Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Economics
Overview
Enhance your engineering skill set through a dual program with economics, and learn how to question, analyse, model and predict human behaviour.
This dual program will equip you with expertise in economics to enhance your engineering abilities, providing you with skills in investment decision-making and managing complex environmental and social priorities.
In the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) program you’ll develop technical skills through a core specialisation, which will form the basis of your career.
Depending on your choice of specialisation, the skills you'll develop under the program's engineering component will allow you to work in a range of fields, from infrastructure and hospitals to energy and software.
In the Bachelor of Economics program, you'll challenge your personal thinking and current ideas of people and the world, and learn how economics is central to decision-making in business, markets, trade, government, health and more. You'll undertake a variety of courses that will build your knowledge about key economic principles, theories and tools, and study topics including microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics.
You'll graduate with a highly regarded skill set, ready for exciting and rewarding career opportunities across an amazing array of industries and organisations.
Program highlights
- Join the university with the largest range of engineering disciplines in the state.
- Study at the only institution in Queensland to offer the Bachelor of Economics.
- Benefit from the School of Economics' research focus that ensures content is engaging and relevant today and into the future.
- Develop a range of statistical and analytical tools you can use to solve policy and decision-making challenges.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Economics and Public Policy
- Economics of Strategy and Behaviour
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Online study
- Research experience
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
- Peer-assisted study sessions
- Seminars
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'.
See courses and program structure
View dual degree planner (PDF)
The 2025 dual degree planner is not yet available. The planner displayed is for a previous year and is a guide only.
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:
- Economic consultant
- Chemical engineer
- Civil engineer
- Investment analyst
- Electrical engineer
- Trade finance operations officer
- Mechanical engineer
- Mining engineer
- Energy and resource economist
- Software engineer
Graduate salary
Engineering (undergraduate)
compared.edu.au
Graduate salary
Business and management (undergraduate)
compared.edu.au
Program accreditation
The Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Economics is accredited by:
- Engineers Australia
I really enjoy engaging in application based learning such as the Community Engagement Program in BEL Faculty and ICARUS in the EAIT Faculty. There aren't many universities in the world which grant the ability to pursue two very distinct degrees.
I chose to study chemical engineering because it's a very broad engineering discipline that will allow me to grow in different directions. I am also studying a Bachelor of Economics, majoring in Natural Resources and Environmental Economics, to further engage my interests in sustainability and the circular economy.
I really enjoy engaging in application based learning such as the Community Engagement Program in BEL Faculty and ICARUS in the EAIT Faculty. There aren't many universities in the world which grant the ability to pursue two very distinct degrees.
I chose to study chemical engineering because it's a very broad engineering discipline that will allow me to grow in different directions. I am also studying a Bachelor of Economics, majoring in Natural Resources and Environmental Economics, to further engage my interests in sustainability and the circular economy.
Events
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13 January - 13 January
Institute of Modern Languages High School Enrichment Program
7 April
International Baccalaureate Research Skills Program
Stories
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Entry requirements
Prerequisites
Studying Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C) and both Chemistry and Physics is recommended as students will have increased flexibility in their studies.
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
Studying Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C) and both Chemistry and Physics is recommended as students will have increased flexibility in their studies.
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 |
|---|---|
| 84 | 30.5 |
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2024. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in April each year. Meeting the entry score threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
Guarantee your place at UQ: If you meet our guaranteed minimum ATAR you could secure an offer for your preferred program.
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 (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
PTE Academic - 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.
Inherent requirements
To complete this degree, you have to meet its inherent requirements by demonstrating essential skills and attributes. Read the inherent requirements before you apply.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Economics 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 Student (GS) requirement.
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the B Engineering(Hon)/B Economics for Semester 1, 2024
| Without adjustments | With adjustments | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest | 99.85 | 99.95 |
| Median | 95.2 | 95.75 |
| Lowest | 83.85 | 85.7 |
Who you'll study with
Here's a snapshot of our student intake for this program in Semester 1, 2024:
| Applicant background | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
(A) Higher education study | <5 | <5 |
(B) Vocational Education and Training (VET) study | 0 | 0% |
(C) Work and life experience | 0 | 0% |
| (D) Recent secondary education | ||
| N/P | N/P |
| 0 | 0% |
| 0 | 0% |
International students | 0 | 0% |
Total | 17 | 100% |
"<5" — The number of students is less than 5.
