Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Arts major Electrical Engineering

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical Engineering) / Arts at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a comprehensive 5.7-year dual degree that combines advanced electrical engineering expertise with the broad perspectives, creativity, and critical thinking developed through the study of the humanities and social sciences. This interdisciplinary program is designed for students who want to combine technical innovation with an understanding of social, cultural, and global issues, preparing them for careers that require both analytical and creative problem-solving.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1 – Foundations in Engineering and Arts
Students build a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, engineering principles, and arts disciplines. Courses such as Engineering Mechanics, Introduction to Electrical Engineering, Mathematics for Engineering, and introductory arts subjects such as philosophy, history, languages, or creative studies develop analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills.

Year 2 – Core Electrical Engineering and Cultural Perspectives
Students progress into key engineering subjects including Circuit Theory, Signals and Systems, Programming Fundamentals, and Electronics. Alongside these studies, arts courses such as Art History, Media Studies, or social sciences electives broaden students' understanding of cultural, ethical, and societal contexts.

Year 3 – Advanced Engineering and Interdisciplinary Applications
The curriculum advances into specialized engineering areas including Control Systems, Electromagnetic Fields, Digital Systems, and Communication Technologies. Students continue exploring arts disciplines through electives such as Digital Media, Performance Studies, or policy-related subjects that encourage innovative and interdisciplinary thinking.

Year 4 – Emerging Technologies and Creative Problem-Solving
Students deepen their expertise through advanced engineering courses in areas such as Power Systems, Renewable Energy Technologies, Embedded Systems, and Automation Engineering. Arts studies strengthen communication, leadership, critical analysis, and creative problem-solving capabilities.

Year 5 – Professional Development and Industry Applications
Students undertake advanced engineering electives and arts specializations while developing project management, teamwork, and professional communication skills. Industry-focused projects encourage students to apply technical knowledge while considering broader social and human-centred perspectives.

Final Semester (0.7 Year) – Capstone Project and Interdisciplinary Integration
The program culminates in a major Engineering Design Project and advanced arts project that integrate technical expertise with creative and critical thinking. Students develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges while demonstrating their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively across diverse audiences.

Focus Areas:

Electrical Engineering
Power and Energy Systems
Communication and Digital Technologies
Control and Automation Systems
Arts and Humanities
Interdisciplinary Innovation
Human-Centred Technology Development

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will develop:

Advanced technical expertise in electrical engineering
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Creative thinking and innovation capabilities
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Leadership and project management competencies
Cultural awareness and ethical reasoning
The ability to integrate technical solutions with social and human considerations

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 internationally.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
UNSW is internationally recognized for excellence in engineering, technology, and interdisciplinary education. Consistently ranked among the world's leading universities for graduate employability, engineering, and innovation, UNSW equips graduates with a distinctive combination of technical expertise and broad transferable skills that are highly valued across diverse industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New South Wales (UNSW), students pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Electrical Engineering and Arts are immersed in a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes experiential learning. This 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, UNSW provides an enriching experience that prepares students for real-world challenges.

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

- Hands-on Laboratories: Access to specialized labs such as the Electrical Engineering Teaching Lab and the Advanced Power Electronics Lab, where students can work on real projects and experiments.

- Industry-Standard Software: Use of industry-relevant software tools like MATLAB, Simulink, and AutoCAD, which are essential for design and simulation in electrical engineering.

- Group Projects: Collaborative projects that encourage teamwork and problem-solving, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios.

- Internship Opportunities: Access to a range of internships with leading companies in the engineering sector, providing invaluable work experience and networking opportunities.

- Field Trips: Organized visits to industry sites and engineering firms, giving students insights into the practical applications of their studies.

- Research Institutes: Opportunities to engage with research at institutes such as the UNSW School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, where students can participate in cutting-edge research projects.

- Digital Tools: Utilization of digital platforms for project management and collaboration, enhancing students' ability to work effectively in teams.

- Extensive Library Resources: Access to the UNSW Library, which offers a vast collection of engineering and arts resources, including journals, books, and online databases.

These experiential learning components not only enrich the academic experience but also significantly enhance employability upon graduation. By engaging in practical applications of their studies, students develop critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills that are highly valued in the workforce.

Choosing UNSW for your Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Electrical Engineering and Arts means stepping into a world of opportunities that blend theory with practice, preparing you for a successful future.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical Engineering) / Arts from UNSW graduate with a distinctive combination of advanced technical expertise and broad human-centred perspectives. This dual degree equips students not only to design and develop innovative electrical technologies but also to understand the social, cultural, ethical, and global contexts in which these technologies operate. As industries increasingly seek professionals who can combine technical excellence with strong communication and critical thinking skills, graduates enjoy diverse and rewarding career opportunities.

Typical career pathways include: Electrical Engineer, Power Systems Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Renewable Energy Engineer, Technology Consultant, Project Manager, Innovation Strategist, Policy Advisor, Communications Specialist, and Engineering Manager.

This strong career outlook is supported by UNSW's reputation for academic excellence and industry engagement:

UNSW Careers and Employability provides personalized career coaching, resume and interview support, networking events, mentoring programs, internship assistance, and graduate recruitment opportunities.
Graduates are highly sought after across industries including renewable energy, telecommunications, infrastructure, consulting, government, defence, technology, media, public policy, and international development.
Median starting salaries for engineering graduates in Australia typically range from AUD $75,000–$85,000+, with strong long-term earning potential for professionals who combine technical expertise with leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
UNSW maintains strong partnerships with leading engineering firms, technology companies, government agencies, research organizations, and multinational employers, providing 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 worldwide.
The Arts component strengthens skills in communication, critical analysis, cultural understanding, ethics, leadership, and stakeholder engagement, providing graduates with a competitive advantage in multidisciplinary workplaces.
Graduates develop highly transferable capabilities in project management, teamwork, problem-solving, strategic thinking, innovation, public engagement, and professional communication.
UNSW consistently ranks among Australia's leading universities for graduate employability and is internationally recognized for excellence in engineering, research, and interdisciplinary education.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this dual degree, graduates may pursue advanced study through a Master of Engineering, Master of Renewable Energy, Master of Engineering Science, Master of Project Management, Master of International Relations, Master of Public Policy, Master of Communication, Master of Business Administration (MBA), or other specialized postgraduate programs. Students interested in research can continue into a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in electrical engineering, renewable energy systems, telecommunications, power engineering, technology policy, digital innovation, or related fields. These pathways can lead to careers in academia, research leadership, technology development, policy advisory roles, consulting, entrepreneurship, and senior management positions across global industries.