Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Renewable Energy) Honours

This is a four-year Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Renewable Energy) Honours at Edith Cowan University. It sits at level 8 on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it combines the broad engineering knowledge of a bachelor degree with an embedded honours year. You graduate with an honours qualification in one go, rather than adding a separate year afterwards.

What you study

The degree covers the core of electrical engineering, circuit theory, power systems, electronics, control, signals and machines, and then applies that to renewable energy. You look at how solar, wind and storage connect to the grid, how power electronics manage that connection, and how systems are designed and controlled. Teaching is delivered through units of study, each with a credit point value, spread across semesters. You accumulate credit points as you pass units, and the honours component usually includes a research or design thesis in your later years.

Structure and practical experience

Australian engineering degrees of this type are built around a sequence of units, with later units assuming the earlier ones. The honours thesis lets you work on a real problem, often with industry or research input. Work-integrated learning is common in engineering, and you should expect a professional placement or industry project as part of the course. ECU is in Perth, and Western Australia's electricity network, mining sector and growing renewable generation mean there are local projects and employers to connect with. The exact placement arrangements and unit list are set by the university, so check the official course page before you apply.

Skills you gain

You learn to design, analyse and troubleshoot electrical and renewable energy systems. That includes using engineering software, reading and producing technical drawings, working with standards, and communicating designs to both technical and non-technical people. The honours research component builds your ability to investigate a problem, gather evidence and write it up, useful whether you go into industry or further study.

Who it suits

This suits school leavers with strong maths and physics who want a defined engineering career, and also people already working in electrical trades or technical roles who want to move into engineering. It is a full-time, four-year commitment. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may let you stay and work in Australia, depending on the rules at the time. English requirements for entry are set by ECU; the Student visa has its own separate English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 092816J.

• Electrical engineer in power generation, transmission and distribution
• Renewable energy engineer working on solar, wind and battery projects
• Power systems engineer with network operators and utilities
• Control and instrumentation engineer in mining, oil and gas, or manufacturing
• Design engineer with engineering consultancies
• Project engineer on energy infrastructure builds
• Electrical engineer in building services and infrastructure
• Research or postgraduate study in electrical engineering or renewable energy

Typical employers in Australia include electricity network businesses, energy retailers and generators, engineering consultancies, mining and resources companies, construction and infrastructure firms, and government agencies. The skills also transfer to roles in automation, defence and telecommunications.