Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Civil)/Bachelor of Applied Innovation

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

This double degree is perfect if you want to build the future while thinking creatively. You’ll learn how to design real-world infrastructure projects as a civil engineer, while also developing the innovation and problem-solving skills that help you approach challenges in bold, creative ways. Whether you dream of leading engineering projects or creating innovative solutions that change industries, this program gives you the tools to stand out.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll get a solid foundation in both civil engineering and innovation. You’ll study units like Preliminary Mathematics, Introduction to Programming, and Humanitarian Engineering Design Project to develop your technical skills, alongside Exploring Creativity and Innovation and Fundamentals of Innovation Practice to kickstart your creative thinking. This mix sets the stage for thinking like both an engineer and an innovator.

Year 2:
Year two deepens your expertise. Engineering units like Engineering Materials and Engineering Mechanics help you understand the behaviour of structures and forces, while innovation units such as Innovation Sandpit let you collaborate on real projects that solve practical problems. By the end of this year, you’ll be applying theory in hands-on ways.

Year 3:
By the third year, your learning becomes more integrated. Advanced engineering units like Structural Mechanics are paired with innovation-focused courses such as Responsible Innovation Futures, helping you see how technical solutions impact society. You’ll start tackling projects that combine creativity and engineering know-how.

Year 4:
In year four, you’ll work on more complex projects and refine your skills in both fields. The engineering capstone, Final Year Capstone Project 1, challenges you to deliver professional-quality designs, while innovation electives allow you to lead interdisciplinary projects and explore your specific areas of interest.

Year 5:
The final year is all about synthesis and preparing for your career. Final Year Capstone Project 2 in engineering lets you solve big, real-world problems, while advanced innovation projects give you the confidence to lead, create, and apply your skills in professional contexts.

Focus Areas

Civil infrastructure and structural engineering, creative problem-solving, interdisciplinary design, and innovation practice.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate ready to design and manage civil engineering projects, apply innovation frameworks to complex challenges, communicate across technical and creative contexts, and lead multidisciplinary teams.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The civil engineering component is professionally accredited and prepares you for membership with Engineers Australia, giving your career credibility and long-term professional options.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Swinburne is highly regarded for producing graduates who are job-ready, with strong industry connections and top rankings in Victoria for graduate employability and salary outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swinburne, learning goes far beyond lectures — you’ll get hands-on with real projects from the very start. In civil engineering, you’ll work on industry-linked projects each semester, designing and solving practical problems that mirror what professionals do every day. On the applied innovation side, you’ll tackle team-based projects that encourage creative thinking, problem-solving, and turning ideas into action. Along the way, you’ll use professional tools and facilities that help you gain the skills employers actually look for:

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Industry projects and placements: Work on real engineering briefs and innovation challenges, build your CV, and make professional connections — some students even land jobs through these experiences.
Trimble Technology Lab: Get hands-on with industry-standard software, 3D scanning tools, and AR/VR systems used in construction and design projects.
Digital Construction Lab: Explore next-generation construction methods with 3D printers, robotics, and other innovative tech.
Construction Simulation Hub: Practice planning, safety, and design scenarios with virtual and augmented reality tools.
Smart Structures Laboratory: Test and study materials and structures in a lab environment that mirrors real-world engineering research.
Innovation projects: Units like Innovation Sandpit and Engineering Technology Innovation Project let you work in teams to tackle real-world challenges, combining creativity, tech, and practical problem-solving.

All of these opportunities are supported by Swinburne’s state-of-the-art labs, research spaces, and career-focused environments, so you graduate not just with knowledge, but with real skills and confidence to succeed in your career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this double degree means you’ll be ready to step confidently into careers that combine technical engineering skills with creative, innovative thinking. Many graduates go on to work as civil engineers, innovation leads, strategic designers, or product managers, applying both their engineering expertise and inventive problem-solving skills to real-world challenges. Swinburne equips you with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional networks to make a smooth transition from study to a meaningful career:

Here’s how the university supports you along the way:

Career services you can rely on: Swinburne’s Careers & Employability team offers personalised guidance, workshops, interview coaching, and the Professional Purpose program to help you prepare for your career and stand out to employers.
Strong employment outcomes: Swinburne consistently ranks highly for graduate employability and salary, reflecting how well graduates of engineering and innovation pathways are doing in the workforce.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Through placements, industry projects, and internships built into your degree, you’ll gain practical experience, build professional connections, and often secure job offers before graduation.
Industry partnerships and networking: Swinburne collaborates with businesses, government agencies, and community organisations, giving you opportunities to work on real-world briefs and projects while still at university.
Accreditation and long-term professional value: The civil engineering portion is accredited by Engineers Australia, giving your qualification credibility and opening doors to professional recognition nationally and internationally.
Graduation confidence: By the time you finish, you’ll have the skills, experience, and creative thinking to tackle complex challenges in engineering, innovation, and leadership roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could continue learning through Master’s programs in specialised engineering fields such as structural or sustainable engineering to deepen your technical expertise. Alternatively, postgraduate study in innovation, leadership, or technology management can open pathways into research, consulting, or senior management roles — helping you expand your career possibilities and make an even bigger impact.