Advanced Mathematics (Honours) / Engineering (Honours)(Civil Engineering)

6 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Advanced Mathematics (Honours) / Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) program at University of New South Wales is a rigorous dual degree designed for students who enjoy both abstract mathematical thinking and practical engineering problem-solving. It’s ideal if you want to understand the theory behind complex systems while applying it to real-world infrastructure challenges like bridges, transport, and urban development.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You’ll build a strong foundation in both disciplines, starting with core units like MATH1141 Higher Mathematics 1A and ENGG1000 Introduction to Engineering Design and Innovation. At the same time, CVEN1300 Engineering Mechanics introduces you to the physical principles behind structures, helping you connect mathematical theory with engineering applications.

Year 2:
This year deepens your analytical skills with subjects such as MATH1241 Higher Mathematics 1B and MATH2111 Higher Several Variable Calculus. On the engineering side, CVEN2101 Engineering Construction and CVEN2301 Fluid Mechanics begin to shape your understanding of how civil systems behave in real environments.

Year 3:
You’ll start integrating advanced mathematical modelling into engineering contexts through courses like MATH2601 Linear Algebra and MATH2621 Higher Complex Analysis. Civil engineering units such as CVEN3303 Structural Analysis and CVEN3202 Soil Mechanics give you practical tools to analyse and design infrastructure.

Year 4:
This year focuses on specialization and application, with advanced mathematics electives like MATH3611 Higher Differential Equations alongside engineering courses such as CVEN4302 Reinforced Concrete Design. You’ll begin tackling complex, real-world problems that require both theoretical precision and engineering judgment.

Year 5:
You’ll undertake honours-level mathematics study, including research-focused courses like MATH4099 Honours Thesis, allowing you to explore a specific mathematical area in depth. Engineering components such as CVEN4101 Engineering Project Management prepare you for leadership roles in large-scale projects.

Year 6:
The final year consolidates your expertise through capstone experiences like CVEN4501 Civil Engineering Project, where you apply everything you’ve learned to a major design or research project. By now, you’ll be operating at a professional level, combining advanced mathematical modelling with engineering design solutions.

Focus Areas (in a string):

Advanced mathematical modelling, structural engineering, fluid mechanics, geotechnical systems, infrastructure design, computational analysis

Learning Outcomes (in a string):

Develop high-level analytical and problem-solving skills; apply advanced mathematics to engineering systems; design and evaluate civil infrastructure; conduct independent research; communicate complex technical ideas effectively

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring graduates meet industry standards for professional engineering practice

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

University of New South Wales is consistently ranked among the top universities globally for engineering and technology (QS World University Rankings), with strong graduate employability outcomes

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Advanced Mathematics (Honours) / Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) program at UNSW, you’ll gain much more than theoretical knowledge — you’ll learn by doing. From the first year, you’ll have access to world-class laboratories and research facilities, allowing you to test materials, analyse structures, and apply mathematical models to real-world engineering problems. Through team-based design projects, industry-aligned challenges, and hands-on research, you’ll develop practical skills that bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.

Here’s how UNSW helps you gain real-world experience:

Specialist labs and research facilities – work in spaces like the Heavy Structures Laboratory, Materials and Geotechnical Labs, and the Surveying & Geospatial Engineering Lab, experimenting with materials, structures, and geospatial data.
Water and environmental research centres – explore water systems and treatment processes in the Water Research Laboratory and Water Quality Labs, applying your knowledge to environmental challenges.
Professional tools and software – use industry-standard software for modelling, simulation, and data analysis, building skills that are directly relevant to both engineering and mathematics careers.
Project-based learning and design challenges – collaborate with classmates on real-world projects, developing teamwork, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Work Integrated Learning / Industrial Training – complete at least 60 days of professional experience, gaining insight into workplace expectations and industry standards.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Advanced Mathematics (Honours) / Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) program at UNSW gives you the skills and confidence to step into careers where both analytical thinking and practical engineering are valued. Many graduates find themselves working on major infrastructure projects, consulting on complex systems, or applying advanced modelling and data analysis in industries such as construction, transport, and environmental management. Common roles include Civil Engineer, Structural Analyst, Transport Planner, and Technical Consultant:

UNSW Careers and Employability support – get personalised guidance on career planning, CV writing, interviews, and access to industry networking events and job listings tailored for engineering and maths students.
High graduate employability – UNSW graduates are highly sought after, with strong employment rates and starting salaries reflecting the practical skills and professional readiness developed during the program.
Industry partnerships – work on projects and collaborations with more than 100 industry and government organisations, giving you exposure to real-world challenges and professional networks.
Work Integrated Learning / Industrial Training – complete at least 60 days of professional experience, putting your skills into practice in a real workplace and gaining insight into industry standards.
Accreditation and long-term value – the engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord, meaning your qualification meets international professional standards.
Graduate outcomes – alumni work across construction, government, transport, infrastructure planning, consulting, and water resource management, showing how versatile and in-demand these skills are.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this combined honours program, you can continue your studies in a variety of ways. Many choose postgraduate degrees such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Mathematical Sciences, or specialised civil engineering fields like structural or transport engineering to deepen technical knowledge. Others pursue research-focused honours or PhD programs to explore academic research, innovation, and advanced problem-solving in both mathematics and engineering.