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

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 & Aerospace at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is a distinctive five-year dual degree program that combines creative design thinking with advanced engineering expertise. This interdisciplinary qualification prepares students to design innovative products, systems, and technologies while developing the technical knowledge required to contribute to the aerospace, aviation, electrical, and advanced manufacturing industries.

Curriculum Structure

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

Year 2 – Design Development and Engineering Fundamentals
The second year develops students' creative and technical capabilities through subjects such as Industrial Design Studio, Digital Design, Circuit Theory, Electronics, Engineering Mathematics, and Product Design. Through practical projects and studio-based learning, students gain experience in transforming concepts into functional products and engineering solutions.

Year 3 – Integrated Design and Engineering Applications
Students begin integrating their design and engineering knowledge through collaborative and project-based learning. Subjects such as Sustainable Design, Product Development, Control Systems, Electromagnetic Fields, Human-Centred Design, and Systems Engineering encourage innovative thinking while addressing real-world technical challenges. This year emphasises teamwork, problem-solving, and practical application.

Year 4 – Aerospace Technologies and Advanced Product Innovation
The fourth year focuses on advanced engineering and design topics including Aerospace Systems, Aircraft Technologies, Engineering Design, Materials and Manufacturing, and Innovation Management. Students undertake multidisciplinary projects that combine design creativity with engineering precision while developing 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/aerospace engineering expertise. Subjects such as Design Research, Advanced Engineering Design, Aerospace Engineering Applications, and Professional Engineering Practice allow students to solve complex industry-relevant challenges while demonstrating their readiness for professional practice. This experience helps students build a strong portfolio and showcase their technical and creative abilities.

Focus Areas

Industrial Design and Product Development
Electrical Engineering
Aerospace Systems and Technologies
Sustainable Design
Human-Centred Innovation
Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Design

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will develop:

Advanced design thinking and innovation capabilities
Technical expertise in electrical and aerospace 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/aerospace engineering expertise prepares graduates for careers across aerospace, aviation, defence, advanced manufacturing, product design, engineering consulting, technology innovation, renewable energy, and smart systems industries. Graduates are highly valued for their ability to combine creative design thinking with technical engineering problem-solving to develop innovative solutions for complex 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 & Aerospace benefit from a rich experiential learning environment that equips them with practical skills essential for their future careers. The university is committed to providing hands-on experiences through state-of-the-art facilities and tools that foster creativity and innovation.

Students engage in real-world projects, collaborate with industry partners, and utilize advanced technology to bring their ideas to life. This approach not only enhances their learning but also prepares them for the demands of the workforce. Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in these programs:

- Design Studios and Workshops: Access to fully equipped design studios and workshops where students can create prototypes and models using various materials and techniques.
- Engineering Laboratories: Specialized labs for electrical and aerospace engineering, including facilities for robotics, electronics, and aerodynamics testing.
- Software Proficiency: Training in industry-standard software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, MATLAB, and ANSYS, which are essential for design and engineering projects.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects that encourage teamwork and problem-solving, simulating real-world engineering and design challenges.
- Internships and Industry Placements: Opportunities to undertake internships with leading companies, providing invaluable experience and networking opportunities.
- Field Trips: Organized visits to industry sites, allowing students to see practical applications of their studies and connect with professionals in the field.
- Research Institutes: Access to QUT’s research institutes, where students can engage in cutting-edge research and innovation projects.
- Libraries and Resources: Comprehensive library services with access to a vast range of design and engineering resources, journals, and databases to support academic research.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to ensure that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also skilled and ready to tackle the challenges of their chosen fields. For more information on the facilities available at QUT, you can visit the official facilities list [here](https://www.qut.edu.au/about/facilities).

Choosing QUT for your studies in Industrial Design and Engineering means stepping into a vibrant learning community that prioritizes hands-on experience and industry engagement. I encourage you to apply and take the next step towards an exciting career!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Electrical & Aerospace at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) possess a unique combination of creative design expertise and advanced engineering knowledge. This interdisciplinary skill set enables graduates to design innovative products, systems, and technologies while solving complex technical challenges across aerospace, aviation, advanced manufacturing, and engineering industries. Typical career outcomes include Industrial Designer, Aerospace Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Systems Engineer, Design Innovation Consultant, and Aviation Technology Specialist.

This strong career foundation is supported by:

Career support and employability services: QUT's Careers and Employability team provides personalised career coaching, resume and interview preparation, networking events, mentoring programs, employer engagement opportunities, and career development workshops. Students also benefit from work-integrated learning experiences that help build industry connections before graduation.
Graduate employability and industry reputation: QUT is recognised for its strong graduate employability outcomes and practical, industry-focused learning approach. Through real-world projects, professional development opportunities, and industry engagement, graduates develop the technical and professional skills sought by employers globally.
Industry partnerships and real-world experience: QUT maintains strong partnerships with organisations across aerospace, aviation, defence, engineering, design, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors. These partnerships provide opportunities for internships, industry-sponsored projects, professional placements, and direct collaboration with industry professionals.
Access to advanced facilities and technology: Students gain hands-on experience through specialist design studios, aerospace laboratories, electrical engineering facilities, prototyping workshops, simulation environments, advanced manufacturing equipment, and industry-standard software used throughout modern design and engineering professions.
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 aerospace and aviation, defence, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, engineering consulting, product development, transportation systems, technology innovation, government agencies, and research organisations. Their ability to combine user-centred design thinking with engineering expertise makes them highly valuable in multidisciplinary teams and innovation-focused organisations.
Strong salary potential: Professionals with expertise in both engineering and industrial design are increasingly sought after as organisations focus on innovation, sustainability, and product development. This creates excellent opportunities for career progression and competitive salaries across engineering, aerospace, and technology sectors.
Median graduate salary: Engineering graduates in Australia commonly achieve median full-time salaries exceeding AUD $75,000 per year early in their careers, with strong long-term earning potential in aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, and product innovation roles.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this dual degree, graduates may pursue postgraduate qualifications in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Design, Product Design, Engineering Management, Sustainable Design, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Human-Centred Design, Advanced Manufacturing, or Systems Engineering. 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, aerospace development, technology innovation, and senior leadership roles within engineering and design organisations.