Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Design
Overview
Are you a creative problem solver or out-of-the-box thinker? Prepare to meet tomorrow’s challenges in new and novel ways when you combine engineering skills with design thinking in this unique dual program.
Through the Bachelor of Design, you’ll learn to challenge conventional thinking and bring a different mindset to problems. With a focus on solutions-based thinking, you’ll gain practical skills in hands-on studio-based courses and expand your career options.
Complement your design studies with technical knowledge through the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), where you’ll benefit from hands-on experiences across all aspects of engineering, more study options for greater career opportunities, and direct contact with industry – your future employers – threaded throughout your degree.
You’ll develop technical skills through a core specialisation, which will form the basis of your career. Choose from either chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronic engineering or software engineering.
Graduate with a respected honours qualification, advanced knowledge and leadership skills that will set you apart in a competitive job market and provide a pathway to future research or learning.
Program highlights
- Discover more study options for greater career opportunities – enhance your engineering expertise with in-demand design skills.
- Benefit from an engineering program designed in collaboration with your future employers and gain hands-on experience from day one, with industry contact and projects embedded throughout your studies.
- Learn the core principles of design across 6 hands-on design studio-based projects.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
- Anthropology
- Buildings and Environments
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Overseas study
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
- Studios
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'.
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Depending on which major you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Industrial designer
- Product engineer
- Design engineer
- Electrical design engineer
- Process designer
- Design and engineering manager
- Civil engineer
- Mechanical designer
Graduate salary
Engineering (undergraduate)
compared.edu.au
Mid-career salary
Product Designer
payscale.com
Program accreditation
The Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Design is accredited by:
- Engineers Australia
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Entry requirements
Prerequisites
Students without Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent) may be required to undertake preparatory courses beyond the 88 units for the program and may not be able to complete the program in the minimum time frame without overloading or undertaking summer study.
Prerequisites
Students without Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent) may be required to undertake preparatory courses beyond the 88 units for the program and may not be able to complete the program in the minimum time frame without overloading or undertaking summer study.
Entry score threshold
| ATAR / Rank | IB |
|---|---|
| 86.00 | 31 |
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2021. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in April each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
Have an OP from the last 2 years? See QTAC's OP to ATAR conversions (PDF) for a rough guide to equivalent ATARs.
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL IBT - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5.
Pearsons - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Need help meeting the entry requirements?
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Design are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the B Engineering (Hons)/B Design for Semester 1, 2021
| Without adjustments | With adjustments | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest | 99.3 | 99.95 |
| Median | 93.15 | 96.15 |
| Lowest | 89.85 | 91.85 |
Majors
Specialisations
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Chemical Engineering
Drawing on detailed process development, modelling and systems thinking, chemical engineers apply new approaches and big-picture thinking to reduce waste and energy consumption.
In this hands-on specialisation you'll explore topics including energy and mass flows, safety and sustainability, and the possibilities of interconnected systems.
You will benefit from the insights and expertise of world-leading researchers and highly-qualified academic staff. With practical projects, guest lecturers from industry, internships and placements with leading engineering companies, you will gain the knowledge, skills and industry connections needed to transition from university to the workplace.
Civil Engineering
The civil engineering specialisation enables you to develop technical skills in building materials, the design of structures, hydrology, geotechnical engineering, fire safety and transport systems.
This is complemented with an understanding of natural systems and the analysis techniques used to examine how both the built and natural environments perform and adapt to environmental challenges such as climate change and associated shifts in rainfall, wind, flooding and natural disasters, as well as future population needs.
With a focus on applying engineering expertise to develop practical solutions, combined with regular interactions with the civil engineering industry and world-class academic staff, you will gain the knowledge, skills and industry links that will enable you to immediately contribute to the engineering profession.
Electrical Engineering
Within the electrical engineering specialisation, you will learn to design and manage equipment and investigate embedded systems that contribute to almost every sector of society.
These systems include smartphones, electrical power and renewable energy, medical imaging for healthcare, electrical appliances for homes, scientific instruments for laboratories, lasers for high-speed communication and satellite systems for remote sensing.
With much of your coursework being hands-on, you'll leave UQ with highly regarded specialist technical skills. This flexible and transportable degree will open opportunities with companies across the globe.
