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

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental Engineering) / Science at UNSW Sydney is a five-year double degree that combines professional engineering training with strong scientific study. It is a great choice for students who want to understand environmental systems through science and apply engineering solutions to real-world sustainability and climate challenges.

Curriculum structure

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

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

Year 3
In third year, environmental engineering becomes more specialised through subjects such as water systems, pollution control, and sustainable design. At the same time, science study allows deeper exploration of areas like ecology, chemistry, or earth systems.

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

Year 5
In the final year, you complete honours-level engineering requirements, advanced science study, and a major capstone project. This final stage prepares you for professional practice by combining scientific understanding with 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 principles to engineering problems, design sustainable environmental solutions, analyse complex environmental systems, integrate science and engineering knowledge, conduct independent research, evaluate data-driven solutions, communicate technical findings, demonstrate ethical and professional 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 industry and research capability.

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 Science are immersed in a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes practical skills and real-world applications. The program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and experience necessary to tackle pressing environmental challenges. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools, you will engage in hands-on learning that prepares you for a successful career in the field.

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

- Laboratories and Research Facilities: Access 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 sites, including water treatment plants and environmental restoration projects, to gain firsthand experience in environmental management and engineering practices.

- Group Projects: Collaborate with peers on group projects that simulate real-world engineering challenges, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills essential for your future career.

- Internships and Industry Partnerships: Benefit from strong connections with industry partners, providing opportunities for internships that allow you to gain valuable work experience and network with professionals in the field.

- Digital Tools and Software: Utilize industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and MATLAB, which are integral to environmental engineering and science, enhancing your technical skills.

- Research Institutes: Engage with research institutes like the UNSW Water Research Centre, where you can contribute to innovative projects and stay at the forefront of environmental research.

- Libraries and Learning Resources: Access extensive library resources, including specialized collections on environmental science and engineering, to support your studies and research.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance your academic experience but also prepare you to make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental engineering.Embarking on this journey at UNSW will empower you to become a leader in environmental engineering and science, ready to address the challenges of our time.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental Engineering) / Science at UNSW Sydney are well prepared for careers that combine environmental problem-solving with scientific and technical expertise. They can move into roles such as Environmental Engineer, Sustainability Consultant, Water Resources Engineer, Environmental Analyst, or Research Scientist across government, consulting, infrastructure, and environmental organisations.

This combination of science and engineering supports strong career pathways, especially in areas linked to climate change, sustainability, and infrastructure development:

Access to UNSW Employability services, including one-on-one career coaching, internship and placement support, employer networking events, mentoring programs, and resume and interview workshops for STEM students
Structured Engineering Professional Practice (industrial training), ensuring students gain real workplace experience before graduation
Strong industry connections with engineering consultancies, environmental agencies, research organisations, and infrastructure companies through projects and placements
Full accreditation of the Engineering (Honours) component by Engineers Australia at the Professional Engineer level, recognised internationally through the Washington Accord
Strong demand for graduates in environmental engineering, climate adaptation, water systems, renewable energy, data analysis, and sustainability roles
UNSW’s strong reputation in engineering and science supports excellent employability outcomes in Australia and internationally
Interdisciplinary training that builds both scientific research ability and practical engineering design skills
Competitive starting salaries in engineering and science-related fields, with strong long-term growth potential

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can pursue postgraduate study in environmental engineering, climate science, data science, environmental management, or applied science. Graduates may also progress into research-based master’s or PhD programs, or specialise further in sustainability, infrastructure, or environmental policy, leading to advanced roles in research, consulting, or leadership.