Bachelor of Engineering Honours/Bachelor of Commerce

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (majoring in Electronics and Communications) / Bachelor of Commerce at Edith Cowan University is a comprehensive 5-year double degree that combines advanced engineering knowledge with essential business and management skills. This program is designed for students who want to build expertise in electronics, communications technologies, and digital systems while developing a strong understanding of business operations, leadership, and commercial strategy. Graduates are uniquely positioned to pursue careers at the intersection of technology and business, making them highly attractive to employers across a wide range of industries.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Students establish a strong foundation in both engineering and commerce. Core units include engineering fundamentals, mathematics, physics, programming, and introductory business studies. Students develop analytical thinking, technical problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of key business principles that underpin modern organisations.

Year 2: The curriculum progresses into specialised engineering and commerce subjects. Students study digital systems, electronics, signals and systems, circuit analysis, accounting, economics, and business law. Laboratory work and practical projects help reinforce technical concepts while building commercial awareness.

Year 3: Students undertake more advanced engineering studies in communication systems, embedded systems, electronics design, networking technologies, and telecommunications. Commerce units focus on marketing, organisational behaviour, management, and business analytics, helping students understand how technology supports business growth and innovation.

Year 4: Advanced coursework explores wireless communications, digital communications, signal processing, electronic system design, and emerging technologies. On the commerce side, students strengthen their knowledge of strategic management, finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership while participating in industry-focused projects and practical learning experiences.

Year 5: The final year integrates engineering and business knowledge through honours-level engineering studies and a major capstone project. Students apply their technical and commercial expertise to solve real-world industry challenges while completing advanced business electives that prepare them for leadership and management roles.

Focus Areas: Electronics, communications systems, telecommunications, embedded systems, digital technologies, business management, marketing, finance, leadership, and project management.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in designing and managing electronic and communication systems, solving complex engineering problems, leading projects, evaluating business opportunities, managing technology-driven organisations, and communicating effectively within multidisciplinary 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 industry engagement, practical learning approach, and graduate employability outcomes. The combination of engineering and commerce provides graduates with a highly versatile skill set that is increasingly sought after by employers in technology, telecommunications, consulting, and business sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Edith Cowan University (ECU), students pursuing the Bachelor of Engineering Honours (majoring in Electronics and Communications) and the 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 cutting-edge tools, students can engage in real-world projects, collaborate with peers, and gain invaluable industry experience.

Here’s how ECU supports experiential learning in these programs:

- Engineering Laboratories: Access to specialized labs such as the Electronics and Communications Lab, where students can work with advanced equipment and technologies.
- Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with leading companies provide opportunities for internships and real-world projects, allowing students to apply their learning in professional settings.
- Group Projects: Students often work in teams on projects that simulate industry challenges, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Software Tools: Use of industry-standard software such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, and AutoCAD, which are essential for engineering design and analysis.
- Field Trips: Opportunities to visit local industries and technology firms, giving students insights into the practical applications of their studies.
- Research Institutes: Access to ECU’s research institutes, where students can participate in innovative projects and contribute to cutting-edge research.
- Library Resources: Comprehensive library facilities with access to a vast array of engineering and commerce resources, journals, and databases to support academic research.
- Student Support Services: Dedicated support for career development, including workshops, resume writing, and interview preparation tailored to engineering and commerce students.

By engaging in these experiential learning opportunities, students not only enhance their academic experience but also build a strong foundation for their future careers.

I encourage you to consider applying to these dynamic programs at Edith Cowan University, where you can truly thrive and prepare for a successful career!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electronics and Communications) / Bachelor of Commerce at Edith Cowan University possess a unique blend of technical expertise and business knowledge, enabling them to excel in both engineering and commercial environments. This combination is particularly valuable in industries where technological innovation and strategic decision-making go hand in hand. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in telecommunications, electronics, information and communications technology (ICT), consulting, finance, project management, and technology-driven enterprises.

ECU’s strong focus on industry engagement and practical learning helps students build the skills and professional networks needed for long-term career success:

Career Development and Employability Support: ECU Career Services offers career planning, resume and interview preparation, networking events, mentoring programs, employer engagement activities, and graduate recruitment support.
Industry Partnerships: Through collaborations with telecommunications providers, technology companies, engineering consultancies, government agencies, and multinational corporations, students gain valuable exposure to industry practices and emerging technologies.
Work-Integrated Learning: Industry projects, internships, engineering design challenges, and business case studies allow students to apply their knowledge in professional settings and develop workplace-ready skills.
Professional Accreditation: The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring graduates meet internationally recognised engineering standards and are eligible for professional engineering recognition globally.
Technology and Business Advantage: The Commerce component develops expertise in management, finance, marketing, economics, and business strategy, providing graduates with the commercial awareness needed to progress into leadership and management roles.
Growing Industry Demand: The rapid expansion of telecommunications networks, 5G technologies, Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and smart infrastructure continues to create strong demand for professionals with both engineering and business capabilities.
Graduate Outcomes: Graduates pursue careers as Electronics Engineers, Communications Engineers, Telecommunications Engineers, Network Engineers, Systems Engineers, Technology Consultants, Business Analysts, Project Managers, Product Managers, Technical Sales Specialists, and Engineering Managers.
Graduate Salary Potential: Entry-level graduates typically earn between AUD $75,000–$95,000 per year, depending on industry and location. As experience grows, professionals in telecommunications, technology consulting, project management, and engineering leadership roles commonly earn AUD $120,000–$170,000+ annually.
Median Industry Salary: Electronics and Communications Engineers in Australia earn a median salary of approximately AUD $105,000–$120,000 per year, while senior technology managers and engineering leaders can earn substantially higher salaries.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates may continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Telecommunications Engineering, Master of Electronics Engineering, Master of Information Technology, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Project Management, or Master of Engineering Management. Research-focused graduates may pursue a PhD in Electronics, Communications Engineering, Wireless Networks, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Systems, or related fields. Professional certifications in project management, telecommunications, cloud technologies, business analytics, cybersecurity, and leadership can further enhance career prospects and support progression into senior technical, consulting, executive, and entrepreneurial roles.