Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Environmental) Honours

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Environmental) Honours at Edith Cowan University is perfect for students who want to create real-world infrastructure while protecting the environment. You’ll learn how to design roads, bridges, water systems, and sustainable projects, blending solid engineering skills with environmental awareness to make a real impact. (ECU Official Program Page)

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
Your first year gives you a strong foundation in engineering basics, so you’ll feel confident in tackling real-world problems later. You’ll study Engineering Drawing and Computer Aided Design, Mathematics, and Engineering Mechanics, learning how to think like an engineer and approach technical challenges with creativity.

Year 2:
In the second year, you’ll move into core civil engineering topics, diving into Engineering Materials, Surveying, and Materials and Manufacturing. This is where theory meets practice—you’ll start understanding how the buildings, roads, and bridges we see every day are actually designed and built.

Year 3:
Year three is all about specialization. You’ll explore Structural Analysis and Design, Hydrology and Hydraulics, and Construction Technology and Site Management, giving you hands-on skills for large-scale infrastructure projects. You’ll also start thinking like a project leader, not just a designer.

Year 4:
In your final year, you’ll tackle advanced environmental engineering challenges with units like Environmental Risk Assessment and Management, Water and Wastewater Treatment, and Air-borne Pollution Control. You’ll also get valuable industry experience through at least 12 weeks of professional work placements, giving you the confidence and connections to start your engineering career.

Focus areas:
Civil infrastructure design, structural engineering, water systems, environmental sustainability, pollution and waste management, project and construction management

Learning outcomes:
By the end of this program, you’ll be able to solve complex engineering problems, design and manage projects, use modern engineering tools, and communicate effectively in teams—all while keeping environmental sustainability in mind.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This honours degree is professionally accredited, giving you a clear pathway toward becoming a licensed professional engineer.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Edith Cowan University is recognized globally, with a strong focus on practical, industry-ready skills—graduates are highly employable and well-prepared for real-world engineering roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Edith Cowan University, you won’t just be sitting in lectures—you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience that prepares you for the real world. From day one, you’ll use professional tools, work on practical projects, and see how civil and environmental engineering works in action. A key highlight is the Engineering Practicum, where you complete 12 weeks of professional work experience with industry partners, giving you a taste of real engineering careers before you graduate. You’ll also study in modern labs at the Joondalup campus, equipped for everything from structural testing and fluid mechanics to surveying and construction technology.

Here’s how your practical learning comes to life:

Professional work experience: Complete 12 weeks in an approved engineering role—whether it’s a construction company, consulting firm, or government department—to gain hands-on industry exposure.
Modern labs and facilities: Access cutting-edge civil and structural engineering labs, maker spaces, and testing areas to practice and experiment with real engineering tools.
Team-based projects: Work on group projects in units like Surveying and Site Measurement and Construction Technology, developing teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Practicum preparation: Learn how to engage with professional engineers, contribute to projects on site or in offices, and reflect on real-world challenges.
Campus support: The Joondalup campus library offers extensive engineering resources, so you have all the support you need for research, projects, and assignments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Environmental) Honours at Edith Cowan University are ready to step straight into exciting careers that shape our cities and protect our environment. You’ll leave with the technical know-how, practical experience, and problem-solving skills employers are looking for, preparing you for a variety of engineering roles:

Typical job roles: Civil Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Water Resource Engineer, and Project/Construction Manager — all areas with strong demand as communities grow and sustainability becomes more important.
Career support: ECU’s Careers and Employability Services offers one-on-one coaching, workshops, resume advice, employer networking events, and access to CareerHub, where you can find internships, graduate jobs, and employer connections.
Industry partnerships: ECU works closely with construction companies, environmental consultancies, and government agencies, giving students opportunities for real-world placements, mentoring, and networking.
Graduate outcomes: ECU graduates are highly employable, with strong employer satisfaction and national recognition for skills development and practical readiness.
Accreditation benefits: This degree is professionally accredited, which means your qualification is recognised for future chartered or professional engineer status, giving it long-term value.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your honours degree, you can continue your studies to specialise further. Many graduates move on to Master’s programs in areas like Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resource Management, or Project Management. If research interests you, there’s also the option to pursue a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or a PhD, which can open doors to advanced research, teaching, or leadership roles in both academia and industry. These pathways give you even deeper expertise and help you stand out in a competitive engineering job market.