Bachelor of Engineering Honours Civil and Bachelor of Engineering Honours Environmental

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Newcastle

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental) at University of Newcastle is a comprehensive double degree designed for students who want to shape sustainable infrastructure and protect the environment at the same time. It’s ideal if you’re interested in combining technical engineering skills with environmental problem-solving, preparing you to work on real-world challenges like climate resilience, water systems, and urban development.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a strong engineering foundation while getting introduced to both civil and environmental systems. You’ll study core units such as Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Design and Problem Solving, and Introduction to Environmental Engineering, developing analytical thinking and basic design skills. This year focuses on understanding how engineering solutions impact both infrastructure and the environment.

Year 2
The second year deepens your technical knowledge with subjects like Structural Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, and Geotechnical Engineering. Alongside this, you’ll explore environmental topics such as Water Engineering and Environmental Systems, learning how natural and built environments interact. You’ll begin applying theory to practical engineering challenges through labs and project-based work.

Year 3
In year three, you’ll move into more advanced and specialised areas including Structural Design, Transportation Engineering, and Hydrology. Environmental components such as Wastewater Engineering and Environmental Impact Assessment will sharpen your ability to design sustainable solutions. This is where you start integrating civil infrastructure planning with environmental responsibility.

Year 4
Your fourth year focuses on professional practice and complex system design through units like Project Management for Engineers and Advanced Environmental Engineering. You’ll also undertake design-focused coursework that mirrors real industry scenarios. This stage prepares you to think like a professional engineer, balancing technical, environmental, and economic factors.

Year 5
In your final year, you’ll complete a major Engineering Honours Thesis or capstone project, often linked to real industry or research problems. You may also study advanced electives such as Coastal Engineering or Sustainable Infrastructure Systems. This year showcases your ability to independently design, analyse, and deliver engineering solutions with environmental impact in mind.

Focus areas (in a string):

Structural engineering, water resources, environmental systems, sustainability, geotechnical engineering, transport infrastructure

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Apply engineering principles, design sustainable infrastructure, analyse environmental systems, solve complex engineering problems, conduct research, communicate professionally

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Accredited by Engineers Australia (EA), recognised under the Washington Accord

Reputation (employability rankings):

Ranked among the top universities globally for engineering; strong graduate employability outcomes supported by industry connections and practical learning

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At University of Newcastle, the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental) isn’t just about lectures — it’s about doing. You’ll step straight into professional practice and industry environments throughout your studies, gaining hands‑on experience with real equipment, software and field challenges that employers care about. The university embeds practical learning into the curriculum so you graduate with confidence and real engineering skills you can demonstrate from day one:

Here’s how you’ll experience learning in action:

Industrial experience and work placements: You’ll complete at least 12 weeks of Industrial Experience and Engineering Work Integrated Learning (IE & WIL) as part of the degree, giving you workplace exposure, professional networking and practical application of what you’ve learned in class.
Engineering labs and fieldwork: Access purpose‑built laboratories for structural testing, geotechnical assessments, hydraulics, hydrology and environmental analysis, where you’ll carry out experiments and projects under expert supervision.
Industry‑standard software and digital tools: Throughout your studies you’ll put theory into practice using engineering software and computational tools (via dedicated computing suites), preparing you for real‑world engineering design and analysis.
Team projects and design challenges: You’ll work in engineering teams on projects that mirror real problems — from water systems modelling to sustainable civil infrastructure planning — developing both technical know‑how and collaboration skills.
Field visits and surveying exercises: Experience fieldwork that takes you off campus to monitor sites, assess environmental systems and test engineering solutions in real environmental and built conditions.
Professional support and industry engagement: Career‑ready placements are supported by dedicated university services to help you find placements, prepare for industry, and build professional networks that matter.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil and Environmental Engineering opens the door to a wide range of exciting careers where you can help build resilient infrastructure while protecting the environment. Many graduates step directly into engineering roles where they apply their technical and problem-solving skills in real-world projects; typical roles include civil engineer, environmental engineer, water resources engineer, and project manager:

Career support: The university’s Career Development Centre provides personalised guidance, including resume advice, interview preparation, and access to networking events and internship opportunities to ensure you’re ready to launch your career.
Employment outcomes: Newcastle engineering graduates enjoy strong employment prospects, with the majority finding work soon after graduation, reflecting the high demand for engineers with practical and environmental expertise.
Industry connections: Through mandatory work-integrated learning placements, students gain professional experience and build relationships with engineering firms, government agencies, and consultancies, giving a real head start in their careers.
Accreditation and recognition: The degrees are accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord, meaning your qualification is respected both nationally and internationally.
Versatile career pathways: With skills in both civil and environmental engineering, graduates are well prepared for roles in design, consultancy, sustainability, project management, and long-term leadership positions in infrastructure and environmental sectors.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, students can choose to specialise further through postgraduate study, such as a Master of Engineering in Advanced Structures, a Master of Environmental Engineering, or a research-focused PhD. These pathways allow you to deepen your expertise, explore specialised research or technical leadership roles, and position yourself for advanced career opportunities in engineering innovation and environmental management.