Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Civil)/Bachelor of Science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) / Bachelor of Science at Swinburne combines hands-on civil engineering training with the chance to explore a science field you’re passionate about. It’s ideal if you love solving real-world problems, working with teams, and want a degree that gives you both technical engineering skills and scientific insight.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
Your first year lays the foundation in both engineering and science. You’ll dive into Humanitarian Engineering Design Project, Engineering Materials, and Engineering Mechanics, learning how forces, materials, and design work together in real projects. Meanwhile, science units like Concepts of Biology, Introduction to Chemistry, and Societal Challenges in Science help you develop lab skills, analytical thinking, and a broad understanding of scientific challenges.

Year 2:
In year two, your learning becomes more hands-on and specialised. Engineering units such as Topographical Engineering and Digital Engineering Project let you model and design real sites, while Design of Concrete Structures strengthens your practical skills. In science, you’ll start to focus on your chosen major, gaining deeper knowledge and analytical abilities in fields like environmental science, physics, or biochemistry.

Year 3:
Year three is about applying your knowledge in real-world contexts. Professional Experience in Engineering gives you the chance to work in industry, and units like Urban Water Resources and Design of Steel Structures build practical design and problem-solving skills. Your science major takes you deeper into experiments, analysis, and critical thinking, helping you become confident in the lab and in research.

Year 4:
By the fourth year, your projects get bigger and more complex. You’ll complete Final Year Capstone Project and Infrastructure Design Project, integrating your engineering knowledge to solve real engineering challenges. Your advanced science units continue to build your research, analytical, and communication skills, preparing you for professional or research roles after graduation.

Year 5:
In your final year, you’ll wrap up both your engineering and science studies with senior projects that showcase everything you’ve learned. You’ll leave Swinburne with strong practical engineering skills, scientific expertise, and a portfolio of work that demonstrates your abilities to employers or postgraduate programs.

Focus areas

Civil engineering design, scientific research, infrastructure planning, digital engineering tools, analytical problem-solving, laboratory and fieldwork

Learning outcomes

Apply engineering principles to real-world problems, conduct and analyse scientific experiments, integrate knowledge across disciplines, use digital and analytical tools, communicate effectively in teams

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Your engineering degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, giving you internationally recognised credentials, while the science degree opens pathways into research, technical roles, or specialist science careers.

Reputation

Swinburne is highly ranked for graduate outcomes and employability, recognised as #1 in Victoria for graduate employability and salary, and its engineering programs are nationally and internationally respected for hands-on learning and industry readiness.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In this degree, learning isn’t just about lectures — it’s about doing. From day one, you’ll get hands-on experience using real tools and technology, working on projects that mirror what professional engineers and scientists tackle every day. Whether you’re testing structures, modelling designs, or conducting experiments in your science major, Swinburne’s facilities and programs are designed to build your confidence and practical skills:

Work Integrated Learning and industry projects: You’ll take part in industry-linked projects and professional briefs, letting you apply what you learn in class to real-world engineering and scientific challenges.
Professional experience opportunities: Units like Professional Experience in Engineering and optional placements connect you with workplaces so you can gain practical skills and start building a professional network before graduation.
Trimble Technology Lab: Here you can work with advanced digital tools and software, including 3D scanning and modelling, giving you experience with the same technology used by engineers in industry.
Construction Simulation Hub: Explore digital design and visualisation using mixed-reality tools, helping you see how complex infrastructure projects are planned and managed.
Digital Construction Lab: Get hands-on with 3D printers and robotics for automated construction, giving you early exposure to next-generation engineering technologies.
Science and engineering research facilities: Swinburne’s labs — including chemistry, physics, microscopy, and advanced manufacturing spaces — support your science studies alongside engineering projects, helping you build both technical and analytical skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this dual degree gives you the skills and confidence to step straight into exciting and varied careers. You could work as a civil engineer, environmental scientist, infrastructure project coordinator, or R&D specialist, combining practical engineering know-how with scientific insight to tackle real-world challenges. With hands-on projects, industry experience, and a degree that employers respect, you’ll be ready to make an impact from day one.

Here’s how Swinburne supports you to get there:

Career support services: The Careers and Employability team helps you polish your resume, practice interviews, and connect with employers so you can move smoothly from study into work.
Strong graduate outcomes: Swinburne graduates are highly employable, with top rankings in Victoria for graduate employability and salary — showing that your degree will open doors to well-paid, rewarding roles.
Industry experience: Work Integrated Learning and industry projects throughout your degree give you real-world experience and professional connections that often lead directly to job opportunities.
Accreditation and credibility: The engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, giving your qualification national and international recognition and helping you access professional engineering roles worldwide.
Versatile skills for employers: Employers value Swinburne graduates for combining technical engineering skills with scientific problem-solving, making you adaptable across construction, research, environmental planning, and technology sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, you can continue your studies to specialise or advance your career. Options include a Master of Engineering Practice to enhance technical and leadership skills, a Master of Science in your chosen field for research expertise, or other postgraduate pathways that prepare you for innovation, sustainability projects, or senior technical roles.