Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Business

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Newcastle

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Business at the University of Newcastle is perfect for students who want to combine technical engineering skills with business knowledge. Over five years, you’ll gain expertise in designing and managing infrastructure while also learning how to understand markets, lead teams, and make strategic business decisions — a combination that opens up a wide range of career opportunities.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You’ll start by building strong foundations in both engineering and business. Engineering units like engineering fundamentals and mathematics for engineers will introduce you to problem-solving and design concepts, while business courses such as Accounting and Microeconomics for Business Decisions give you insight into financial and economic thinking.

Year 2:
This year, your engineering studies focus on areas such as structural engineering and transportation engineering, helping you understand how infrastructure is designed and functions in real life. Business courses like Law for Business and Management provide a framework for understanding organisational operations and decision-making.

Year 3:
You’ll move into more advanced engineering topics, including water engineering and geomechanics, preparing you to tackle real-world infrastructure challenges. Simultaneously, business units such as Leadership and Ethics and Entrepreneurship and Innovation teach you how to apply strategic thinking and creativity to problem-solving.

Year 4:
This year deepens your technical skills and applied learning. In engineering, you’ll engage in engineering management and major project units that reflect real workplace scenarios, while business units like Finance and Marketing sharpen your commercial insight.

Year 5:
Your final year brings everything together with advanced engineering studies and capstone projects, allowing you to apply your skills to complex challenges. Business units focused on leadership or entrepreneurship round out your degree, giving you a unique edge for future careers or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas

Structural engineering, Water engineering, Geomechanics, Transportation engineering, Civil engineering materials, Engineering management, Accounting, Finance, Microeconomics, Law, Leadership, Entrepreneurship

Learning Outcomes

Design and assess civil infrastructure, Analyse complex engineering problems, Apply business decision-making skills, Lead teams and projects with commercial insight, Communicate effectively across technical and business contexts

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The engineering component of this degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring your qualification meets national and international professional standards. This means you’re well-prepared to become a professional engineer anywhere in the world.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Newcastle’s civil and structural engineering programs are recognised globally, and graduates report strong employment outcomes, with most finding work within months of finishing their degree. This combination of engineering and business skills makes graduates highly sought after in a range of industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Newcastle, the Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Business is designed to give you practical skills that you can use in the real world. You won’t just sit in lectures — you’ll get hands-on experience testing designs, solving real engineering problems, running business projects, and learning to work in teams. A highlight of the program is the 12-week professional placement, where you’ll step into a real workplace, apply your knowledge, and start building the kind of industry connections that can launch your career.

Your learning is supported by a range of modern facilities and experiences that bring your studies to life:

Industry placements and professional practice: Gain real work experience, collaborate with practising engineers, and build your professional network.
Engineering labs: Spaces like the Wind Tunnel Laboratory let you test materials, structures, and designs hands-on, helping you understand how theory works in practice.
Business simulation labs: Practice marketing, finance, and strategy using industry-standard tools in dedicated spaces like the Marketing Technology Lab and the Greater Bank Finance Lab.
Software and digital tools: Access essential engineering and business software, including MATLAB, and collaborate on projects using platforms like Microsoft Teams.
Collaborative projects: Work in teams on projects that combine engineering and business challenges, giving you a taste of real-world problem solving.
Research and study facilities: Explore engineering research projects, get expert guidance, and develop your skills in dedicated labs and project spaces.
Libraries and online resources: Use specialised engineering and business databases, online guides, and study resources to support your learning throughout the degree.

These opportunities mean you graduate not just with knowledge, but with real skills, experience, and confidence to step straight into a professional role.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Business from the University of Newcastle gives you the skills and experience to step straight into a range of exciting careers. Employers love that you can combine technical engineering know-how with business insight, which opens doors to roles like structural engineer, transport systems engineer, project manager, or business development coordinator in construction, consulting, infrastructure planning, and government sectors. Here’s how this degree helps you get there:

Career support services: The University’s Careers & Employability team will guide you with resume and interview coaching, internship and job listings, and networking opportunities to help you confidently launch your career.
Strong employment outcomes: Around 95% of graduates find work within a few months of finishing, showing how valued these combined skills are in the job market.
Industry connections: The 12-week professional placement in the engineering component gives you real work experience, exposure to live projects, and a chance to make professional contacts that can lead to your first job.
Accreditation that counts: Your engineering qualification is fully accredited by Engineers Australia, meeting both national and international professional standards — a big advantage if you want to work as a professional engineer in Australia or abroad.
Graduate outcomes: Graduates move into meaningful roles in infrastructure, construction, consulting, and government, and the business skills you’ve gained mean many are ready to take on leadership or management responsibilities early in their careers.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this degree, you could continue your studies with a Master of Engineering to specialise further, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other business master’s to step into leadership roles, or even a PhD if you’re interested in research. Postgraduate study can expand your career options, prepare you for senior roles, and increase your long-term earning potential.