Bachelor of Engineering (Honours),Bachelor of Science(Physics)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Curtin University Perth

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Science with a major in Physics at Curtin University is an exciting five‑year double degree that combines the problem‑solving and design skills of engineering with the deep analytical and scientific thinking of physics. It’s perfect if you want to understand how the physical world works and apply that understanding to create practical, real‑world engineering solutions rooted in scientific principles.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year you’ll build core foundations across both disciplines. Engineering begins with the Engineering Foundation Year (EFY), introducing you to engineering principles, mathematics, physics fundamentals and design thinking, while physics units cover concepts such as Foundations of Physics and Mathematics for Physical Sciences. You’ll also be introduced to computational and lab skills that underpin both physics analysis and engineering problem solving, giving you the essential tools to progress confidently into more advanced topics.

Year 2:
During your second year you’ll start your specialised engineering streams — for example Electrical and Electronic Engineering topics — while continuing advanced physics study that emphasises analytical techniques, measurement and modelling. Units like Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism and engineering system fundamentals will help you see how physics and engineering intersect in electrical and technological contexts. These years are also when group projects, simulations and practical labs become more substantial and integrated.

Year 3:
In the third year you’ll deepen your engineering expertise and apply physics concepts in more complex systems and design challenges. You’ll engage with units that might involve Circuits & Signals, Control Systems or Thermodynamics alongside core physics topics that advance your understanding of wave mechanics, materials, or computational methods. Collaborative design projects and engineering labs sharpen your ability to work in multidisciplinary teams while grounding your scientific understanding in real applications.

Year 4:
By your fourth year, you’ll be focusing on advanced engineering design and physics applications that require substantial analytical and creative thinking. You’ll undertake capstone and major project units where you plan, model, prototype and test engineering solutions — using your physics knowledge for systems analysis and optimisation. You might also have opportunities for industry placements or research projects that bridge disciplines.

Year 5:
Your final year consolidates your learning with honours‑level engineering projects and advanced physics topics, bringing together complex engineering design, systems integration and scientific analysis. You’ll undertake higher‑level units and comprehensive projects under expert supervision that prepare you for professional practice or further study.

Focus areas (in a string):
Engineering design and systems, electrical and electronic engineering fundamentals, applied physics, classical and modern physics, computational modelling, experimental analysis.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Ability to solve real‑world problems using engineering and physics principles, hands‑on lab and design experience, analytical and computational proficiency, teamwork and project leadership skills.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia for professional recognition in Australia and internationally, while the physics major gives eligibility for Australian Institute of Physics membership and aligns with scientific analytical competencies.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Curtin University is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide and its engineering graduates are recognised for strong industry‑readiness, with coursework designed to meet current professional and technological needs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you study the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Physics) at Curtin University, you’ll be immersed in practical learning that strengthens both your engineering and scientific skills from day one. The program blends hands‑on project work, industry engagement and real‑world problem solving, supported by purpose‑built facilities and opportunities to connect with employers, research groups and professional practice — so you graduate with confidence and capability, not just theory:

Engineering Pavilion & project studios: Your first‑year and beyond is anchored in Curtin’s modern Engineering Pavilion, with dedicated studios, project rooms and labs that replicate real professional environments for design, modelling and collaborative work.
Work‑Integrated Learning & Professional Practice: Engineering students undertake structured Engagement with Professional Practice (EPP), requiring documented workplace experience such as placements, industry projects, technical workshops or site visits — giving you industry exposure that counts toward graduation.
Internships & industry placements: Through Curtin’s industry‑linked programs and the Internship Gateway Program (IGP), eligible science and engineering students can connect with paid summer internships and placements that build real skills and professional networks.
Industry‑based projects & teamwork: You’ll engage in discipline‑specific design and engineering projects, often collaborating in teams to solve authentic challenges using industry‑standard tools and software, sharpening problem‑solving and communication skills.
Science & research opportunities: Physics and science components of your degree tie into research groups where you can work on projects or honours‑level investigations alongside expert academics, gaining laboratory experience and advanced scientific methodologies.
Extracurricular technical teams: Beyond coursework, teams like Curtin Motorsport and the Perth Aerospace Student Team let you build prototypes and systems (such as CubeSats), expanding your practical skills, teamwork and industry readiness.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Physics) at Curtin University are exceptionally well‑placed to step straight into professional roles where strong technical thinking, practical engineering capability and scientific insight are in demand. You could see yourself working as a Design Engineer, Systems Analyst, Research and Development Consultant or Technical Project Manager — roles that bridge innovation, technology and industry: Curtin’s industry‑connected learning and practical experience components give your CV real weight with employers.

Here’s how Curtin helps you succeed and grow your career:

University employment support: Curtin’s Careers, Employment & Leadership teams help you explore pathways, refine your resume, practise interview skills and build networks with employers through careers fairs and targeted workshops.
Strong employment outcomes: Curtin is ranked Western Australia’s #1 public university for undergraduate employment, reflecting high full‑time job rates and strong graduate demand across engineering and science fields.
Industry engagement and partnerships: Through Work‑Integrated Learning (WIL), Exposure to Professional Engineering Practice (EPP), internships and networking events, you’ll connect with employers and industry specialists, including through the Internship Gateway Program that places students in paid summer roles with reputable partners.
Internationally recognised accreditation: The engineering component of your degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised globally, giving you lifelong professional credibility and eligibility for professional engineering pathways.
Graduate success: Curtin’s overall graduate employment rates hover strongly above national averages, with domestic undergraduates showing consistently high outcomes in full‑time employment, putting you in a strong position to launch your career across sectors like energy, technology, infrastructure, aerospace and R&D.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, many students choose to deepen their specialisation by progressing to postgraduate study. You could pursue a Master of Engineering Science or Master of Applied Physics to focus on advanced technical fields, or move into research through a PhD in engineering or physics. There are also pathways into specialised areas like Data Science, Systems Engineering or Engineering Management, which prepare you for leadership roles and cutting‑edge technological innovation.