Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Arts(Political Science)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) at the University of Queensland is a unique dual degree that blends technical engineering expertise with insights into politics, governance, and public policy. It’s ideal for students who want to tackle real-world problems — from designing innovative technology to understanding and influencing political decisions — giving you a skill set that’s highly valued in both professional and policy-driven environments.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll lay the groundwork in both disciplines. Engineering units like Engineering Science, Mathematics for Engineers, and Design Fundamentals introduce you to core concepts and problem-solving methods. Meanwhile, political science courses such as Introduction to Political Ideas and Australian Politics give you a clear understanding of how political systems work and why ideas and institutions matter.

Year 2
In the second year, you’ll start to specialise in your chosen engineering stream, taking part in practical labs and group projects while exploring subjects like Materials and Mechanics or Software Development. Your political science studies continue with courses such as Political Problems and Public Policy, showing you how political theories play out in real-world decisions and policy-making.

Year 3
By the third year, your engineering learning becomes more advanced and applied, focusing on systems, design, and teamwork in subjects like Engineering Systems Design. Political science subjects like Political Thought: Machiavelli to Modernity and Political Behaviour and Public Policy enhance your critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing you to tackle complex societal and technological challenges.

Year 4
In the fourth year, you’ll work on larger engineering projects that mirror professional practice, refining your technical leadership and project management skills. In political science, you’ll study advanced topics, including governance and global issues, which complement your technical expertise and give you a broader perspective on societal impact.

Year 5
The final year brings everything together. You’ll complete capstone engineering projects that demonstrate your ability to design and implement real-world solutions. Simultaneously, your final political science electives allow you to explore specialised areas like international relations or policy analysis, giving you the confidence to step into careers where both technical and political insight are essential.

Focus areas:

Engineering design, systems analysis, problem-solving, project management, political ideas, public policy, governance, international relations

Learning outcomes:

Gain advanced engineering expertise, apply design and analytical tools to complex problems, critically evaluate political systems and policy, communicate technical and social insights effectively, and work successfully in interdisciplinary teams

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The engineering degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring your qualifications are recognised by industry, while the arts component equips you with analytical and communication skills valued in politics, public policy, and international organisations.

Reputation (employability rankings):

UQ is ranked 1st in Queensland for engineering and technology and 1st in Queensland for politics and political science, reflecting the strong academic quality and graduate outcomes you can expect from this dual degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UQ, this dual degree is all about learning by doing. You won’t just sit through lectures — you’ll actively build, design, test, and analyse real-world problems while also developing strong research and policy skills through your political science studies. With access to advanced labs, collaborative workspaces, and industry-level tools, you’ll gain the kind of hands-on experience that makes you feel confident stepping into professional environments:

Advanced engineering labs: You’ll work in specialised labs equipped for areas like energy systems, electronics, and materials testing, giving you practical exposure to how engineering works in real settings.
Industry-standard software: Throughout your degree, you’ll use tools like power system simulators, modelling platforms, and design software to analyse and solve engineering problems — just like professionals in the field.
Design studios and prototyping spaces: Facilities like UQ Innovate give you access to 3D printers, laser cutters, and fabrication tools, so you can turn your ideas into real prototypes as part of your projects.
Team-based projects: From early on, you’ll work in groups to design and solve engineering challenges, building teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills that employers really value.
Capstone project experience: In your final year, you’ll take on a major project where you apply everything you’ve learned to a real engineering problem, often inspired by industry needs.
Virtual and simulation learning: You may also explore engineering environments through virtual simulations, helping you understand how large-scale systems and sites operate without leaving campus.
Political science internships and research: Through opportunities like policy-focused internships, you can gain real experience working with organisations, applying your research and analytical skills in practical settings.
Libraries and research support: UQ’s libraries and digital platforms give you access to extensive academic resources, helping you with both technical engineering work and political research.

All of these experiences are designed to make sure that by the time you graduate, you’re not just knowledgeable — you’re ready to step into the real world with practical skills, confidence, and a strong professional foundation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) at the University of Queensland puts you in a strong position to step into careers where technical expertise meets real-world decision-making. You could find yourself designing infrastructure, working on sustainable solutions, advising governments, or helping organisations navigate complex challenges. Common career paths include Project Engineer, Systems Engineer, Policy Advisor, or Engineering Consultant:

Career support services: UQ’s Careers and Employability team is there to support you throughout your degree, offering one-on-one career advice, help with resumes and interviews, networking events, and access to internships and graduate roles. Engineering students also benefit from mentoring programs and industry-focused career fairs.
Employment outcomes and salary: Engineering graduates from UQ are in high demand, with around 90% securing employment within 12 months of graduating. Starting salaries are generally strong and vary depending on your engineering specialisation and the industry you enter.
University–industry partnerships: UQ has well-established connections with engineering companies, government organisations, and global industries. Many students gain work experience through placements, and a large number receive job offers from the same organisations they intern with.
Long-term accreditation value: The engineering component of the degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, which means your qualification is professionally recognised and can support your journey toward becoming a Chartered Engineer — a valuable credential for long-term career growth.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni go on to work across engineering design, infrastructure, consulting, sustainability, government policy, and international development, often in roles where technical knowledge and policy understanding come together to solve complex global challenges. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 70,000 and 90,000 per annum.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can continue your studies to specialise or move into more advanced roles. You might choose a Master of Engineering to deepen your technical skills, or postgraduate options like a Master of Public Policy, Master of International Relations, or even an MBA to build leadership and policy expertise. If you’re interested in research or innovation, you could also pursue an Honours or PhD pathway, opening doors to academic or high-level analytical careers.