Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring Electrical and Electronic / Bachelor of Arts

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Electrical and Electronic Engineering combined with a Bachelor of Arts at Swinburne University of Technology is a distinctive five-year dual degree program that combines advanced engineering expertise with creativity, communication, and critical thinking. This interdisciplinary qualification prepares students to develop innovative electrical and electronic technologies while gaining a broader understanding of culture, society, and human behaviour, enabling them to solve complex problems from both technical and human-centred perspectives.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Foundations of Engineering and Arts
Students begin by developing a strong foundation in mathematics, engineering principles, programming, and humanities. Core subjects such as Engineering Mechanics, Introduction to Programming, Engineering Design, and introductory Arts units establish essential technical, analytical, and communication skills. Students learn how engineering and creative thinking can work together to address real-world challenges.

Year 2 – Core Engineering Knowledge and Creative Development
The second year focuses on fundamental electrical and electronic engineering concepts. Students undertake subjects such as Circuit Analysis, Digital Systems, Electronics, and Programming while continuing Arts studies through electives such as Creative Writing, Visual Arts, Media Studies, or Cultural Studies. This combination encourages students to develop both technical expertise and creative problem-solving abilities.

Year 3 – Advanced Engineering Applications and Interdisciplinary Learning
Students progress into advanced engineering topics including Control Systems, Embedded Systems, Signal Processing, and Electromagnetic Fields. Through laboratory work and practical projects, they gain experience designing and analysing complex electrical and electronic systems. Arts subjects provide opportunities to explore the relationship between technology, communication, culture, and society, broadening students' perspectives and enhancing critical thinking.

Year 4 – Industry Engagement and Professional Practice
The fourth year emphasises professional engineering practice, innovation, and leadership development. Students undertake major engineering projects while studying specialised areas such as Communication Systems, Power Engineering, and Engineering Management. Arts electives continue to strengthen communication, research, and analytical skills, helping students become effective professionals capable of working across diverse environments.

Year 5 – Capstone Project and Integrated Learning
In the final year, students complete a substantial capstone project that integrates their engineering expertise with the broader perspectives gained through their Arts studies. Subjects such as Engineering Project Management, Professional Practice, and advanced engineering electives prepare students to address complex challenges in technical and multidisciplinary settings. This final year demonstrates their ability to combine innovation, technical knowledge, and critical thinking in real-world applications.

Focus Areas

Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Embedded and Intelligent Systems
Communication and Power Systems
Creative and Critical Thinking
Media, Culture, and Society
Project Management and Innovation

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will develop:

Advanced technical expertise in electrical and electronic engineering
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Creative and critical thinking skills
Effective written and verbal communication abilities
Project management and teamwork competencies
Understanding of the social and cultural impacts of technology
Professional engineering and ethical practice skills

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring graduates meet nationally and internationally recognised professional engineering standards.

Reputation and Employability

Swinburne University of Technology is recognised for its strong industry engagement, practical learning approach, and graduate employability outcomes. The combination of engineering and arts expertise creates graduates who can bridge technical and human-centred perspectives, making them highly attractive to employers across engineering, technology, communications, consulting, research, government, and innovation-focused industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swinburne University of Technology, students pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Electrical and Electronic, alongside a Bachelor of Arts, are immersed in a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes practical skills and real-world applications. The university is committed to providing students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for the challenges of the industry. With state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools, students can engage in projects that bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Here’s how you can expect to gain practical experience during your studies:

- Engineering Labs: Access to specialized laboratories equipped with advanced technology for electronics, robotics, and telecommunications, allowing you to conduct experiments and develop prototypes.
- Industry-Standard Software: Use of industry-relevant software such as MATLAB, AutoCAD, and LabVIEW, which are essential for design, simulation, and analysis in engineering projects.
- Group Projects: Collaborate with peers on multidisciplinary projects that encourage teamwork and innovation, simulating real-world engineering challenges.
- Internship Opportunities: Benefit from strong industry connections that facilitate internships, providing you with invaluable work experience and networking opportunities.
- Field Trips: Participate in excursions to local industries and engineering firms, giving you insights into the practical applications of your studies and exposure to potential employers.
- Research Institutes: Engage with research initiatives at Swinburne’s various institutes, such as the Centre for Micro-Photonics, where you can contribute to cutting-edge research in electrical and electronic engineering.
- Digital Tools: Utilize online platforms and digital tools for project management and collaboration, enhancing your learning experience and preparing you for the modern workplace.
- Library Resources: Access extensive library resources, including engineering databases and journals, to support your research and project work.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance your academic journey but also equip you with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. By choosing to study at Swinburne, you’re setting yourself up for a successful career in engineering and the arts.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Bachelor of Arts develop a unique combination of technical expertise, creativity, communication skills, and critical thinking abilities. This interdisciplinary qualification enables graduates to solve complex engineering challenges while understanding the broader social, cultural, and human factors that influence technology and innovation. Typical career outcomes include Electrical Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Systems Engineer, Communications Engineer, Technology Consultant, and Innovation Project Coordinator.

This strong career foundation is supported by:

Career support and employability services: Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program provides students with access to industry projects, internships, placements, and professional experiences throughout their studies. Students also benefit from dedicated career services including career coaching, resume reviews, interview preparation, networking events, and employer engagement programs.
Graduate employability and salary outcomes: Swinburne is ranked #1 in Victoria for Graduate Employability and Salary according to the QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024. Engineering graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes, with 88.0% of undergraduate engineering graduates securing employment within four months of graduation. Swinburne graduates report a median full-time salary of AUD $77,900 per year, exceeding the national graduate median salary of AUD $75,000 per year.
Industry partnerships and real-world experience: Through Swinburne's extensive industry network, students collaborate on real-world projects and gain practical experience that reflects current industry needs. These partnerships provide valuable professional exposure and help students establish connections with potential employers.
Access to advanced facilities and technology: Students gain practical experience using specialist engineering laboratories, advanced simulation software, research facilities, innovation hubs, and collaborative learning spaces that replicate professional engineering environments.
Long-term accreditation value: The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, providing internationally recognised professional credentials and supporting pathways to professional engineer status in Australia and countries that recognise the Washington Accord.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates are highly sought after across industries including energy, telecommunications, electronics, technology consulting, defence, infrastructure, research, government, media, and innovation-focused organisations. The combination of engineering and arts expertise enables graduates to contribute effectively in both technical and stakeholder-facing roles.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this program, graduates may pursue postgraduate study in areas such as Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, Renewable Energy Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering Management, Technology Policy, Communication, Media Studies, Public Policy, Innovation Management, or Project Management. Students interested in research and academic careers may also continue to Master's by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, creating pathways into advanced research, academia, consulting, and leadership positions within industry and government.