Bachelors of Engineering (Honours)(Civil Engineering) / Design

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) / Design at The University of Queensland is an exciting 5.5-year dual degree that combines hands-on engineering expertise with creative design skills. It’s ideal for students who want to shape the future of infrastructure while bringing fresh, innovative ideas to how projects are planned, built, and experienced.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
Your first year introduces you to the fundamentals of engineering and design. You’ll explore core engineering concepts in courses like Professional Engineering and Statics and Materials, while design studio units teach you to think creatively, analyse problems from multiple angles, and communicate your ideas visually and conceptually.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into civil engineering topics like soil mechanics, hydraulics, and structural behaviour, gaining practical knowledge of how infrastructure interacts with the environment. At the same time, design studio work challenges you to apply principles to real-world projects, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

Year 3
This year brings your engineering and design skills together in applied projects. You’ll tackle courses such as Hydrology and Free Surface Flows and Fundamentals of Transport Engineering, while larger design studio projects help you develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Year 4
Your fourth year focuses on advanced engineering practice and professional skills, including Project Management and Professional Practice, preparing you to plan, deliver, and evaluate complex infrastructure projects. Design studios push you further to integrate creativity, function, and human-centered thinking into solutions that make a tangible impact.

Year 5–5.5 (Honours phase)
In the final stage, you’ll undertake an honours-level engineering project and senior design studio work. These projects let you combine all your learning, developing both technical expertise and creative thinking, so you graduate ready to contribute as a skilled civil engineer and innovative designer.

Focus areas:

Civil infrastructure design, structural engineering, environmental systems, water and transport systems, design thinking, creative problem solving

Learning outcomes:

Apply engineering analysis and design skills, master the creative design process, integrate technical and aesthetic thinking, manage projects effectively, and develop sustainable solutions

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised internationally under the Washington Accord, giving you a globally respected engineering qualification alongside strong design capabilities

Reputation (employability rankings):

One of Queensland’s leading programs for engineering and design, with strong industry links and graduate outcomes that highlight UQ’s focus on employability and innovation

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At The University of Queensland, the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) / Design is designed so you learn by doing. From testing materials in labs to prototyping creative solutions in design studios, and applying your skills on real-world sites, this program gives you hands-on experience that prepares you for professional life. You’ll have access to incredible facilities and tools that let you combine technical engineering knowledge with creative design thinking:

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Hands-on engineering labs: Work in the Advanced Engineering Building on hydraulics, structures, and environmental systems, testing materials and exploring real-world engineering problems
Design studios & makerspaces: Bring your ideas to life through sketching, prototyping, and digital modelling in spaces built for creativity and experimentation
Collaborative projects: Team up with peers on projects that mix engineering and design, reflecting how professionals tackle real challenges
Fieldwork & site visits: Step out of the classroom to visit infrastructure, environmental systems, and construction sites, seeing how theory applies in practice
Industry placements & networking: Gain professional experience, connect with industry mentors, and build a network that will help your career take off
Digital tools & software: Learn to use industry-standard simulation, modelling, and design software that engineers and designers rely on every day
Guest lectures & workshops: Hear from professionals working in engineering and design, bringing current industry insights directly into your learning
Study hubs & libraries: Use modern collaborative spaces and extensive library resources to research, prototype, and refine your projects

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) / Design at The University of Queensland gives you a unique mix of technical engineering expertise and creative design skills that employers really value. This combination prepares you for roles like civil engineer, structural designer, project engineer, or design strategist, allowing you to work on projects that are both innovative and practical.

Here’s how UQ helps you turn your degree into a rewarding career:

Career support services: UQ’s Careers and Employability team provides one-on-one coaching, resume and interview help, guidance on internships, and networking events to connect you directly with industry.
Strong graduate outcomes: Around 90 % of UQ engineering graduates find work within 12 months, reflecting the practical skills and industry-ready experience you gain during your studies.
Competitive salaries: Graduates can expect starting salaries in the range of AUD $65,000–$110,000+, with opportunities to grow as you take on more senior or specialist roles.
Industry engagement & partnerships: Through placements, collaborative projects, and real-world briefs, you’ll work directly with engineering firms, design consultancies, and infrastructure partners.
Globally recognised accreditation: Your civil engineering degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised internationally under the Washington Accord, giving your qualification strong long-term professional value.
Interdisciplinary advantage: Combining engineering with design gives you flexibility to work in technical, creative, or innovative roles across multiple sectors.

Further Academic Progression:

After this degree, you have plenty of pathways to take your skills even further. You could continue with a Master of Architecture, Master of Urban Design, or a Research Master’s/PhD in sustainable infrastructure, environmental systems, or design innovation. Alternatively, postgraduate study in project management, data analytics, or human-centred design can open doors to leadership roles and specialised careers.