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

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical Engineering) / Commerce at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a comprehensive 5.7-year dual degree that combines advanced electrical engineering expertise with strong business and commercial knowledge. Designed for students who are passionate about technology, innovation, and leadership, this program prepares graduates to develop engineering solutions while understanding the financial, strategic, and operational aspects of modern organizations.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1 – Foundations in Engineering and Commerce
Students establish a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, engineering principles, and business fundamentals. Courses such as Engineering Mechanics, Introduction to Business, Mathematics for Engineering, and introductory commerce subjects develop analytical thinking, technical skills, and commercial awareness.

Year 2 – Core Electrical Engineering and Business Principles
The curriculum advances into key engineering subjects including Electrical Circuits, Digital Systems, Programming Fundamentals, and Engineering Design. Alongside these studies, students undertake commerce courses such as Financial Accounting, Business Law, and business analytics, building an understanding of financial and legal frameworks within organizations.

Year 3 – Advanced Engineering Systems and Management Skills
Students deepen their technical expertise through courses such as Control Systems, Electromagnetic Fields, Signals and Systems, and Electronics. Commerce studies continue with subjects including Marketing Management, Organisational Behaviour, and management principles, helping students understand leadership, teamwork, and business strategy.

Year 4 – Specialised Engineering and Commercial Applications
Students explore advanced topics such as Power Systems, Communication Systems, Renewable Energy Technologies, and Automation Engineering. Commerce electives focus on finance, operations, innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic decision-making, allowing students to connect technical knowledge with business outcomes.

Year 5 – Industry-Focused Learning and Professional Development
The program emphasizes real-world applications through multidisciplinary projects, advanced engineering electives, and commerce specializations. Students strengthen their leadership, project management, and professional communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of technology-driven business environments.

Final Semester (0.7 Year) – Capstone Project and Strategic Leadership
Students complete a major Electrical Engineering Design capstone project that integrates technical expertise with practical industry challenges. Advanced commerce subjects such as Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship prepare graduates to lead innovation, manage engineering projects, and drive organizational growth.

Focus Areas:

Electrical Engineering
Power and Energy Systems
Digital and Communication Systems
Control and Automation Engineering
Business Management
Financial Accounting and Finance
Marketing and Strategic Leadership

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will develop:

Advanced technical expertise in electrical engineering
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Financial and commercial decision-making capabilities
Leadership and project management skills
Knowledge of business operations and strategic planning
Effective teamwork and communication abilities
The ability to integrate engineering innovation with business objectives

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring graduates meet internationally recognized professional engineering standards and are prepared for engineering practice both in Australia and globally.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
UNSW is internationally recognized for excellence in engineering, business, and technology education. Consistently ranked among the world's leading universities for graduate employability, engineering, and commerce, UNSW provides students with access to world-class facilities, industry partnerships, and innovation opportunities that enhance career prospects across a wide range of industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New South Wales (UNSW), students pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical Engineering combined with Commerce are immersed in a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes practical skills and real-world applications. The program is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of the industry. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, students can engage in experiential learning that enhances their understanding and capabilities.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in this program:

- Engineering Design Studios: These collaborative spaces allow students to work on group projects, fostering teamwork and innovation while applying engineering principles to real-world problems.

- Laboratories: UNSW boasts specialized labs such as the Electrical Engineering Lab and the Robotics Lab, where students can conduct experiments and gain practical experience with advanced equipment and technologies.

- Software Tools: Students have access to industry-standard software like MATLAB, Simulink, and AutoCAD, which are essential for modeling, simulation, and design in electrical engineering.

- Internships and Industry Projects: The program encourages students to undertake internships with leading companies, providing invaluable work experience and networking opportunities. Additionally, industry projects allow students to collaborate with businesses on real challenges.

- Field Trips: Students often participate in field trips to local industries and research facilities, giving them insights into the practical applications of their studies and exposure to potential career paths.

- Research Institutes: UNSW is home to several research institutes, such as the UNSW Centre for Quantum Computation & Communication Technology, where students can engage in cutting-edge research alongside leading academics.

- Libraries and Resources: The UNSW library system offers extensive resources, including access to engineering databases, journals, and a wealth of digital tools to support research and learning.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance academic knowledge but also equip students with the skills and experiences that employers value. By choosing UNSW, you are setting yourself up for a successful career in both engineering and commerce.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical Engineering) / Commerce from UNSW graduate with a powerful combination of technical engineering expertise and commercial knowledge, making them highly attractive to employers across a wide range of industries. This dual degree equips students to not only design and manage advanced electrical systems but also understand the strategic, financial, and operational decisions that drive successful organizations. As industries increasingly seek professionals who can bridge technology and business, graduates are well positioned for leadership and innovation-focused careers.

Typical career pathways include: Electrical Engineer, Power Systems Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer, Project Engineer, Technology Consultant, Business Analyst, Operations Manager, Product Manager, Engineering Manager, Investment Analyst (Technology Sector), and Technology Entrepreneur.

This strong career outlook is supported by UNSW's global reputation, industry engagement, and graduate employability outcomes:

UNSW Careers and Employability provides students with career coaching, resume reviews, interview preparation, networking events, mentoring programs, internship support, and graduate recruitment opportunities.
Graduates are highly sought after across industries including renewable energy, power generation, telecommunications, consulting, technology, infrastructure, finance, manufacturing, and smart systems development.
Median starting salaries for engineering graduates in Australia typically range from AUD $75,000–$85,000+, while graduates who combine engineering expertise with business and commercial skills often progress into higher-paying management, consulting, and executive roles.
UNSW maintains strong partnerships with leading engineering firms, technology companies, consulting organizations, financial institutions, and multinational corporations, creating valuable opportunities for internships, industry projects, and graduate employment.
Accreditation by Engineers Australia ensures graduates meet internationally recognized engineering standards and supports professional engineering registration pathways globally.
The combination of electrical engineering and commerce provides a significant competitive advantage for careers involving technology commercialization, strategic planning, project management, operations leadership, and business development.
Students graduate with highly transferable skills in technical analysis, financial decision-making, leadership, project management, communication, innovation, and strategic problem-solving.
UNSW consistently ranks among Australia's leading universities for graduate employability and is internationally recognized for excellence in engineering, business, technology, and innovation.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this dual degree, graduates may pursue advanced postgraduate study through programs such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Renewable Energy, Master of Engineering Science, Master of Finance, Master of Commerce, Master of Project Management, Master of Data Science, or Master of Business Administration (MBA). Students interested in research can continue into a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in electrical engineering, power systems, telecommunications, renewable energy, smart grids, technology management, or related disciplines. These pathways can lead to careers in academia, research leadership, advanced technology development, consulting, entrepreneurship, and executive management within global organizations.