Study Engineering in Perth: 9 Majors in UWA’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Engineering suits students who want to understand how the world works while helping to build it: from software and robotics to energy, infrastructure, and health. At The University of Western Australia (UWA), the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) is designed as a four-year degree with nine majors and integrated practical experience.[1]
For Indonesian students, the key question is not simply “Should I study engineering in Australia?” It is which major best fits your academic strengths, learning style, and the real-world problems you want to solve.
The nine majors available
UWA lists nine specialisation options in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours):
- Automation and Robotics Engineering;
- Biomedical Engineering;
- Chemical Engineering;
- Civil Engineering;
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering;
- Environmental Engineering;
- Mechanical Engineering;
- Mining Engineering; and
- Software Engineering.[1]
Automation and Robotics may appeal to students interested in intelligent systems, control, and automation. Biomedical combines engineering design and principles with computing, mathematics, life sciences, and medicine to support the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and disability.[1]
Civil focuses on infrastructure; Environmental on environmental challenges; Electrical and Electronic on power systems and electronics; and Mechanical on design and mechanical systems. Chemical, Mining, and Software open different contexts again: industrial processes, resources, or digital-solution development. The best major is not necessarily the one that sounds most popular, but the one that matches your interests and readiness to study its foundations in depth.
Learning theory while developing practical skills
UWA says the course includes 450 hours of practical work-integrated learning, co-curricular activities, and professional-skills development.[1] Students can also take hands-on intensives in skills such as 3D printing, welding, and soldering, depending on the needs of their chosen engineering pathway.[1]
That combination matters because engineering is not only about equations. Students need to learn how to develop solutions to open-ended problems, work in teams, explain technical ideas, and understand industry settings. UWA also presents the EZONE UWA Student Hub as a flexible learning space for engineering and mathematical-science students to collaborate and interact with industry.[1]
Choosing a major with more direction
Start with the school subjects and activities you genuinely enjoy. If you like Mathematics, Physics, coding, design, experiments, or building projects, note the pattern. Then compare it with the kinds of problems each major addresses, rather than only the job title.
For example, students who enjoy coding and digital systems may explore Software or Automation and Robotics. Students interested in energy and devices may look at Electrical and Electronic; those drawn to structural design and public spaces can investigate Civil. The next step is to check current subject prerequisites, curriculum, practical-learning opportunities, and fees for your intended intake.
Study pathways and campus experience
UWA listed February and July intakes on the course page when it was checked.[1] The programme also describes combined-degree options with Arts, Commerce, Science, or Modern Languages; durations can differ according to the combination and major.[1] This can be useful if you want to pair engineering with another field, but it should be planned early so your study timeline remains realistic.
RIM Education can help you compare engineering options in Australia, understand application requirements, and review your document readiness. Contact RIM Education to discuss your plan.
Important: Majors, intakes, duration, entry requirements, subject prerequisites, fees, scholarships, work-integrated learning, and visa conditions can change. Always check UWA’s official course page, handbook, fee calculator, and your letter of offer before making a decision.[1]
Sources
[1] Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) — The University of Western Australia