Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical Engineering) / Economics

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical Engineering) / Economics at the University of Queensland is a comprehensive 5.5-year dual degree program that combines professional engineering expertise with a deep understanding of economic systems, business decision-making, and policy analysis. This unique program is ideal for students who want to develop advanced technical skills while understanding the economic, financial, and strategic factors that influence modern industries. Graduates are well positioned to lead projects, manage complex infrastructure investments, and contribute to decision-making across engineering, energy, finance, consulting, and government sectors.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Foundations in Engineering and Economics

Students begin by building strong foundations in mathematics, physics, engineering principles, and economics. Core courses such as Engineering Mechanics, Mathematics for Engineers, Introduction to Microeconomics, and introductory quantitative analysis subjects develop essential analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.

Year 2 – Core Engineering and Economic Principles

The second year focuses on developing technical engineering knowledge through subjects such as Circuit Analysis, Engineering Mathematics, and Electrical Systems. At the same time, students study Macroeconomics and economic policy, gaining insights into market behaviour, economic systems, and decision-making processes that influence industries and governments.

Year 3 – Applied Engineering and Economic Analysis

Students undertake specialised courses including Signals and Systems, Control Systems, Electronics, and Econometrics. This year emphasizes the application of mathematical and statistical techniques to both engineering and economic challenges, strengthening analytical and quantitative decision-making capabilities.

Year 4 – Advanced Engineering Systems and Business Strategy

The fourth year explores advanced engineering topics such as Power Systems, Communication Systems, and Renewable Energy Technologies, alongside economics courses focused on policy analysis, international economics, and financial decision-making. Students begin integrating technical and economic perspectives when evaluating engineering projects and infrastructure investments.

Year 5 – Professional Practice and Interdisciplinary Integration

Students engage in higher-level engineering design, project management, and economics electives that focus on leadership, innovation, and strategic planning. Industry-focused projects encourage students to assess technical feasibility alongside economic viability, preparing them for multidisciplinary professional roles.

Final Semester (0.5 Year) – Honours Research and Capstone Project

The final semester is dedicated to an extensive Honours research project and capstone experience. Students apply both engineering and economic knowledge to solve complex real-world challenges, often involving infrastructure development, energy systems, technology investment, sustainability, or policy-related engineering issues.

Focus Areas

Electrical Engineering
Power and Energy Systems
Economic Analysis and Policy
Data Analytics and Quantitative Modelling
Control and Automation Systems
Infrastructure and Investment Planning
Project Management
Renewable Energy Economics

Learning Outcomes

Throughout the program, students develop:

Advanced problem-solving and analytical abilities
Technical proficiency in electrical engineering systems
Strong economic and financial analysis skills
Data interpretation and quantitative modelling expertise
Project management and leadership capabilities
Professional communication and teamwork skills
The ability to evaluate both technical and economic aspects of complex projects

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised internationally through the Washington Accord, ensuring graduates meet globally recognised professional engineering standards and are eligible to pursue Chartered Professional Engineer status.

Reputation and Employability

The University of Queensland is consistently ranked among the world's leading universities for engineering, economics, and business education. Graduates benefit from UQ's strong global reputation and are highly sought after by employers across sectors including energy, utilities, infrastructure, telecommunications, consulting, finance, government, mining, renewable energy, and technology. The combination of engineering and economics provides a distinctive competitive advantage for graduates seeking technical, commercial, and leadership roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Queensland (UQ), students pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical Engineering or Economics are immersed in a rich environment that emphasizes experiential learning. This hands-on approach not only enhances theoretical knowledge but also equips students with practical skills that are essential in today’s job market. UQ boasts state-of-the-art facilities and resources that support this learning model, ensuring that students can apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

Here are some key aspects of experiential learning available to students in these programs:

