $120,000–$160,000+ annually.
Median Industry Salary: Electrical Engineers in Australia earn a median salary of approximately AUD $110,000–$120,000 per year, while engineering managers and senior commercial professionals within the energy and infrastructure sectors often achieve significantly higher earnings.

Further Academic Progression:

Upon graduation, students may pursue postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Electrical Engineering, Master of Renewable Energy Engineering, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Finance, Master of Engineering Management, or Master of Project Management. Students interested in research may continue to a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, Renewable Energy Technologies, Power Systems, Sustainable Infrastructure, Business Management, or related disciplines. Professional certifications in project management, energy management, finance, systems engineering, leadership, sustainability, and business analytics can further strengthen career prospects and support progression into senior technical, consulting, executive, and entrepreneurial roles.