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

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental Engineering) / Bachelor of Engineering Science at UNSW Sydney is a five-year double degree that combines professional environmental engineering expertise with advanced knowledge in a complementary engineering discipline. It is ideal for students who want to address environmental challenges through innovative engineering solutions while gaining broader technical skills that expand their career opportunities.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you build a strong foundation in engineering through studies in mathematics, physics, computing and engineering design. Students complete Introduction to Engineering Design and Innovation, where they develop problem-solving, teamwork and design-thinking skills while learning how engineers solve real-world challenges.

Year 2
During second year, students begin focusing on environmental engineering concepts while continuing their engineering science studies. Through core engineering subjects, you gain an understanding of environmental systems, engineering analysis and sustainable design, building the technical knowledge needed for advanced studies.

Year 3
In third year, learning becomes more specialised through subjects such as Groundwater Resource Investigation, Air Quality and Pollution, and Sustainability in Construction. Students explore environmental challenges related to water resources, pollution management and sustainable infrastructure while developing practical engineering skills.

Year 4
Fourth year focuses on advanced environmental engineering applications and professional practice. Subjects such as Advanced Water Engineering, Coastal Engineering, and Fundamentals of Humanitarian Engineering help students apply engineering principles to complex environmental and sustainability issues through project-based learning.

Year 5
In the final year, students integrate knowledge from both degrees through advanced electives, major engineering projects and professional practice experiences. This stage prepares graduates for professional engineering careers by strengthening their technical expertise, leadership skills and industry readiness.

Focus areas (in a string):

Environmental engineering, water and wastewater systems, sustainability, environmental remediation, groundwater management, air quality and pollution control, sustainable infrastructure, engineering design, professional engineering practice, multidisciplinary engineering solutions

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop sustainable engineering solutions, analyse environmental systems, apply advanced engineering and scientific principles, manage complex engineering projects, work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, communicate technical information clearly, demonstrate professional and ethical responsibility, address environmental and climate-related challenges through engineering innovation

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The Environmental Engineering component is fully accredited by Engineers Australia at the Professional Engineer level, with international recognition through the Washington Accord

Reputation (employability rankings):

UNSW Engineering is recognised as one of Australia's leading engineering faculties and is ranked among the top engineering schools globally. Students benefit from strong industry connections, professional practice opportunities and a reputation for producing highly employable graduates.

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 or a Bachelor of Engineering Science 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 engineering. With state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools, students can engage in projects that reflect current industry practices and challenges.

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

- Laboratories and Research Facilities: Access to specialized laboratories, such as the Water Research Laboratory and the Sustainable Built Environment Laboratory, allows students to conduct experiments and research in real-world contexts.

- Field Trips: Students participate in field trips to various environmental sites, including waste management facilities and water treatment plants, to observe and analyze engineering practices in action.

- Group Projects: Collaborative projects are a core component of the curriculum, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving skills as students tackle real engineering challenges.

- Internships and Industry Partnerships: UNSW has strong connections with industry partners, providing students with internship opportunities that offer invaluable work experience and networking possibilities.

- Digital Tools and Software: Students gain proficiency in industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and ArcGIS, which are essential for modern engineering practices.

- Research Institutes: The university hosts several research institutes, such as the UNSW Water Research Centre, where students can engage in cutting-edge research alongside faculty and industry experts.

- Libraries and Learning Resources: The UNSW library system offers extensive resources, including access to engineering journals, databases, and study spaces designed to support student learning.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance academic knowledge but also equip students with the skills and experiences needed to excel in their future careers. If you're ready to take the next step in your engineering journey, UNSW is the perfect place to start.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental Engineering) / Bachelor of Engineering Science at UNSW Sydney graduate with a powerful combination of environmental engineering expertise and broader engineering knowledge. This versatile skill set prepares students for careers as Environmental Engineers, Sustainability Consultants, Water Resource Engineers and Environmental Project Managers, while also creating opportunities across infrastructure, energy, environmental management and consulting sectors:

Career support through UNSW Employability services, including career coaching, internship assistance, mentoring programs, networking events and professional development workshops
Completion of 60 days of Engineering Professional Practice, providing valuable industry experience before graduation
Opportunities to work on real-world projects and collaborate with industry, government and community organisations through project-based learning and professional placements
Strong industry engagement across environmental consulting, infrastructure, water management, sustainability and renewable energy sectors
Full accreditation by Engineers Australia at the Professional Engineer level, with international recognition through the Washington Accord
Study within one of Australia's leading engineering faculties, giving graduates strong employer recognition and global career opportunities
A highly respected double degree that combines specialised environmental engineering skills with broader engineering expertise
Career pathways across environmental consulting, water resources, climate resilience, renewable energy, infrastructure development, sustainability management and government agencies

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