Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) / Surveying

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) / Surveying at University of New South Wales is a five-year dual-degree program that combines advanced civil engineering with professional surveying skills, preparing you for careers in infrastructure, construction, and land management. It’s ideal if you enjoy problem-solving, working outdoors, and want to understand both the technical and spatial aspects of civil projects.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
The first year builds a strong foundation in engineering principles and surveying basics. Through courses like Engineering Mechanics, Mathematics 1A, and Introduction to Surveying, you’ll develop problem-solving skills and start learning how to measure and analyse land and built environments.

Year 2
Second-year students explore core civil engineering concepts alongside surveying techniques. Units such as Structural Analysis, Fluid Mechanics, and Geomatics & Mapping introduce you to design and analysis of infrastructure systems while building practical surveying skills.

Year 3
In the third year, learning becomes more applied, combining civil engineering design with advanced surveying. Subjects like Reinforced Concrete Design, Geotechnical Engineering, and Surveying Fieldwork allow you to work on real-world projects and develop technical expertise in both areas.

Year 4
Fourth-year studies focus on integrating engineering knowledge with surveying practice. Courses such as Transportation Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Advanced Surveying Techniques deepen your skills in managing civil projects and accurately measuring and mapping the built environment.

Year 5
In your final year, you complete a capstone project and professional training. You’ll undertake a Thesis / Research Project and units like Project Management and Professional Surveying Practice, giving you the experience and professional readiness to enter the workforce confidently.

Focus areas (in a string):

Civil infrastructure, surveying and geomatics, structural design, environmental engineering, project management

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Apply civil engineering and surveying principles to design and manage projects, perform accurate measurements and spatial analysis, solve complex engineering problems, communicate effectively in professional contexts

Professional alignment (accreditation):

This dual degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and meets the requirements for professional surveying practice in Australia, ensuring global recognition under the Washington Accord.

Reputation (employability rankings):

University of New South Wales is consistently ranked among the top engineering universities worldwide (QS Top 50 for Engineering & Technology) with strong graduate employability and industry connections.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) / Surveying at University of New South Wales is designed to give you extensive hands-on experience in both civil engineering and surveying. From the first year, you’ll work on real-world projects, use industry-standard software, and engage in fieldwork and lab experiments to develop practical skills. The program combines classroom learning with advanced labs, surveying instruments, and collaborative projects to ensure you graduate ready for professional practice.

Through these experiences, students gain practical exposure to engineering and surveying challenges:

Use industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MATLAB, and GIS tools for design, analysis, and mapping
Participate in surveying fieldwork, including land measurement, data collection, and topographical mapping
Work in specialised laboratories such as the Heavy Structures Lab, Geotechnical Lab, and Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering Labs
Complete group projects and studio-based learning, integrating civil engineering design with surveying applications
Undertake industrial training (internships) as part of the professional practice requirements, giving real-world experience and industry exposure
Access research centres and institutes within the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, covering areas like geospatial science, infrastructure, and water management
Study in modern collaborative learning spaces and benefit from UNSW Library resources for research and technical support

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) / Surveying from University of New South Wales are well-prepared for careers that blend civil engineering and land surveying expertise. Typical roles include civil engineer, surveyor, structural engineer, or project engineer, where graduates are valued for their ability to manage infrastructure projects with technical precision and spatial awareness. Many go on to work in consulting firms, government agencies, or large construction and infrastructure companies, making an immediate impact with their dual skill set.

To help you move confidently from study to career, UNSW offers a range of support and opportunities:

Access UNSW Careers and Employability services, including personalised career coaching, interview and resume workshops, and employer networking events
Strong graduate employment outcomes, with many alumni securing roles in leading engineering and surveying firms, earning competitive starting salaries in Australia and internationally
Opportunities to work with industry partners through internships and research projects, including collaborations with major infrastructure and surveying companies
A degree with long-term accreditation, fully recognised by Engineers Australia and meeting professional surveying requirements, providing global career mobility
Graduates leave UNSW with hands-on experience, professional training, and project portfolios, giving them a significant advantage in the job market

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this dual degree, students can continue with postgraduate study such as a Master of Engineering (Civil), specialised surveying programs, or research-based degrees (PhD) at University of New South Wales. These pathways allow for advanced technical specialisation, leadership roles in engineering or surveying, or academic and research careers.