Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental) at UNSW Sydney is a four-year degree designed for students who want to create practical solutions to environmental challenges through engineering. It is an excellent choice for those interested in sustainability, water management, climate resilience and environmental protection, while developing the technical and problem-solving skills needed to make a positive impact on the world.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you build a strong foundation in engineering, mathematics, science and computing. Students study core subjects alongside Introduction to Engineering Design and Innovation, where they learn how engineers use creativity, teamwork and design thinking to solve real-world problems. This year develops the analytical and technical skills needed for future environmental engineering studies.

Year 2
In second year, you begin exploring the key principles of environmental engineering while strengthening your engineering fundamentals. Through specialised discipline courses and technical studies, students learn about environmental systems, sustainable design and engineering analysis, building the knowledge required for professional practice.

Year 3
By third year, learning becomes more specialised and application-focused. Students may study subjects such as Groundwater Resource Investigation, Air Quality and Pollution, and Sustainability in Construction, gaining a deeper understanding of environmental management, resource protection and sustainable infrastructure. Project-based learning helps students apply theory to real environmental challenges.

Year 4
In the final year, students develop advanced expertise through subjects such as Advanced Water Engineering, Coastal Engineering, and Fundamentals of Humanitarian Engineering. Alongside advanced technical studies, students complete major engineering projects and professional experiences that prepare them for leadership roles within the environmental engineering sector.

Focus areas (in a string):

Environmental engineering, water and wastewater systems, sustainability, environmental remediation, groundwater management, air quality and pollution control, coastal engineering, climate resilience, sustainable infrastructure, humanitarian engineering

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop engineering solutions for environmental challenges, design sustainable infrastructure systems, analyse environmental processes, apply scientific and engineering principles, manage multidisciplinary projects, communicate technical solutions effectively, demonstrate professional and ethical responsibility, contribute to environmental sustainability

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Fully accredited by Engineers Australia at the Professional Engineer level, with international recognition through the Washington Accord

Reputation (employability rankings):

UNSW Engineering is ranked among the leading engineering schools globally and is recognised for producing highly employable graduates, giving students strong career prospects in Australia and around the world

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental) program is designed to provide students with a robust blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This hands-on approach is essential for preparing you to tackle real-world environmental challenges. You'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and tools that enhance your learning experience, ensuring you graduate with the skills employers are looking for.

Through a variety of experiential learning opportunities, you will engage in projects that simulate real engineering scenarios, collaborate with peers, and apply your knowledge in practical settings. Here are some key components of the program that contribute to your experiential learning:

- Group Projects: Work collaboratively on multidisciplinary projects that reflect industry practices, allowing you to develop teamwork and communication skills.
- Internships: Gain valuable industry experience through internships with leading environmental organizations, providing you with insights into the professional world and enhancing your employability.
- Field Trips: Participate in field trips to various environmental sites, where you can observe and analyze real-world applications of your studies.
- Laboratories: Access specialized laboratories equipped for environmental research, including the Water Research Laboratory and the Sustainable Built Environment Laboratory, where you can conduct experiments and develop innovative solutions.
- Digital Tools: Utilize industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and MATLAB, which are essential for environmental engineering design and analysis.
- Research Institutes: Engage with research initiatives at UNSW, such as the UNSW Water Research Centre, where you can contribute to cutting-edge environmental research.
- Libraries and Resources: Benefit from extensive library resources, including access to a vast collection of engineering journals, books, and databases that support your studies.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enrich your academic journey but also prepare you for a successful career in environmental engineering.

Choosing UNSW for your Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental) means you’re not just learning; you’re preparing to make a difference in the world.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental) at UNSW Sydney are equipped to solve complex environmental challenges through innovative engineering and sustainable design. With expertise in areas such as water resources, environmental management and climate resilience, graduates can pursue careers as Environmental Engineers, Sustainability Consultants, Water Resource Engineers or Environmental Project Managers across both public and private sectors:

Access to UNSW Employability services, including career coaching, industry mentoring, networking events, internship support and professional development programs tailored for engineering students
Completion of 60 days of Engineering Professional Practice, providing valuable hands-on industry experience before graduation
Opportunities to work on real-world projects and collaborate with industry, government and community organisations through professional placements and project-based learning
Full accreditation by Engineers Australia at the Professional Engineer level, with international recognition through the Washington Accord
Strong industry engagement through UNSW Engineering’s partnerships across infrastructure, environmental consulting, water management and sustainability sectors
A globally recognised engineering qualification that supports career mobility and long-term professional growth in Australia and internationally
Graduates are prepared for opportunities across environmental consulting, renewable energy, water resources, infrastructure development, government agencies and sustainability-focused organisations
UNSW is recognised for producing highly employable graduates, giving students a strong foundation for career success after graduation

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue into postgraduate study in environmental engineering, water engineering, sustainability, climate science, environmental management or related engineering disciplines. Graduates may also pursue specialised master’s programs, research-based degrees or doctoral studies, leading to careers in advanced research, academia, consulting, policy development or technical leadership within the environmental sector.