Major overview
Industrial and systems engineers design, install and improve systems that integrate people, materials, equipment, energy, information and finance – all while ensuring that quality, safety, environment and human needs are met. They utilise engineering management techniques with the principles and methods of engineering design and analysis to evaluate and predict the results of change.
Industrial and systems engineers have key roles in teams responsible for timing, costing, layouts, process flows, equipment requirements, plant operations and whole systems. These systems include manufacturing facilities, supply chains, transportation networks and warehouses.
Upon completing this course, you’ll have the skills to be a frontline engineer in this rapidly expanding field.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Career outcomes
Industrial and systems engineering is an expanding field, particularly in areas such as digitised automation, driverless vehicles and unmanned aircraft.
Careers
- Manufacturing engineer
- Production engineer
- Data modeller
- Logistics specialist
- Material handling, maintenance or scheduling specialist
- Plant manager
- Process control analyst/improvement specialist
- Quality controller
Industries
- Minerals and energy
- Communications
- Defence
- Space exploration
- Banking and finance
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Retail
Professional accreditation and recognition
This course is endorsed by the Naval Shipbuilding College and has provisional accreditation from Engineers Australia. (Provisional accreditation indicates that the course meets the accreditation criteria to the extent possible at the time of evaluation and is likely to be granted full accreditation).
Why study at Curtin?
World-ranked, global university
Curtin has seven global campuses and ranks in the top 1% of universities worldwide (based on the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2025).
Industry professional practice
Practical experiences and industry placements will prepare you for professional work environments.
Immersive learning facilities
Curtin's purpose-designed Engineering Pavilion includes a dedicated First Year Studio and project rooms.
Hear from our students
"You can learn so much and develop more quickly as an engineer through the extracurricular opportunities at Curtin. I completed an internship with [global technology company] SLB, learning about the equipment and tools used in the oil and gas industry. I also developed apps for the technicians in the tool maintenance workshop to use, and I’ve since been offered a job with SLB as a field engineer. Thanks to the presence of Engineers Australia on campus, I’ve created an incredible network and been involved in exciting events. I’m now an Engineers Australia ambassador, and I’ve also volunteered as a student tutor, mentoring first-year engineering students."
Luke Scott
Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial and Systems Engineering) (Honours)
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Major structure
This course incorporates units from engineering, sustainability, management and industrial mathematics. You will gain specialist knowledge and practical foundations in areas including: engineering design, manufacturing, quality, systems engineering, control, operations research, practice and management, modelling, simulation and optimisation of industrial processes.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this major either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.