The Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours) / Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours) is a prestigious double degree that integrates two complementary disciplines — engineering systems thinking with human-centred, creative design practice. Students learn holistic approaches to the design of sustainable technologies and engineering systems for global development, while also gaining the skills to protect, restore and create engineered and natural systems that are socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. The industrial design component develops innovative, original and ethical designers through technical, theoretical, and applied design opportunities, preparing graduates to solve complex real-world challenges at the intersection of function, form and sustainability. The degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and, upon full accreditation, qualifies graduates for membership of Engineers Australia and international recognition across 18 countries under the Washington Accord.

This dual qualification typically spans five years of full-time study, covering core streams in sustainable systems engineering (including mathematics, engineering design, and professional practice with specialisations in energy or transport and logistics) and four industrial design streams encompassing design studies, communications, technology, and design studios. Students undertake real-world design projects within industry and community organisations, participate in the Engineers Without Borders humanitarian challenge, and complete a substantial capstone project in the final year that integrates both disciplines. The result is a graduate who bridges the gap between technical engineering rigour and human-centred design creativity.

Graduates are highly sought after by a wide range of employers across Australia and internationally, including engineering consultancies, renewable energy companies, transport and logistics firms, sustainable product manufacturers, government infrastructure agencies, design studios, and global corporations with sustainability mandates. Key employers operate across sectors such as energy, transport, advanced manufacturing, built environment, circular economy, smart cities, and sustainable product development — making this one of Australia's most versatile and future-focused engineering qualifications.

For Australian domestic students, entry into this double degree typically requires completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) with competitive ATAR scores — often in the range of 70–85 depending on the institution. Most providers require prerequisite subjects in mathematics (commonly Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4, or equivalent, with a minimum study score of around 25) and English (typically a minimum study score of 25 in any English subject, or 30 in English as an Additional Language). Some institutions may also recommend or require a unit in Physics. ATAR requirements can vary between institutions and may change annually; applicants should confirm current requirements with their chosen provider. Credit, recognition of prior learning (RPL), or completion of a foundation studies programme may also provide alternative pathways into the degree.

International students are generally required to demonstrate English language proficiency through standardised tests such as IELTS (typically an overall band of 6.0–6.5, with no individual band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic. Academic qualifications equivalent to Australian Year 12 with appropriate subject prerequisites are required. For the industrial design component, while a formal portfolio is not always a mandatory entry requirement for undergraduate admission in Australia, applicants with a strong visual arts or design background and a portfolio of creative work are viewed favourably and may be requested at some institutions. Work experience is not generally required at the undergraduate level, though it can strengthen applications and may be considered for RPL or advanced standing.