Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Environmental Engineering) / Law

6 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Law at UNSW Sydney is a 6.7-year double degree that combines technical engineering expertise with professional legal training. It is designed for students who want to understand how engineering systems are built while also gaining a strong grasp of the legal frameworks that regulate industries, innovation, and public policy.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you establish foundations in engineering, mathematics, and introductory law. Engineering subjects focus on problem-solving and design thinking, while law introduces legal reasoning, contracts, and communication skills.

Year 2
In second year, you continue core engineering studies while progressing through foundational law subjects. You build understanding of engineering systems alongside legal principles such as torts and constitutional law.

Year 3
In third year, engineering becomes more specialised depending on your chosen discipline, while law subjects become more structured and case-based. You begin connecting engineering knowledge with legal reasoning in more applied contexts.

Year 4
In fourth year, students take advanced engineering courses and intermediate law subjects. You work on applied engineering projects while studying areas of law such as criminal law or administrative law.

Year 5
In fifth year, you focus on advanced engineering electives and higher-level law subjects. This stage strengthens your ability to combine technical engineering solutions with legal, regulatory, and ethical understanding.

Year 6
In sixth year, you complete advanced law coursework alongside engineering specialisation requirements. You also develop professional readiness through applied learning and integrated projects.

Year 6.7 (final stage)
In the final stage, you complete remaining engineering capstone work and final law requirements. This phase prepares you for professional practice by combining technical expertise with legal and regulatory insight.

Focus areas (in a string):

Engineering design, legal systems, contract law, tort law, administrative law, engineering ethics, infrastructure regulation, risk management, policy development, technical problem-solving, professional practice

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Apply engineering principles to real-world problems, interpret legal frameworks, analyse regulatory environments, integrate technical and legal decision-making, communicate effectively, evaluate risk and compliance issues, demonstrate ethical and professional responsibility

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia at the Professional Engineer level, with international recognition through the Washington Accord. The Law component is accredited for legal practice pathways in Australia, supporting progression toward qualification as a legal practitioner.

Reputation (employability rankings):

UNSW is consistently ranked among Australia’s leading universities for both Engineering and Law and is recognised globally for strong graduate employability across technical and legal professions.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New South Wales (UNSW), students pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Environmental Engineering and Law are immersed in a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes practical skills and real-world applications. The university is committed to providing students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for successful careers in their respective fields. With state-of-the-art facilities and a range of tools at their disposal, students can engage in experiential learning that enhances their academic journey.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in these programs:

- Engineering Design Studio: A dedicated space where students collaborate on engineering projects, utilizing advanced tools and technologies to develop innovative solutions.
- Environmental Engineering Laboratories: Equipped with cutting-edge equipment for water quality analysis, soil testing, and environmental monitoring, allowing students to conduct hands-on experiments and research.
- Field Trips: Regular excursions to local and international sites, such as waste management facilities and renewable energy projects, provide students with real-world insights into environmental engineering practices.
- Internships and Industry Partnerships: Opportunities to work with leading companies and organizations in the environmental sector, gaining valuable experience and networking connections.
- Group Projects: Collaborative assignments that encourage teamwork and problem-solving, simulating real-world engineering challenges.
- Software Tools: Access to industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and ArcGIS, which are essential for design, analysis, and project management in engineering.
- Research Institutes: Collaboration with UNSW’s research centers, such as the Sustainable Water Research Group, allows students to engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to impactful projects.
- Libraries and Resources: Extensive library facilities with access to a vast collection of engineering and law resources, journals, and databases to support academic research.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance your understanding of environmental engineering and law but also equip you with the skills and experiences that employers value. By choosing UNSW, you are setting yourself up for a successful and fulfilling career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Law at UNSW Sydney are well prepared for careers that sit at the intersection of engineering, law, and public policy. This double degree opens pathways into roles where technical expertise and legal understanding are both essential, such as infrastructure regulation, corporate advisory, compliance, risk management, and government policy work.

To support strong career outcomes, the program offers:

Access to UNSW Employability services, including career coaching, internship support, employer networking events, mentoring programs, and professional development workshops for both engineering and law students
Practical learning through engineering professional practice requirements and law-related work-integrated learning experiences that provide real industry exposure
Strong industry connections with engineering firms, law practices, consulting companies, infrastructure organisations, and government agencies
Full accreditation of the Engineering (Honours) component by Engineers Australia at the Professional Engineer level, with international recognition through the Washington Accord
Law accreditation aligned with the academic requirements for progression toward legal practice in Australia (after completing required professional legal training)
Strong career pathways across engineering consulting, legal practice, corporate advisory, compliance, public policy, and infrastructure governance
High demand for professionals who understand both technical systems and legal frameworks, especially in regulated industries such as infrastructure, energy, and environment
Competitive earning potential across both engineering and legal sectors, with growth as experience and seniority increase
Development of interdisciplinary skills in analysis, negotiation, regulatory interpretation, and problem-solving

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can pursue postgraduate study in law, engineering, public policy, international relations, construction law, environmental law, or engineering management. Graduates may also undertake research degrees such as a master’s by research or PhD, or complete Practical Legal Training to qualify for legal practice, alongside progressing into senior engineering or regulatory leadership roles.