Bachelor of Engineering Honours(Civil Engineering)and Bachelor of Laws

6 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sydney

Program Overview

This combined program gives you the unique opportunity to become both a highly skilled civil engineer and a qualified lawyer. It’s perfect for students who want to shape infrastructure projects while understanding the legal frameworks that govern them, blending technical expertise with legal insight.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You’ll start with foundational courses in both civil engineering and law. Engineering units like Engineering Mechanics and Introduction to Civil Engineering will teach you how structures, materials, and forces interact, while law units such as Legal Systems and Methods will introduce you to the basics of the Australian legal system. This year lays the groundwork for both disciplines and helps you develop analytical and problem-solving skills.

Year 2:
The second year deepens your engineering knowledge with courses like Structural Analysis and Fluid Mechanics, while law studies cover areas like Contract Law and Torts. You’ll begin to see how technical engineering decisions intersect with legal obligations, preparing you for real-world scenarios where law and engineering overlap.

Year 3:
In engineering, you’ll explore Geotechnical Engineering and Transportation Engineering, focusing on designing safe and efficient infrastructure. Law courses such as Property Law and Corporate Law build your understanding of how businesses and construction projects operate within legal boundaries. You’ll also start working on integrated projects that require applying both sets of skills.

Year 4:
Advanced engineering units like Water Engineering and Construction Project Management will give you hands-on experience in planning and managing infrastructure projects. Law units like Environmental Law and Commercial Law help you navigate regulatory and compliance issues, bridging your dual expertise in engineering and law.

Year 5:
You’ll focus on Capstone Engineering Design Projects and electives in specialized law areas. This year emphasizes professional practice, problem-solving, and preparing for real-world challenges in both civil engineering and legal contexts.

Year 6:
The final year is all about integration and professional readiness. Engineering units like Advanced Structural Design refine your technical mastery, while law electives in areas such as Construction Law or Intellectual Property prepare you for complex legal matters in engineering projects. You’ll graduate ready to tackle projects where law and engineering intersect.

Focus Areas

Civil engineering design, construction law, project management, infrastructure development, regulatory compliance

Learning Outcomes

Ability to design, manage, and oversee civil engineering projects while understanding and applying legal principles, ensuring safety, sustainability, and compliance in professional practice

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Engineered to meet the standards of Engineers Australia, with legal training qualifying you to pursue pathways in law practice after graduation

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Sydney is globally recognized for both its engineering and law faculties, offering strong employability outcomes and industry connections

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Sydney, this combined degree is designed so you’re learning by doing from the very first year. You’ll gain practical experience in civil engineering labs, legal workshops, and real-world projects, while also exploring how engineering and law intersect in professional contexts. Working alongside academics and industry-connected professionals, you’ll build skills that prepare you for both technical and legal careers:

Here’s how that looks in practice:

Hands-on engineering laboratories: Test materials, model structures, and run experiments in state-of-the-art civil engineering labs to bring theory to life.
Fieldwork and site visits: Explore construction sites, infrastructure projects, and environmental systems to understand practical engineering challenges firsthand.
Legal workshops and moot courts: Practice advocacy, contract drafting, and case analysis in interactive sessions that mirror real legal work.
Collaborative group projects: Tackle engineering design challenges and legal problem-solving in teams, developing teamwork, communication, and project management skills.
Internships and industry placements: Gain professional exposure with engineering firms, law firms, or government agencies, connecting your studies directly to the workplace.
Interactive tutorials and digital tools: Use software like AutoCAD, Revit, MATLAB, and BIM tools for engineering design while practicing legal research and drafting skills in digital environments.
Dedicated facilities and support: Access engineering labs, legal research resources, libraries, and research institutes to practice and explore your skills beyond scheduled classes.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this combined degree leave with a unique edge: the ability to navigate both complex engineering projects and the legal frameworks that govern them. You’ll be well-prepared for careers where technical expertise meets legal insight, such as Civil Engineer, Construction Project Manager, Legal Advisor for Infrastructure, or Contract Manager. With practical experience, professional skills, and dual qualifications, you’ll stand out in industries that demand both engineering and legal knowledge:

University career services: The University of Sydney’s Careers Centre offers tailored support including job search guidance, CV workshops, mock interviews, and connections with employers in engineering and law sectors.
Employment outcomes and salary figures: Graduates of the engineering faculty have strong employability, with many securing roles in top engineering and construction firms, and average starting salaries for civil engineers often exceeding AUD 75,000 per year, with legal roles offering comparable professional earning potential.
University–industry partnerships: Collaborations with companies like Arup, AECOM, and local law firms provide internships, mentorships, and real-world project experience.
Accreditation value: The engineering degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring recognition nationally and internationally, while the law degree provides pathways to admission as a legal practitioner in Australia.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates are equipped to manage infrastructure projects, provide legal guidance, or pursue leadership roles in construction, consulting, government, or regulatory bodies.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, students can pursue specialized master’s degrees in areas such as Advanced Civil Engineering, Construction Law, Environmental Engineering, or legal practice programs. Professional development options include graduate certificates in project management, engineering leadership, or postgraduate law studies, giving you the flexibility to tailor your career path toward technical mastery, legal expertise, or both.