Electrical engineers work in exciting roles in major internet, communications and power generation organisations. Many graduates establish their own companies early in their careers or work overseas.
Mechanical Engineering
In this broad specialisation, you will learn how to design, manufacture and control machines and engines ranging from power generators through to manufacturing systems. You’ll also have access to innovative technologies and our specialist workshop areas (including our race car workshop) where you can practise your new skills.
You will study air, heat and energy flows, and learn how to control and automate machines. Using your strong analytical skills, you will identify and develop solutions for all kinds of mechanical challenges, and gain an excellent understanding of how machines are used in everyday conveniences from refrigerators to sound production, roller-coasters and computers.
You will develop expertise in creating precision machinery and apply the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, biology and technology to leverage the latest advances in cutting-edge nanotechnology.
Mechatronic Engineering
This specialisation begins with the study of design principles, mechatronic systems, theory, communication skills and ethics. Your studies will incorporate the dynamics and materials of mechanical engineering along with electrical elements such as circuit design.
You'll explore concepts and practical applications in areas including artificial intelligence, signal and systems theory, and control theory. This knowledge will also be integrated with computer science as you learn how mechanical and electrical components work together.
Each year you'll complete a hands-on, project-based subject as part of a student team. This will involve designing and building a system to solve a mechatronics task.
Previous projects include a mini-rescue vehicle, autonomous drones, cars and sailboats, and submarine recovery. You'll also complete a robotics project in your third year of study.
Mechatronic engineers are highly sought after for roles involving artificial intelligence systems, robotics, automated industrial machinery and avionics. Employers include BAE Systems, Arnott’s Australia, Epsom, Google, Amazon, Boeing ABB, Telstra, Uber and Accenture.
Software Engineering
The software engineering specialisation focuses on designing high-quality computer software and offers focused studies in computer programming, databases, web-based computing, cloud computing and cyber security. It also explores formal software engineering including how to design programs and systems that are free from errors, reliable, safe, efficient and manageable.
You will learn how to use computers to provide solutions and deliver high-quality code on time that can be integrated into existing operating environments. You will also use the principles of computer design, engineering, management, psychology and sociology in small or large multinational companies.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Anthropology
Good design requires us to think about how people will engage with and relate to the envisioned product, service or practice. This major will provide you with the skills and methods necessary to understand the people you're designing for, and to draw on this research to develop design ideas that fit our future needs.
Design anthropologists typically find work wherever a human interface or an understanding of human needs is required. You'll develop skills that transfer across industries and may find work in large engineering or architecture companies or apply your anthropological skills in policymaking or development applications across a broad range of industries.
Buildings and Environments
You will explore both building and planning including sustainability and conservation, transport and infrastructure, architecture and built environment, and the economic and social aspects of development.
Environment and Society
You will also explore how human-led processes and design outcomes shape our ability to respond to pressing environmental problems, including climate change, bushfires, food insecurity, waste and biodiversity loss.
Drawing from many disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, planning, philosophy and economics, this major covers global issues including social and environmental injustice, environmental racism and violence, the politics of conflict, and activism and social change.
With broad applications across many career paths, including the diverse field of design, you’ll be prepared to address the environmental challenges of the future. This major will be particularly relevant to those wishing to work to address environmental and social challenges through government policy making, environmental communication and advocacy, and international development.
Information Environments
You’ll explore the design and construction of the technologies and systems that society depends on for crucial functions such as commerce, entertainment and communications, and develop a deeper understanding of the interconnected systems and devices that make worldwide communication possible.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
You'll first be introduced to basic principles of innovation and entrepreneurship, including the entrepreneurial mindset and process. Then you'll apply this knowledge in practical courses on digital innovation, social entrepreneurship and growth strategies, as well as technology and innovation management.
Through leadership development, you'll become a resourceful, creative and resilient innovation leader who delivers sustainable commercial and social value. Further extending your skill set, you’ll engage directly in a short placement or consulting project in a startup or commercial partner project.
You’ll also have the option to develop and grow your own business in an incubator or accelerator within the UQ entrepreneurship ecosystem or beyond. These deep immersion experiences will move you closer to commercially viable business solutions while establishing valuable networks with potential partners, investors, entrepreneurs and mentors.
