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

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental Engineering) / Commerce at UNSW Sydney is a 5.7-year double degree that combines environmental engineering expertise with strong foundations in business, finance and management. It is designed for students who want to solve environmental challenges while also developing the commercial skills needed to lead projects, organisations and sustainable business decisions.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you build a strong base in engineering, mathematics and introductory commerce. Alongside engineering design and problem-solving, you are introduced to core business concepts such as economics and basic commerce principles, helping you understand both technical and commercial thinking from the start.

Year 2
In second year, you begin focused environmental engineering studies while continuing commerce subjects. Engineering courses cover environmental systems and design fundamentals, while commerce subjects develop your understanding of areas like accounting and business decision-making.

Year 3
In third year, environmental engineering becomes more specialised through subjects like water systems, pollution control and sustainable design. At the same time, commerce learning continues with areas such as management, economics and organisational behaviour, helping you connect engineering solutions with real business needs.

Year 4
In fourth year, you move into advanced engineering topics and more strategic commerce studies. You work on complex engineering projects while also developing skills in finance, marketing or project management, strengthening your ability to handle both technical and business challenges.

Year 5
In fifth year, you focus on higher-level environmental engineering and integrated project work. Commerce subjects at this stage emphasise leadership, innovation and strategic decision-making, preparing you for real-world roles in engineering and business environments.

Year 6 (final stage – 0.7 year)
In the final stage, you complete advanced engineering requirements, professional practice and capstone projects. This final phase brings together your engineering and commerce knowledge, preparing you for leadership roles in sustainability, infrastructure and business-driven engineering solutions.

Focus areas (in a string):

Environmental engineering, water systems, sustainability, pollution control, climate resilience, economics, finance, business strategy, project management, environmental policy, infrastructure planning, sustainable development

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Design sustainable engineering solutions, analyse environmental systems, apply business and financial principles, manage complex projects, evaluate economic impacts, integrate technical and commercial decision-making, communicate effectively, 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 Business and is widely recognised for producing highly employable graduates with strong leadership and industry readiness.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New South Wales (UNSW), students pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Environmental Engineering combined with Commerce are immersed in a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes practical skills and real-world applications. The program is designed to equip you with the technical expertise and business acumen needed to tackle complex environmental challenges. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, you will engage in hands-on projects that prepare you for a successful career.

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of your education at UNSW, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Here are some of the key opportunities and resources available to you:

- Laboratories and Research Facilities: Access to specialized labs such as the Water Research Laboratory and the Sustainable Built Environment Laboratory, where you can conduct experiments and research on real-world environmental issues.

- Field Trips: Participate in field trips to various environmental sites, including water treatment plants and sustainable development projects, to gain firsthand experience in the field.

- Group Projects: Collaborate with peers on multidisciplinary projects that simulate real-world engineering and business challenges, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.

- Internships: Take advantage of internship opportunities with industry partners, allowing you to gain valuable work experience and network with professionals in the field.

- Digital Tools and Software: Utilize industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and GIS tools, which are essential for environmental engineering and commerce applications.

- Libraries and Research Institutes: Benefit from access to extensive library resources and research institutes, including the UNSW Institute of Environmental Studies, which supports your academic and professional development.

- Workshops and Seminars: Attend workshops and seminars led by industry experts, providing insights into current trends and practices in environmental engineering and commerce.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance your academic experience but also prepare you for a successful career in a rapidly evolving field.

Embarking on this journey at UNSW will empower you to make a meaningful impact on the environment while developing essential business skills. I encourage you to apply and take the first step towards a rewarding future!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental Engineering) / Commerce at UNSW Sydney are prepared for careers that combine environmental engineering expertise with strong business, finance and strategy skills. This combination opens opportunities in roles such as Environmental Engineer, Sustainability Consultant, Project Manager, Business Analyst and Infrastructure or Energy Consultant across government, consulting and private sectors.

To support strong career outcomes, students benefit from:

Access to UNSW Employability services, including career coaching, internship support, employer networking events, mentoring programs and professional development workshops tailored to engineering and commerce students
60 days of Engineering Professional Practice along with industry projects and internship opportunities that provide real workplace experience before graduation
Strong industry engagement with engineering firms, consulting companies, infrastructure organisations and business partners through project-based learning
Full accreditation of the Engineering (Honours) component by Engineers Australia at the Professional Engineer level, with international recognition through the Washington Accord
Commerce studies aligned with leading professional bodies such as CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants ANZ, depending on chosen specialisation
Strong graduate pathways across environmental consulting, infrastructure planning, energy, sustainability, finance, business strategy, project management and government roles
A highly respected UNSW qualification that supports strong employability and international career mobility
Development of both technical engineering skills and commercial decision-making abilities, making graduates highly versatile in the job market
Competitive starting salaries in engineering and business-related roles, with strong growth as experience increases

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue into postgraduate study in environmental engineering, engineering management, business, finance, sustainability or public policy. Graduates may also pursue research-based master’s or PhD programs, or professional certifications, leading to senior roles in engineering leadership, corporate strategy, consulting or sustainability management.