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

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Arts at UNSW Sydney combines the technical depth of civil engineering with the broad perspective of an arts degree. Students gain expertise in areas such as structural design, transport systems, and water engineering, while also developing critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills through arts subjects like history, languages, or international relations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in engineering through courses like Mathematics, Physics, Computing, and Introduction to Engineering Design and Innovation. At the same time, they begin their arts major, exploring subjects that develop critical thinking, cultural awareness, and effective communication skills.

Year 2:
The second year deepens both engineering and arts learning. Civil engineering students study core principles in areas such as mechanics and materials while continuing with arts subjects that may include politics, philosophy, or languages. This year helps students become more adaptable and prepares them for complex problem-solving.

Years 3–4:
From the third year, students focus more on civil engineering specializations while progressing through advanced arts units. Coursework emphasizes practical skills, professional practice, and opportunities for work-integrated learning, helping students apply knowledge in real-world contexts.

Years 5–5.7:
In the final stage, students complete advanced engineering electives and upper-level arts units, culminating in 60 days of required industrial training. This hands-on experience, combined with high-level design and professional practice courses, prepares students to enter the workforce confidently as skilled engineers with a broader perspective.

Focus Areas

Civil infrastructure design and management, structural analysis, transport and water engineering, construction systems, and arts disciplines including politics, languages, or culture.

Learning Outcomes

Develop analytical and problem-solving skills in engineering contexts, communicate effectively across technical and creative domains, apply interdisciplinary knowledge in both technical projects and arts research, and build professional readiness through industrial experience.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The engineering component of the degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord, giving graduates global recognition as professional engineers.

Reputation

UNSW is highly ranked for Engineering and Technology and is known for producing graduates who are well-prepared for the workforce, consistently recognised in national and global employability rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UNSW, you won’t just be sitting in lectures — you’ll be learning by doing from day one. This program blends theory with real-world practice, giving you hands-on experience in solving engineering problems, working on projects, and developing the skills that employers value most. You’ll use state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities to test structures, materials, and water systems, while also exploring professional practice through industry-linked projects. On top of that, a compulsory 60-day industrial training placement puts you in a real workplace, so you graduate not just with knowledge, but with practical experience and confidence.

You’ll get these hands-on opportunities:

Work in specialist facilities like the Water Research Laboratory, Heavy Structures Laboratory, and materials testing labs to experiment with real engineering systems.
Complete industrial training placements in professional engineering environments, gaining insight into workplace culture and hands-on engineering practice.
Take part in design projects and industry-linked challenges that tackle real-world construction, infrastructure, and transport problems.
Use industry-standard software and computing tools for modeling, data analysis, and project simulations.
Collaborate on group projects and research-linked activities, preparing you for teamwork and innovation in multidisciplinary engineering contexts.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this double degree leave UNSW ready to step straight into the professional world with a rare combination of technical engineering skills and broad, creative thinking from the arts. Typical roles include Civil Engineer, Infrastructure Consultant, Project Manager, or Policy Analyst in government and industry. The mix of problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills makes you highly sought after in sectors like construction, transport, consulting, and urban planning:

Career support services: UNSW’s Careers and Employment team provides tailored support, including internships, industry placements, resume and interview preparation, and networking events to help you move confidently from study into the workforce.
Employment outcomes: UNSW graduates are recognised for their employability, with strong demand from employers in Australia and internationally, reflecting the value of the skills you gain in this program.
Industry partnerships: You’ll have opportunities to work on real projects with companies and community partners through initiatives like ChallENG, helping you build professional connections before you even graduate.
Accreditation benefits: The engineering degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord, giving your qualification global credibility and opening doors to international career opportunities.
Graduate destinations: Alumni work across consulting firms, construction and infrastructure companies, government agencies, and technical management roles — all places where your combination of engineering and arts skills gives you an edge.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could continue your studies to specialise or explore research and leadership roles. Options include a Master of Engineering, a Master of Urban Planning or Built Environment, or even a Master of Public Policy, depending on whether you want to deepen your technical skills, broaden into planning and policy, or engage in interdisciplinary research. For those interested in academia, the degree also provides a strong foundation for pursuing a PhD in engineering or related fields.