Career paths include starting your own for-profit or social venture as an entrepreneur, driving innovation within established organisations as a business manager or innovation leader, and supporting other businesses to manage and commercialise innovation as a consultant.
Media and Digital Cultures
You'll engage with course components that examine culture as art, popular culture, social media and the cultural diversity of digital media in Australia and across the world.
This major is particularly suitable for students pursuing professional ambitions in the digital media industries and user-centred digital design.
Specialisations
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Chemical Engineering
Drawing on detailed process development, modelling and systems thinking, chemical engineers apply new approaches and big-picture thinking to reduce waste and energy consumption.
In this hands-on specialisation you'll explore topics including energy and mass flows, safety and sustainability, and the possibilities of interconnected systems.
You will benefit from the insights and expertise of world-leading researchers and highly-qualified academic staff. With practical projects, guest lecturers from industry, internships and placements with leading engineering companies, you will gain the knowledge, skills and industry connections needed to transition from university to the workplace.
Civil Engineering
The civil engineering specialisation enables you to develop technical skills in building materials, the design of structures, hydrology, geotechnical engineering, fire safety and transport systems.
This is complemented with an understanding of natural systems and the analysis techniques used to examine how both the built and natural environments perform and adapt to environmental challenges such as climate change and associated shifts in rainfall, wind, flooding and natural disasters, as well as future population needs.
With a focus on applying engineering expertise to develop practical solutions, combined with regular interactions with the civil engineering industry and world-class academic staff, you will gain the knowledge, skills and industry links that will enable you to immediately contribute to the engineering profession.
Electrical Engineering
Within the electrical engineering specialisation, you will learn to design and manage equipment and investigate embedded systems that contribute to almost every sector of society.
These systems include smartphones, electrical power and renewable energy, medical imaging for healthcare, electrical appliances for homes, scientific instruments for laboratories, lasers for high-speed communication and satellite systems for remote sensing.
With much of your coursework being hands-on, you'll leave UQ with highly regarded specialist technical skills. This flexible and transportable degree will open opportunities with companies across the globe.
Electrical engineers work in exciting roles in major internet, communications and power generation organisations. Many graduates establish their own companies early in their careers or work overseas.
Mechanical Engineering
In this broad specialisation, you will learn how to design, manufacture and control machines and engines ranging from power generators through to manufacturing systems. You’ll also have access to innovative technologies and our specialist workshop areas (including our race car workshop) where you can practise your new skills.
You will study air, heat and energy flows, and learn how to control and automate machines. Using your strong analytical skills, you will identify and develop solutions for all kinds of mechanical challenges, and gain an excellent understanding of how machines are used in everyday conveniences from refrigerators to sound production, roller-coasters and computers.
You will develop expertise in creating precision machinery and apply the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, biology and technology to leverage the latest advances in cutting-edge nanotechnology.
Mechatronic Engineering
This specialisation begins with the study of design principles, mechatronic systems, theory, communication skills and ethics. Your studies will incorporate the dynamics and materials of mechanical engineering along with electrical elements such as circuit design.
You'll explore concepts and practical applications in areas including artificial intelligence, signal and systems theory, and control theory. This knowledge will also be integrated with computer science as you learn how mechanical and electrical components work together.
Each year you'll complete a hands-on, project-based subject as part of a student team. This will involve designing and building a system to solve a mechatronics task.
Previous projects include a mini-rescue vehicle, autonomous drones, cars and sailboats, and submarine recovery. You'll also complete a robotics project in your third year of study.
Mechatronic engineers are highly sought after for roles involving artificial intelligence systems, robotics, automated industrial machinery and avionics. Employers include BAE Systems, Arnott’s Australia, Epsom, Google, Amazon, Boeing ABB, Telstra, Uber and Accenture.
Software Engineering
The software engineering specialisation focuses on designing high-quality computer software and offers focused studies in computer programming, databases, web-based computing, cloud computing and cyber security. It also explores formal software engineering including how to design programs and systems that are free from errors, reliable, safe, efficient and manageable.
