Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design)/Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) major Electrical

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queensland University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Electrical Engineering at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is a multidisciplinary five-year dual degree program that combines creative design thinking with advanced engineering expertise. This unique qualification prepares students to design innovative products, systems, and technologies while developing the technical knowledge required to solve complex engineering challenges across industries such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, consumer technology, and smart infrastructure.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Foundations of Design and Engineering
Students establish a strong foundation in both industrial design and engineering principles. Core subjects such as Design Fundamentals, Engineering Mechanics, Digital Design, Visual Communication, and Mathematics for Engineers introduce creativity, technical problem-solving, and engineering analysis. This year focuses on developing design thinking, technical literacy, and critical reasoning skills.

Year 2 – Product Development and Electrical Engineering Fundamentals
The second year develops students' creative and technical capabilities through subjects such as Product Design, Electrical Engineering Fundamentals, Materials and Manufacturing, Electronics, and Engineering Mathematics. Through studio work and practical projects, students gain experience transforming ideas into functional products and engineering solutions.

Year 3 – Sustainable Design and Advanced Engineering Systems
Students begin integrating their design and engineering knowledge through project-based learning and collaborative activities. Subjects such as Sustainable Design, Control Systems, Human-Centred Design, Electrical Systems Design, and Product Innovation encourage creative problem-solving while addressing real-world engineering challenges. This year emphasises teamwork, innovation, and practical application.

Year 4 – Industry Applications and Design Innovation
The fourth year focuses on advanced topics including Smart Technologies, Product Development, Power Systems, Engineering Design, Innovation Management, and Sustainable Engineering Practices. Students work on multidisciplinary projects that combine design creativity with engineering expertise while strengthening leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Year 5 – Capstone Project and Professional Practice
In the final year, students complete a major capstone project that integrates industrial design and electrical engineering expertise to solve a complex industry-relevant problem. Subjects such as Industrial Design Studio, Engineering Project Management, Advanced Electrical Engineering, and Professional Engineering Practice allow students to demonstrate their technical and creative capabilities while preparing for professional careers. Industry engagement opportunities further enhance workplace readiness and professional networking.

Focus Areas

Industrial Design and Product Development
Electrical Engineering
Sustainable Design and Innovation
Smart Technologies and Systems
Human-Centred Design
Engineering Project Management

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will develop:

Advanced design thinking and innovation capabilities
Technical expertise in electrical engineering
Product development and prototyping skills
Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
Project management and teamwork competencies
Professional communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Understanding of sustainable and user-centred design principles

Professional Alignment (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 pathways in Australia and internationally.

Reputation and Employability

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is recognised for its strong industry engagement, practical learning approach, and graduate employability outcomes. The combination of industrial design and electrical engineering expertise prepares graduates for careers across product development, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, consumer electronics, smart infrastructure, engineering consulting, technology innovation, and sustainable design industries. Graduates are highly valued for their ability to bridge creative design thinking with technical engineering problem-solving to develop innovative solutions for modern challenges.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queensland University of Technology (QUT), students in the Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Electrical are immersed in a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes practical skills and real-world applications. The programs are designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that you not only learn the concepts but also apply them in innovative ways. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools, you will be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the industry.

Here’s how QUT enhances your experiential learning experience:

- Design and Engineering Facilities: Access to specialized labs and workshops, including the Design Lab and Engineering Precinct, where you can work on hands-on projects.
- Advanced Software: Utilize industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and MATLAB, which are essential for design and engineering tasks.
- Group Projects: Collaborate with peers on real-world projects that simulate industry conditions, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Internships and Industry Connections: Opportunities for internships with leading companies, allowing you to gain valuable work experience and network within the industry.
- Field Trips: Participate in excursions to design studios, engineering firms, and manufacturing facilities to see concepts in action and gain insights from professionals.
- Research Laboratories: Engage in research projects within dedicated labs, such as the Robotics and Automation Lab, where you can explore cutting-edge technologies.
- Libraries and Resources: Access to extensive library resources, including design and engineering databases, journals, and digital tools that support your studies.
- Innovation and Design Institutes: Collaborate with QUT’s Design Lab and other institutes focused on innovation, providing a platform for creative exploration and development.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape your future—consider applying today!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Electrical Engineering at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) possess a highly valued combination of creative design expertise and technical engineering knowledge. This unique skill set enables graduates to develop innovative products, smart technologies, and sustainable engineering solutions across a wide range of industries. Typical career outcomes include Industrial Designer, Electrical Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Design Engineer, Innovation Consultant, and Smart Systems Engineer.

This strong career foundation is supported by:

Career support and employability services: QUT's Careers and Employability team offers personalised career coaching, resume and interview preparation, employer networking events, mentoring programs, career fairs, and professional development workshops. Students also benefit from work-integrated learning opportunities that strengthen industry readiness and professional connections.
Graduate employability and industry reputation: QUT is recognised for its strong graduate employability outcomes and practical learning approach. Through industry projects, internships, and real-world learning experiences, graduates develop the technical and professional capabilities sought by employers across engineering, design, and technology sectors.
Industry partnerships and real-world experience: QUT collaborates with organisations across engineering, advanced manufacturing, consumer technology, product development, energy, and innovation sectors. These partnerships provide valuable opportunities for internships, industry-sponsored projects, professional placements, and direct engagement with industry professionals.
Access to advanced facilities and technology: Students gain practical experience using specialist design studios, engineering laboratories, prototyping workshops, 3D printing facilities, innovation hubs, and industry-standard software used throughout modern design and engineering industries.
Long-term accreditation value: The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring graduates meet internationally recognised engineering standards and supporting pathways to Chartered Professional Engineer status in Australia and internationally through the Washington Accord.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates are employed across industries including product design, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, consumer electronics, engineering consulting, smart infrastructure, medical technology, transportation systems, and technology innovation. Their ability to combine user-centred design thinking with engineering expertise makes them highly attractive to employers seeking multidisciplinary professionals.
Strong salary potential: Engineering and product development professionals continue to experience strong demand globally, particularly in sectors focused on innovation, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies.
Median graduate salary: Engineering graduates in Australia report median full-time salaries typically exceeding AUD $75,000 per year shortly after graduation, with opportunities for significant salary growth as they progress into specialist, project management, and leadership positions.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this dual degree, graduates may pursue postgraduate qualifications in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Design, Product Design, Sustainable Design, Engineering Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Human-Centred Design, Renewable Energy Engineering, Smart Systems Engineering, or Technology Commercialisation. Students interested in research can continue into Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master's by Research, or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, leading to careers in advanced research, academia, innovation leadership, product development, and senior management roles within engineering and design organisations.