Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)/Engineering (Honours)(Environmental Engineering)

6 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) / Engineering (Honours) (Environmental Engineering) at UNSW Sydney is a six-year double degree that blends scientific study with professional environmental engineering training. It is a strong choice for students who want to understand environmental systems in depth and apply both science and engineering to solve sustainability and climate-related problems.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you build a solid foundation in science, mathematics, and engineering. You study core engineering design alongside science subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, or earth and environmental science, depending on your chosen stream, developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Year 2
In second year, you continue core engineering studies while progressing in your advanced science subjects. Engineering courses introduce environmental systems and design principles, while science subjects deepen your understanding of environmental processes and scientific methods.

Year 3
In third year, environmental engineering becomes more specialised with subjects such as water systems, pollution control, and sustainable design. At the same time, advanced science studies explore areas like ecology, chemistry, or environmental systems in greater depth.

Year 4
In fourth year, you take advanced engineering subjects and higher-level science electives. You also begin applying scientific analysis and engineering design together through project-based learning focused on real environmental challenges.

Year 5
In fifth year, you focus on advanced environmental engineering topics while continuing specialised science study. This stage strengthens your ability to combine scientific research with engineering solutions for complex environmental problems.

Year 6
In the final year, you complete honours-level research, advanced electives, and major capstone projects. This prepares you for professional practice or further research by building both scientific and engineering expertise.

Focus areas (in a string):

Environmental engineering, scientific research, ecology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, water systems, sustainability, pollution control, climate resilience, environmental modelling, engineering design

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Apply scientific methods to engineering problems, design sustainable environmental solutions, analyse complex environmental systems, integrate science and engineering knowledge, conduct independent research, evaluate environmental data, communicate technical findings, demonstrate professional and ethical responsibility

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The Engineering (Honours) component is fully accredited by Engineers Australia at the Professional Engineer level, with international recognition through the Washington Accord.

Reputation (employability rankings):

UNSW is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities for Engineering and Science and is recognised for producing highly employable graduates with strong research and industry capability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New South Wales (UNSW), students pursuing the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)/Engineering (Honours) with a focus on Environmental Engineering are immersed in a rich learning environment that emphasizes practical skills and real-world applications. The program is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of the engineering field. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools, students can engage in experiential learning that enhances their understanding and capabilities.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in this program:

- Laboratories and Research Facilities: Students have access to specialized laboratories, including the Water Research Laboratory and the Sustainable Built Environment Laboratory, where they can conduct experiments and research on environmental engineering topics.

- Field Trips: The program includes field trips to various sites, such as wastewater treatment plants and renewable energy facilities, allowing students to observe and analyze real-world engineering practices.

- Group Projects: Collaborative projects are a core component of the curriculum, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving skills as students work together to tackle complex engineering challenges.

- Internships: UNSW has strong industry connections, providing students with opportunities for internships that offer valuable work experience and networking within the environmental engineering sector.

- Digital Tools and Software: Students gain proficiency in industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and ArcGIS, which are essential for design, analysis, and project management in engineering.

- Research Institutes: The program is supported by various research institutes, including the UNSW Water Research Centre, where students can engage in innovative research projects and contribute to sustainable solutions.

- Libraries and Learning Resources: The UNSW library system offers extensive resources, including access to engineering journals, databases, and study spaces that support student learning and research.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance academic knowledge but also prepare students for successful careers in environmental engineering. By engaging in practical experiences, students develop the skills and confidence needed to make a positive impact in the field.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) / Engineering (Honours) at UNSW Sydney are highly valued because they combine strong scientific knowledge with professional engineering skills. This opens up career pathways in environmental consulting, infrastructure development, climate and sustainability work, research, and technical advisory roles across government and industry.

This combination prepares graduates for roles such as Environmental Engineer, Research Scientist, Sustainability Consultant, Data and Systems Engineer, and Climate or Environmental Analyst:

Access to UNSW Employability services, including career coaching, internship support, employer networking events, mentoring programs, and professional development workshops tailored to engineering and science students
Engineering Professional Practice provides structured real-world industry experience before graduation
Strong partnerships with engineering firms, environmental organisations, government agencies, and research institutions through projects and internships
Full accreditation of the Engineering (Honours) component by Engineers Australia at the Professional Engineer level, with international recognition through the Washington Accord
Strong demand for graduates across environmental engineering, energy, climate science, infrastructure, data modelling, and sustainability sectors
UNSW’s strong global reputation supports excellent employability in Australia and internationally
Interdisciplinary training builds both scientific research ability and engineering problem-solving skills, making graduates highly adaptable
Competitive starting salaries in engineering and science-related roles, with strong long-term growth as experience increases

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can progress into postgraduate study in environmental engineering, applied science, data science, climate science, engineering management, or sustainability. Graduates may also pursue research-based master’s or PhD programs, leading to careers in advanced research, academia, consulting, innovation, or senior technical leadership roles across science and engineering fields.