You will learn how to use computers to provide solutions and deliver high-quality code on time that can be integrated into existing operating environments. You will also use the principles of computer design, engineering, management, psychology and sociology in small or large multinational companies.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Anthropology
Good design requires us to think about how people will engage with and relate to the envisioned product, service or practice. This major will provide you with the skills and methods necessary to understand the people you're designing for, and to draw on this research to develop design ideas that fit our future needs.
Design anthropologists typically find work wherever a human interface or an understanding of human needs is required. You'll develop skills that transfer across industries and may find work in large engineering or architecture companies or apply your anthropological skills in policymaking or development applications across a broad range of industries.
Buildings and Environments
You will explore both building and planning including sustainability and conservation, transport and infrastructure, architecture and built environment, and the economic and social aspects of development.
Environment and Society
You will also explore how human-led processes and design outcomes shape our ability to respond to pressing environmental problems, including climate change, bushfires, food insecurity, waste and biodiversity loss.
Drawing from many disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, planning, philosophy and economics, this major covers global issues including social and environmental injustice, environmental racism and violence, the politics of conflict, and activism and social change.
With broad applications across many career paths, including the diverse field of design, you’ll be prepared to address the environmental challenges of the future. This major will be particularly relevant to those wishing to work to address environmental and social challenges through government policy making, environmental communication and advocacy, and international development.
Information Environments
You’ll explore the design and construction of the technologies and systems that society depends on for crucial functions such as commerce, entertainment and communications, and develop a deeper understanding of the interconnected systems and devices that make worldwide communication possible.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
You'll first be introduced to basic principles of innovation and entrepreneurship, including the entrepreneurial mindset and process. Then you'll apply this knowledge in practical courses on digital innovation, social entrepreneurship and growth strategies, as well as technology and innovation management.
Through leadership development, you'll become a resourceful, creative and resilient innovation leader who delivers sustainable commercial and social value. Further extending your skill set, you’ll engage directly in a short placement or consulting project in a startup or commercial partner project.
You’ll also have the option to develop and grow your own business in an incubator or accelerator within the UQ entrepreneurship ecosystem or beyond. These deep immersion experiences will move you closer to commercially viable business solutions while establishing valuable networks with potential partners, investors, entrepreneurs and mentors.
Career paths include starting your own for-profit or social venture as an entrepreneur, driving innovation within established organisations as a business manager or innovation leader, and supporting other businesses to manage and commercialise innovation as a consultant.
Media and Digital Cultures
You'll engage with course components that examine culture as art, popular culture, social media and the cultural diversity of digital media in Australia and across the world.
This major is particularly suitable for students pursuing professional ambitions in the digital media industries and user-centred digital design.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
AUD $45,120
Indicative annual fee 2021
This indicative annual fee is the cost of enrolling in the Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Design for the 2021 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
If you enrol in a larger or smaller study load, your fees will be calculated on a proportionate basis. All fees are reviewed annually.
Indicative annual fee
AUD $7,280
Indicative annual fee 2021 Commonwealth supported place
This indicative annual fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) in the Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Design for one academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units over two semesters).
Actual fees will vary according to your choice of courses and their unit value. The Australian Government indexes fees each year.
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
HECS-HELP
Domestic places in the Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Design are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.
Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
How to apply
Applying online
How you apply depends on what type of applicant you are.
Your senior schooling is from Australia or New Zealand
Submit your application to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre if you are an international student who is currently:
- completing Australian Year 12 (either in Australia or offshore) or
- studying the International Baccalaureate in Australia.
The QTAC code for the Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Design is 717121.
Find out more about applying for undergraduate study
All other international applicants
Submit your application to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Design is 2515.
Applying through QTAC
All domestic applications should be submitted to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).
The QTAC code for the Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Design is 717121.
Important dates
If you’re studying Year 12 in Australia, go to the QTAC website to check the closing date for this program.
If you’re applying to UQ, the closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
To check the closing date for this program, go to the QTAC website.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Admissions schemes
Applying to university can be both exciting and daunting, which is why we’ve tried to make the process as simple as we can.
We have several schemes in place to improve your chances of getting a place at UQ.
Pathway options
A rank or score doesn’t determine your potential.
If you're not offered a place in your first-choice program – or if you don't meet the entry requirements – you still have a number of options.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying - or if you have any questions about Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
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