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

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sydney

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental Engineering) and Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney is a 5.5-year combined degree that brings together environmental engineering expertise and business knowledge. It is ideal for students who want to create sustainable solutions to environmental challenges while developing the commercial and leadership skills needed to manage projects, organisations, and industries.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both engineering and commerce. You will study subjects such as Engineering Design, Linear Algebra and Calculus, and Chemistry for Engineers, alongside commerce units including Accounting, Business Analytics, and Future of Business, developing essential technical and business skills.

Year 2:
The second year introduces key environmental engineering concepts while expanding business knowledge. Students explore areas such as Environmental Engineering Fundamentals, Fluid Mechanics, and Data Analysis, while continuing commerce studies in economics, finance, and management.

Year 3:
In the third year, students move into more specialised environmental engineering topics. Subjects such as Water Engineering, Environmental Systems, and Geomechanics help build technical expertise, while commerce majors allow students to focus on areas such as finance, marketing, business information systems, or international business.

Year 4:
The fourth year focuses on advanced engineering applications and professional practice. Students study topics such as Hydrology and Open Channel Flow, Environmental Impact Assessment, and Engineering Project Management, while also developing strategic thinking and leadership skills through advanced commerce units.

Year 5:
In the fifth year, students deepen their understanding of sustainability, waste management, resource recovery, and integrated environmental systems. Commerce studies focus on advanced business decision-making, strategy, and industry-related projects that complement engineering knowledge.

Final Half-Year:
The final stage of the degree includes a major engineering capstone project and completion of any remaining commerce requirements. Students apply their combined engineering and business expertise to address complex environmental and organisational challenges.

Focus Areas: Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Water Resources, Climate Change Solutions, Environmental Impact Assessment, Project Management, Finance, Economics, Business Strategy, Leadership, Resource Management

Learning Outcomes: Graduates develop advanced environmental engineering knowledge, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, business and financial literacy, project management expertise, sustainability planning capabilities, leadership skills, and the ability to create practical and commercially viable environmental solutions.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Environmental Engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, providing a pathway to professional engineering recognition. The commerce component develops highly transferable business skills valued across a wide range of industries.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Sydney is recognised globally for excellence in engineering, sustainability, and business education. Graduates benefit from strong industry connections, research excellence, and excellent employment opportunities across engineering, consulting, government, and corporate sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Sydney, students pursuing the Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Environmental Engineering) and Bachelor of Commerce programs are immersed in a rich environment that emphasizes experiential learning. This hands-on approach not only enhances theoretical knowledge but also equips students with practical skills that are essential in today’s job market. With state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of tools at their disposal, students can engage in real-world projects, collaborate with peers, and gain invaluable experience that prepares them for their future careers.

Here’s how these programs foster experiential learning:

- Engineering Design Studio: A dedicated space where students can work on design projects, utilizing advanced tools and technologies.
- Laboratories: Access to specialized labs, such as the Environmental Engineering Lab, where students conduct experiments and research on sustainable practices.
- Field Trips: Opportunities to visit local and international sites, such as water treatment plants and renewable energy facilities, to see engineering principles in action.
- Internships: The program encourages internships with industry partners, providing students with real-world experience and networking opportunities.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects that simulate real engineering challenges, allowing students to work in teams and develop problem-solving skills.
- Software Tools: Training in industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and GIS, which are essential for environmental engineering and commerce applications.
- Research Institutes: Access to research centers like the Sydney Institute of Agriculture, where students can engage in cutting-edge research and innovation.
- Business Simulation Labs: For commerce students, these labs provide a platform to practice business strategies and decision-making in a controlled environment.

By participating in these experiential learning opportunities, students not only enhance their academic experience but also build a strong foundation for their future careers. The University of Sydney is committed to providing a comprehensive education that goes beyond the classroom, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of their respective fields.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental Engineering) and Bachelor of Commerce are well equipped to address environmental challenges while understanding the business and financial factors that influence decision-making. This combination of engineering and commerce creates opportunities across environmental consulting, infrastructure, renewable energy, government, and corporate sectors. Common career paths include Environmental Engineer, Sustainability Consultant, Project Manager, Environmental Analyst, Business Consultant, and Resource Management Specialist.

At:

The University of Sydney Careers Centre offers career coaching, résumé support, interview preparation, employer networking events, internships, and professional development workshops to help students build successful careers.
Students complete the Professional Engagement Program (PEP), gaining valuable industry experience and workplace skills throughout their studies.
Graduates enjoy strong employment opportunities across engineering consultancies, environmental agencies, renewable energy companies, infrastructure organisations, financial institutions, and multinational businesses.
Environmental engineering professionals in Australia typically earn around AUD 90,000–110,000 per year, with the commerce qualification supporting progression into management, consulting, and leadership positions.
Students benefit from exposure to industry projects, sustainability initiatives, and research activities that connect engineering innovation with business strategy and environmental outcomes.
The Environmental Engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, providing a recognised pathway to professional engineering status and international career opportunities.
Graduates leave with expertise in sustainability, environmental management, business strategy, finance, project management, and engineering design, making them highly attractive to employers across multiple sectors.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, graduates can pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Professional Engineering, Master of Engineering Science, Master of Sustainability, Master of Commerce, Master of Project Management, or an MBA. Those interested in research can also continue into higher degrees such as a PhD, opening pathways into academia, innovation, policy development, and advanced environmental engineering research.