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

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) / Bachelor of Engineering Science at UNSW is a five-year double degree that combines in-depth civil engineering skills with a broader technical perspective. It’s perfect for students who want to design and manage major infrastructure projects while also exploring emerging technologies and interdisciplinary engineering knowledge.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in engineering with subjects like Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Physics, and Introduction to Civil Engineering, alongside Computational Problem Solving. This year focuses on developing analytical thinking and problem-solving skills while introducing you to the practical challenges engineers face.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on core civil engineering concepts with courses such as Mechanics of Solids, Soil Mechanics and Engineering Geology, and Hydraulic Engineering. You’ll also begin your Engineering Science studies, gaining exposure to complementary technical skills that broaden your expertise.

Year 3:
Year three moves into more advanced applications, including Structural Analysis, Transport Engineering, and Civil Engineering Materials, alongside specialised Engineering Science courses. This is where theory meets practice, preparing you to tackle complex infrastructure systems.

Year 4:
In the fourth year, you can dive deeper into areas like structural, geotechnical, water, or construction engineering through electives and advanced topics. You’ll also gain practical experience through professional training, applying your knowledge in real-world settings.

Year 5:
The final year focuses on your honours thesis and a capstone design project, giving you the opportunity to solve real engineering problems. This is your chance to specialise further and showcase your ability to design, research, and deliver large-scale engineering solutions.

Focus areas

Structural engineering, Geotechnical engineering, Transport systems, Water engineering, Construction management, Engineering analytics

Learning outcomes

Advanced problem-solving, Infrastructure design expertise, Data-driven engineering analysis, Project management skills, Industry-ready technical competence

Professional alignment

Accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord, giving your qualification global recognition.

Reputation

UNSW is consistently ranked among the top in Australia and globally for Engineering, reflecting strong graduate employability and a respected industry reputation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying Civil Engineering at UNSW means you’ll be doing much more than sitting in lectures — you’ll be learning by actually building, testing, and designing. The School of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers access to world-class laboratories like the Water Research Laboratory, the Infrastructure Laboratory, and the Heavy Structures Laboratory, so you can experiment with real materials and structures. You’ll also use cutting-edge tools and digital software, work on team-based design projects, and even complete a 60-day Industrial Training placement, giving you hands-on experience that directly connects what you learn in the classroom to the real world.

Here’s how UNSW helps you gain practical experience:

State-of-the-art laboratories – explore dedicated spaces for structural testing, material analysis, and water engineering experiments.
Work Integrated Learning (Industrial Training) – complete 60 days of professional experience in industry settings, preparing you for the workplace.
Project-based learning (ChallENG program) – tackle real-world engineering projects with guidance from academics and industry partners.
Collaborative design projects – work in teams on assignments and capstone projects to develop problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
Professional tools and software – learn to use industry-standard design, modelling, and project management tools.

This approach ensures you graduate ready to step into engineering roles with confidence, having applied your knowledge in real-world settings and gained valuable industry experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) / Bachelor of Engineering Science at UNSW are well-prepared to step into careers that shape the infrastructure and systems communities rely on every day. From designing roads, bridges, and water systems to managing large-scale construction projects, your skills will be in demand across both public and private sectors. Many graduates go on to roles such as Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, Transport Planner, or Construction Project Manager:

UNSW Careers and Employability Service – offers tailored support with CV writing, interview coaching, industry networking events, and job boards specifically for engineering students to connect with employers.
Employment outcomes – graduates enjoy high employment rates, with most finding full-time roles soon after graduation and strong starting salaries around $110,000 AUD, reflecting the practical experience and industry-ready skills gained during the degree.
Industry partnerships – the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering collaborates with over 100 organisations each year, giving students opportunities to work on live projects and connect directly with professionals.
Accreditation – your degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord, ensuring your qualification is respected both in Australia and internationally.
Graduate success – UNSW engineering graduates are highly sought after, with strong employability ratings highlighting the real-world relevance of the program.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, you could continue your studies through postgraduate programs in areas such as Structural Engineering, Transport Engineering, Construction Management, or Environmental Engineering. There’s also the option to pursue research through honours or a PhD, building on the strong analytical, design, and project management skills you’ve developed during your degree.