N/A — Students not accepted in this category.
N/P — Not published. The number is hidden to protect the privacy of students in other cells.
Need help meeting the entry requirements?
Majors
Specialisations
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
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.
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.
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.
Career paths can lead to roles in the telecommunications industry, computer industry, the mining and transport sector, or in power generation and transmission industries.
Our electrical, computer, and biomedical engineers have been employed by organisations such as Siemens, Phillips, Cochlear, Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson and ResMed.
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.
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 application 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.
Employment opportunities can be found in product development and manufacturing, mining, aerospace and defence, transport, and government and industry research groups.
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.
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:
The major focuses on the analytical tools you'll need to design and evaluate public policies. Core courses examine public finance and regulatory economics, while electives include advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and a range of policy courses.
Graduates usually work in public policy, government bodies, not-for-profit organisations, private enterprise and politics.
You will acquire the ability to apply advanced and cutting-edge economic insights to analyse problems and create solutions. You will learn how to interpret, advise and lead in situations involving strategic competition between individuals, teams, businesses and nations. You will understand new ways of collecting and interpreting data.
The major will also provide an opportunity to learn behavioural economics insights about how people behave in the real world, and why this matters. You will gain a deep and cutting-edge knowledge of strategy and behaviour from an economic perspective. This will position you exceptionally well to play a leading part in the future direction of business, government and society.
You'll study banking and international trade theories, and gain an understanding of financial systems and the role they play in economies. You'll also get to choose from advanced-level electives in areas including macroeconomics, econometrics and financial management.
Graduates usually work in financial institutions, government agencies, consulting firms and private enterprise.
You'll learn about the methods economists use to measure, analyse, predict and model a broad range of economic scenarios.
With its strong mathematical and modelling focus, this major will show you how to analyse problems clearly and based on evidence.
Advanced courses cover areas including statistics, econometric theory, and productivity and efficiency analysis.
Graduates usually work in research consultancies, management organisations, private business and government enterprise.
Specialisations
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
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.
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.
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.
Career paths can lead to roles in the telecommunications industry, computer industry, the mining and transport sector, or in power generation and transmission industries.
Our electrical, computer, and biomedical engineers have been employed by organisations such as Siemens, Phillips, Cochlear, Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson and ResMed.
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.
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 application 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.
Employment opportunities can be found in product development and manufacturing, mining, aerospace and defence, transport, and government and industry research groups.
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.
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:
The major focuses on the analytical tools you'll need to design and evaluate public policies. Core courses examine public finance and regulatory economics, while electives include advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and a range of policy courses.
Graduates usually work in public policy, government bodies, not-for-profit organisations, private enterprise and politics.
You will acquire the ability to apply advanced and cutting-edge economic insights to analyse problems and create solutions. You will learn how to interpret, advise and lead in situations involving strategic competition between individuals, teams, businesses and nations. You will understand new ways of collecting and interpreting data.
The major will also provide an opportunity to learn behavioural economics insights about how people behave in the real world, and why this matters. You will gain a deep and cutting-edge knowledge of strategy and behaviour from an economic perspective. This will position you exceptionally well to play a leading part in the future direction of business, government and society.
You'll study banking and international trade theories, and gain an understanding of financial systems and the role they play in economies. You'll also get to choose from advanced-level electives in areas including macroeconomics, econometrics and financial management.
Graduates usually work in financial institutions, government agencies, consulting firms and private enterprise.
You'll learn about the methods economists use to measure, analyse, predict and model a broad range of economic scenarios.
With its strong mathematical and modelling focus, this major will show you how to analyse problems clearly and based on evidence.
Advanced courses cover areas including statistics, econometric theory, and productivity and efficiency analysis.
Graduates usually work in research consultancies, management organisations, private business and government enterprise.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$9,695
2024
Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.
$9,695
2025
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $52,880
2024
Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.
AUD $52,880
2025
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) / Economics 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
You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:
How to apply
Applying online
If your senior schooling is from outside Australia, you can submit your application to UQ. Or, if you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Economics is 2490.
Find out more about applying for undergraduate study
If your senior schooling is from Australia
Submit your application to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre if you're an international student who is currently studying:
- Australian Year 12 (in Australia or another country), or
- the International Baccalaureate in Australia.
The QTAC code for the Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Economics is 717601.
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) / Economics is 717601.
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 university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
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