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

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) / Science at the University of New South Wales is a world-class double degree that blends hands-on engineering skills with a strong foundation in science. It’s perfect for curious problem-solvers who want to design infrastructure, tackle real-world challenges, and keep a scientific mindset at the same time.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in maths, physics, and core engineering concepts while starting your science major. Subjects like Engineering Mathematics 1A, Engineering Physics, and Introduction to Civil Engineering will give you a taste of how engineering and science come together to solve real problems.

Year 2
Year two dives deeper into civil engineering with courses such as Mechanics of Solids, Soil Mechanics and Engineering Geology, and Hydraulic Engineering. Alongside this, your science major adds depth, helping you understand the theories that support everything from building structures to environmental systems.

Year 3
Now you’ll tackle more complex engineering concepts, including Structural Analysis, transport systems, and water engineering. Your science subjects continue to sharpen your research and analytical skills, giving you the ability to approach challenges in a thoughtful, data-driven way.

Year 4
This year is all about applying what you’ve learned. You’ll work on design projects, explore technical management, and dive into honours-level work, combining your engineering know-how with scientific insight.

Year 5
In your final year, you’ll focus on a major thesis or capstone project, along with electives that suit your interests. Plus, at least 60 days of industrial training give you real-world experience, making sure you graduate ready to step straight into a professional engineering role.

Focus areas

Structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transport systems, water and environmental engineering, scientific research, and analysis

Learning outcomes

Problem-solving, interdisciplinary thinking, research skills, technical design, data analysis, and professional engineering practice

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The program is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord, so your degree is respected worldwide.

Reputation (employability rankings)

UNSW is ranked #1 in Australia and #25 globally for Engineering & Technology (QS World University Rankings 2025), and its graduates are highly sought after by employers around the world.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UNSW, Civil Engineering isn’t just about theory — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and putting knowledge into action. From day one, you’ll have opportunities to work on real-world projects, collaborate with peers and industry professionals, and explore state-of-the-art facilities that bring engineering concepts to life. You’ll also get hands-on experience through industrial placements, research labs, and fieldwork, making sure you graduate with practical skills and confidence to tackle real engineering challenges:

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience:

ChallENG Program: Work in teams on multidisciplinary projects that solve real engineering problems, sharpening your skills in design, communication, and collaboration.
Industrial Training / Work Integrated Learning: Complete up to 60 days of professional experience in real workplaces, helping you understand industry expectations and build your professional network.
Civil & Environmental Engineering Labs: Access facilities like the Randwick Heavy Structures Lab and geotechnical testing labs to test materials, structures, and systems under real conditions.
Water Research Laboratory (WRL), Manly Vale: Engage with large-scale hydraulics and water engineering experiments, one of Australia’s leading research centers in this field.
Advanced Analytical Facilities: Use water quality labs and the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre for cutting-edge research and hands-on experiments in engineering and science.
Digital Tools & Software: Gain experience with industry-standard design and analysis software used in professional civil engineering practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from UNSW with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) / Science opens the door to an exciting range of careers where you can make a real impact on the world. You’ll be equipped to design major infrastructure projects, manage environmental initiatives, consult across industries, or lead innovative, data-driven solutions. Many graduates step into roles such as Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, Environmental Consultant, or Project Manager, giving you a strong start in a fulfilling professional career:

Here’s how UNSW helps you get there:

Career support services: UNSW’s Careers and Employment team offers personalised advice, resume and interview help, access to graduate job fairs, and the STEM Career Launchpad to connect you with employers in engineering and science.
Strong employment outcomes: UNSW graduates are among the most employable in Australia, often securing high-paying roles thanks to strong demand for engineering and scientific skills.
Industry connections: The program has over 400 industry and research partnerships, plus embedded industrial training, so you graduate with hands-on experience and professional networks already in place.
Accreditation benefits: This degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised internationally under the Washington Accord — giving your qualification global credibility and mobility.
Diverse career destinations: Graduates go on to work in consulting firms, government agencies, construction and infrastructure companies, environmental and transport sectors, research organisations, and more — combining engineering expertise with scientific insight to make a real difference.

Further Academic Progression:
Once you finish your degree, the doors to further study are wide open. Many students continue with master’s programs or PhDs in areas like structural engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical science, water systems, or data-driven modelling. Others pursue postgraduate coursework or professional certifications in project management, sustainable infrastructure, or environmental policy — giving you even more flexibility and opportunities to grow your career.