Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) major Environmental Engineering / Arts

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental Engineering) / Arts at UNSW Sydney is a 5.7-year combined degree that blends technical environmental engineering with studies in arts and social sciences. It is designed for students who want to solve environmental and sustainability challenges while also understanding the social, cultural, and policy contexts behind them.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you build a strong foundation in engineering through mathematics, science, and design-focused subjects while also starting introductory Arts courses. This stage develops core problem-solving skills along with communication and critical thinking abilities that support interdisciplinary learning.

Year 2
In second year, you begin core environmental engineering studies while continuing Arts electives. Engineering subjects introduce environmental systems and design principles, while Arts courses help you explore ideas in society, communication, or global issues.

Year 3
In third year, environmental engineering becomes more specialised with subjects such as water systems, pollution control, and sustainability-focused design. Arts studies continue to strengthen your understanding of human behaviour, policy, or environmental issues, helping you connect engineering solutions to real-world contexts.

Year 4
In fourth year, you work on more advanced engineering applications and project-based learning. At the same time, you continue selected Arts subjects that develop analytical and communication skills relevant to environmental decision-making.

Year 5
In fifth year, you focus on advanced environmental engineering topics and major design projects. You also integrate knowledge from Arts and engineering to approach environmental challenges from both technical and societal perspectives.

Year 6 (final stage – 0.7 year)
In the final stage, you complete remaining advanced engineering requirements and capstone-level learning. This includes professional preparation and project work that strengthens your readiness for engineering practice and interdisciplinary careers.

Focus areas (in a string):

Environmental engineering, sustainability, water systems, pollution control, climate resilience, environmental policy, social sciences, communication, environmental justice, infrastructure planning, sustainable development

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Design sustainable engineering solutions, analyse environmental systems, integrate technical and social perspectives, apply critical thinking to environmental issues, communicate effectively, evaluate policy impacts, manage interdisciplinary projects, demonstrate 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.

Reputation (employability rankings):

UNSW is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities for Engineering and Technology and is recognised for producing highly employable graduates with strong interdisciplinary capabilities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New South Wales (UNSW), students pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Environmental Engineering and Arts 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 creative thinking necessary to tackle complex environmental challenges. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools, you will engage in hands-on experiences that enhance your learning and prepare you for a successful career.

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

- Laboratories and Research Facilities: You will have access to specialized laboratories, such as the Water Research Laboratory and the Sustainable Built Environment Laboratory, where you can conduct experiments and research projects.

- Field Trips: The program includes field trips to various environmental sites, allowing you to observe and analyze real-world environmental issues and solutions in action.

- Group Projects: Collaborative projects are a core component of the curriculum, fostering teamwork and communication skills as you work with peers to solve engineering problems.

- Internships: UNSW encourages students to undertake internships with industry partners, providing invaluable work experience and networking opportunities in the environmental sector.

- Digital Tools and Software: You will gain proficiency in industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems), which are essential for environmental engineering tasks.

- Access to Libraries and Research Institutes: The UNSW library system offers extensive resources, including access to journals, databases, and research materials relevant to your studies. Additionally, you can connect with research institutes focused on sustainability and environmental innovation.

- Workshops and Seminars: Participate in workshops and seminars led by industry experts, enhancing your understanding of current trends and practices in environmental engineering and arts.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enrich your academic experience but also empower you to make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental engineering. For a complete list of facilities and resources available to you, please visit [UNSW Facilities](https://www.unsw.edu.au/about-us/our-story/facilities).

Embarking on this journey at UNSW will not only prepare you academically but also provide you with the practical skills and experiences that are crucial for your future career. I encourage you to apply and take the first step towards making a difference in the world!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental Engineering) / Arts at UNSW Sydney are prepared for careers that combine technical environmental engineering skills with a strong understanding of social, cultural and policy issues. This combination opens doors to roles such as Environmental Engineer, Sustainability Consultant, Environmental Policy Advisor and Project Manager across government, consulting and industry sectors.

Students benefit from strong career development support throughout the degree:

Access to UNSW Employability services, including career coaching, internship support, employer networking events, mentoring and professional development programs tailored to engineering and interdisciplinary students
Industry engagement through professional practice, project-based learning and collaboration with external organisations in environmental, infrastructure and policy areas
Completion of Engineering Professional Practice requirements, giving students real workplace experience before graduation
Full accreditation of the Engineering (Honours) component by Engineers Australia at the Professional Engineer level, with international recognition through the Washington Accord
Strong career pathways across environmental consulting, infrastructure planning, sustainability, government policy, climate resilience and urban development
A globally recognised UNSW qualification that supports strong employability and international career mobility
Interdisciplinary learning that builds communication, critical thinking and policy understanding alongside technical engineering expertise
UNSW’s strong reputation in engineering and graduate employability, supporting long-term career growth

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue into postgraduate study in environmental engineering, sustainability, urban planning, environmental policy, engineering management or related fields. Graduates may also pursue research-based master’s or PhD programs, leading to careers in advanced research, academia, consulting, policy development or senior leadership roles in environmental and infrastructure sectors.