- Engineering Design Studio: A dedicated space for collaborative projects where students can work on real engineering challenges using advanced tools and technologies.
- Electrical Engineering Laboratories: Equipped with cutting-edge equipment for circuit design, control systems, and telecommunications, allowing students to conduct experiments and gain practical experience.
- Economics Research Institute: Provides opportunities for students to engage in research projects, working alongside faculty on current economic issues and policies.
- Internship Opportunities: UQ has strong industry connections, offering students the chance to undertake internships with leading companies, gaining invaluable work experience and networking opportunities.
- Group Projects: Many courses incorporate team-based projects, fostering collaboration and communication skills while tackling complex problems.
- Field Trips: Students often participate in field trips to industry sites, providing insights into real-world applications of their studies.
- Software Tools: Access to industry-standard software such as MATLAB, R, and Stata for data analysis and engineering simulations, enhancing technical proficiency.
- Libraries and Study Spaces: UQ’s extensive library system and study spaces support research and collaboration, providing access to a wealth of resources.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to prepare you for a successful career in engineering or economics, making your education at UQ not just theoretical but also practical and impactful.

Consider applying to UQ and take the first step towards an exciting future in Electrical Engineering or Economics!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical Engineering) / Economics at the University of Queensland (UQ) possess a rare combination of technical engineering expertise and economic analysis skills. This multidisciplinary qualification enables graduates to understand not only how complex engineering systems operate, but also how economic, financial, and policy decisions influence infrastructure, energy markets, technology investments, and business strategy. Career opportunities include Electrical Engineer, Energy Market Analyst, Power Systems Engineer, Economic Consultant, Project Manager, Infrastructure Analyst, Renewable Energy Specialist, Investment Analyst, and Engineering Consultant.

This strong career outlook is supported by several advantages:

Dedicated Employability Support: UQ's Employability Team offers career coaching, industry mentoring, networking events, internship assistance, resume development, interview preparation, and graduate recruitment programs that help students build successful careers.
Outstanding Graduate Outcomes: UQ graduates are highly regarded by employers globally, benefiting from the university's strong reputation in engineering, economics, business, and research excellence.
Industry and Government Partnerships: Students benefit from opportunities to engage with organisations across energy, infrastructure, consulting, banking, telecommunications, mining, government agencies, and renewable energy sectors through internships, industry projects, and professional networking activities.
Broad Career Flexibility: The combination of engineering and economics creates pathways into both technical and commercial roles. Graduates can work in engineering design, energy market analysis, infrastructure planning, investment strategy, economic consulting, project management, policy development, and technology commercialisation.
Excellent Salary Potential: Engineering graduates in Australia typically earn median starting salaries of approximately AUD $74,000–$80,000, with median earnings exceeding AUD $106,000 annually within five years of graduation. Graduates who move into consulting, infrastructure finance, energy markets, project management, or investment analysis often progress to salaries of AUD $120,000–$180,000+ per year as they gain experience.
Internationally Recognised Accreditation: The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord, providing graduates with globally recognised engineering credentials and pathways toward Chartered Professional Engineer status.
Leadership and Strategic Decision-Making Skills: The economics component develops strong capabilities in financial analysis, policy evaluation, economic forecasting, and strategic planning, preparing graduates for leadership positions where both technical and commercial expertise are essential.
Future-Focused Industry Relevance: Graduates are particularly well positioned for careers in renewable energy, energy transition projects, infrastructure development, smart grids, sustainability initiatives, government planning, and technology-driven industries where engineering and economics increasingly intersect.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this 5.5-year dual degree, graduates may pursue advanced study through a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Economics, Energy Economics, Public Policy, Finance, Renewable Energy, Data Analytics, or related disciplines. Graduates may also undertake specialised postgraduate qualifications in business administration (MBA), project management, infrastructure finance, economic policy, sustainability, or investment analysis. These pathways can lead to careers in academia, advanced research, executive leadership, economic consulting, public policy development, infrastructure planning, and senior management roles within global engineering, finance, and technology organisations.