Bachelor’s of Engineering (Honours)(Civil Engineering) and Science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) and Science at University of Western Australia is a double degree designed for students who want to combine strong engineering expertise with a deeper scientific understanding. It is ideal for learners who are curious about how the physical world works and want to apply both engineering design and scientific analysis to solve real infrastructure and environmental challenges.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, you build a strong foundation in both engineering and science. You’ll study core units such as Engineering Principles, Engineering Mathematics, and introductory science units like Physics for Scientists and Engineers and Chemistry Fundamentals, helping you develop essential analytical and problem-solving skills.

Year 2

The second year focuses on strengthening technical knowledge across both disciplines. You’ll study units such as Mechanics of Materials, Fluid Mechanics, and Introduction to Earth Science or Applied Physics, gaining a clearer understanding of how physical systems and engineering structures interact.

Year 3

In year three, you begin more advanced civil engineering and scientific integration. Units such as Structural Analysis, Geotechnical Engineering, and Environmental Science Applications help you apply scientific principles directly to engineering design and infrastructure challenges.

Year 4

This year focuses on professional engineering development and deeper scientific specialization. You may study Reinforced Concrete Design, Transport Systems Engineering, and advanced science electives such as Environmental Modelling or Materials Science, depending on your science major.

Year 5 (Honours Year)

The final year brings everything together through advanced coursework and a major research or design project. You’ll complete an Honours Research Project along with units like Infrastructure Design and Management and advanced engineering electives, preparing you for real industry or research roles.

Focus Areas (in a string):

Civil infrastructure design, environmental systems, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, applied physics, environmental science, materials science, transport systems

Learning Outcomes (in a string):

Design and evaluate complex civil engineering systems, apply scientific principles to engineering problems, analyse environmental and structural systems, use advanced modelling tools, and communicate technical solutions effectively

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition and strong professional engineering standards.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

University of Western Australia is consistently ranked among leading global universities in engineering and science disciplines according to QS World University Rankings, reflecting strong academic reputation and graduate employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) and Science at University of Western Australia, learning is designed to feel hands-on and closely connected to real engineering and scientific practice. From the early years, you’ll move beyond theory by working in laboratories, solving design problems, and applying scientific methods to real infrastructure challenges. The combination of engineering and science means you’ll also use data analysis, modelling tools, and experimental techniques to understand how natural and built systems behave in the real world.

Students are also encouraged to collaborate, think critically, and gain exposure to industry-style environments where engineering decisions are made. This practical approach is supported through labs, digital tools, and research-led teaching:

Engineering & Science Laboratories : Work in specialised labs for civil engineering, physics, chemistry, and materials testing where you experiment with structural behaviour, soil properties, and environmental systems
Engineering Design Software & Digital Tools : Gain hands-on experience with industry-relevant tools such as CAD-based design platforms, MATLAB for modelling, and simulation software used in structural and environmental analysis
Interdisciplinary Project Work : Participate in team-based engineering and science projects that combine scientific research with civil engineering design, helping you solve real infrastructure and environmental problems
Field-Based Learning & Applied Science Exposure : Engage in practical field activities that connect geological, environmental, and structural concepts to real-world conditions and infrastructure sites
Research Facilities & Academic Resources : Access advanced learning spaces and the University of Western Australia Library for technical standards, scientific journals, engineering codes, and research support

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) and Science at University of Western Australia are highly valued for their strong blend of technical engineering skills and scientific thinking. This combination opens doors to a wide range of careers where you can contribute to designing sustainable infrastructure, improving environmental systems, and solving complex engineering problems.

You could step into roles such as civil engineer, environmental engineer, structural engineer, or infrastructure analyst, working across construction, government, research, or consulting sectors:

Career Development Support Services: The university provides employability programs including career counselling, CV workshops, interview preparation, and industry networking opportunities to help students transition smoothly into professional roles
Graduate Employment & Salary Outlook: Engineering graduates are in strong demand in Australia, with typical starting salaries often ranging from AUD $65,000–$90,000+, with higher growth potential in specialised or senior roles
Industry Collaboration & Partnerships: The program benefits from strong connections with engineering firms, government infrastructure bodies, and research organisations, offering students exposure through internships, projects, and industry engagement
Professional Accreditation Value: The degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition and long-term professional credibility in engineering practice
Graduate Outcomes: Students graduate with advanced problem-solving, analytical, and design skills, making them capable of working on large-scale infrastructure, environmental systems, and scientific engineering projects

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, students can continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of Professional Engineering, Master of Civil Engineering, Master of Environmental Engineering, or research-based higher degrees, leading to careers in advanced engineering, consultancy, or academic research.