Bachelor of Science (Applied Physics) and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Macquarie University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Applied Physics) and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at Macquarie University integrates advanced scientific understanding with professional engineering practice, preparing students for careers at the cutting edge of technology and innovation. This five‑year program suits students who are curious, problem‑solving oriented, and want to apply physics principles directly to engineering solutions in real‑world contexts.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
The first year introduces foundational principles in both applied physics and engineering. Physics units such as Physics 1 and Mathematics 1 develop quantitative and analytical skills, while engineering subjects like Introduction to Engineering and Engineering Design Fundamentals introduce problem‑solving frameworks and design thinking. Students also gain early exposure to laboratory and computational tools to build hands-on skills.

Year 2
Year 2 deepens your technical knowledge with subjects such as Mechanics & Electromagnetism, Waves & Optics, and Electrical and Mechanical Systems. Laboratory sessions and engineering design projects enable you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, while workshops in software tools like MATLAB or CAD support practical learning. Collaborative projects start to integrate physics experiments with engineering applications.

Year 3
By Year 3, students tackle advanced physics and engineering challenges. Units like Quantum Physics, Thermodynamics, and Engineering Materials and Structures provide theoretical depth, while project-based labs and simulations reinforce experimental and design skills. Group engineering projects allow students to collaborate, solve complex problems, and practice professional communication.

Year 4
In the fourth year, focus shifts to integration and applied problem-solving. Applied Physics Electives and Engineering Systems Analysis enable students to design, prototype, and test solutions using advanced laboratories and computational modeling. Capstone projects bridge physics and engineering, emphasizing team-based innovation and practical design implementation.

Year 5
The final year emphasizes professional practice and research. The Engineering Honours Thesis or Applied Physics Research Project requires independent research, data analysis, and technical reporting, preparing students for professional engineering accreditation or postgraduate study. Advanced electives allow specialization in areas like photonics, renewable energy systems, or computational physics.

Focus areas (in a string):
Applied physics, engineering design, quantum and classical physics, thermodynamics, mechanics, computational modeling, laboratory experimentation, electrical and mechanical systems, capstone project design

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Proficiency in experimental and computational physics, engineering design and analysis skills, ability to integrate physics theory with engineering solutions, project management and teamwork capabilities, readiness for professional engineering practice or research

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia (EA) under the Washington Accord, ensuring graduates meet international engineering standards and professional recognition.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Macquarie University is recognised for strong graduate employability and industry connections, with alumni employed in top engineering and technology roles globally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor of Science (Applied Physics) and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at Macquarie University, you’ll gain practical experience that helps you think, build and innovate just like professionals in science and engineering. You’ll be working hands‑on in modern labs, using real engineering tools and software, collaborating on team projects and even applying your skills with industry partners before you graduate. This isn’t just theory — it’s real doing, in environments designed to mirror the workplaces you’ll step into after graduation:

Professional & Community Engagement (PACE): Your degree includes Macquarie’s flagship work‑integrated learning program, giving you opportunities to complete internships, practicums, industry placements, fieldwork or collaborative research with organisations across technology, engineering and community sectors — all part of your academic journey and credit‑bearing.
World‑Class Science & Engineering Facilities: You’ll work in well‑equipped physics and engineering labs, rapid prototyping and maker spaces, and future‑focused engineering precincts where you can design, build and test projects using the kinds of tools and technologies used in industry and research.
Specialised Research and Observational Tools: As physics and engineering students, you have access to unique facilities like observatory‑linked equipment and advanced instrumentation tailored to real measurement, experimental design and scientific exploration.
Collaborative Projects & Group Challenges: Across multiple units, you’ll work with peers on project‑based learning that mimics professional engineering practice, including team design briefs, software and hardware integration tasks, and interdisciplinary challenges guided by academics and industry partners.
Industry Experience Units in Engineering: Specific units such as PACE: Industry Experience integrate professional work experience into your curriculum, requiring you to gain hands‑on experience with an external partner — bridging academic study with real engineering practice.
Tools, Software & Digital Platforms: Practical components of physics and engineering units include industry‑standard software for modelling, simulation, design and analysis, as well as digital collaboration platforms that are critical in today’s tech and engineering workplaces.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Applied Physics) and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at Macquarie University leave ready to make an impact in industries that value both deep scientific understanding and practical engineering capability. You could step into roles such as systems engineer, design engineer, research and development specialist, or controls and automation engineer — careers where analytical thinking, technical problem‑solving and hands‑on expertise are in high demand. To support your transition from study to profession and beyond:

Tailored Career Support: Macquarie’s Careers and Student Employment team offers personalised career consultations, industry networking events, interview workshops, résumé and portfolio review services, and online tools like Employability Connect to help you confidently navigate your job search.
Work‑Integrated Learning & Professional Experience: Through PACE (Professional and Community Engagement), you can complete internships, industry placements or project experiences with external partners, earning academic credit while building real‑world experience that employers value.
Industry Partnerships & Connections: Macquarie University engages with a range of leading employers and engineering partners — from technology firms to infrastructure and research organisations — offering pathways into professional networks, mentorship opportunities and potential graduate roles.
Graduate Outcomes & Salary Prospects: According to the university’s graduate destination data, a significant majority of Macquarie graduates are employed or engaged in further study within months of finishing their degrees, reflecting strong demand for skills in science and engineering fields. Median salaries for engineering and technology graduates in Australia remain competitive nationally and continue to grow with experience. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 70,000 and 90,000 per year.
Accreditation & Long‑Term Value: The engineering component of this degree is accredited by Engineers Australia under the Washington Accord, giving your qualification international recognition and strengthening your long‑term career flexibility across global engineering markets.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this dual qualification, you have excellent pathways into postgraduate study. Many graduates pursue Honours‑level research degrees, specialised Master’s programs in fields such as advanced engineering, applied physics, robotics, or systems design, or even PhD research positions that deepen expertise and open doors to leadership roles in research, development or academia.