Master of Engineering Civil with Environmental Engineering Specialisation

The Master of Engineering, Civil with Environmental Engineering Specialisation at ECU gives students plenty of opportunities to turn engineering theory into practical skills. Students work with specialist engineering facilities, develop experience in areas such as environmental engineering, hydrology, hydraulics and geotechnical engineering, and complete professional practice and major engineering projects that connect their studies with real workplace challenges.

Students gain practical experience through:

• Environmental Engineering Laboratory: Supports practical learning and research in environmental engineering and fluid mechanics.

• Hydraulics Laboratory: Provides hands-on experience relevant to Hydrology and Hydraulics and the study of fluid flow.

• Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory: Supports practical learning for Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, including the behaviour of soils and foundations.

• Concrete and Construction Materials Laboratory: Provides facilities relevant to Concrete Design and the study of construction materials.

• Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics Laboratories: Support practical learning related to Structural Analysis, Concrete Design and Steel Design.

• Engineering Drawing and CAD Laboratory: Gives students access to facilities for engineering drawing, computer-aided design and technical development.

• Professional practice: Students are required to complete or receive credit for at least 12 weeks of professional practice in a relevant industry environment before graduating.

• Major engineering projects: Master of Engineering Project 1 and Master of Engineering Project 2 allow students to apply their engineering knowledge to a substantial project and work through a real engineering problem.

• Computer facilities: ECU provides 24-hour access to on-campus e-Labs, with relevant applications available through school computer laboratories.

• Research facilities: ECU's School of Engineering provides specialist teaching and research facilities covering environmental engineering, geotechnics, hydraulics, structural engineering and construction materials.

The Master of Engineering, Civil with Environmental Engineering Specialisation prepares graduates for professional engineering roles that combine infrastructure development with environmental and sustainability considerations. Students build practical skills that can support careers in civil engineering, environmental engineering, construction and water resource management, particularly in projects where environmental impacts and resource use need to be carefully considered.

Typical career roles include Civil Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Water Resource Engineer, Construction Manager:

• Career support: ECU provides career advice and employability support, with opportunities such as work-integrated learning, internships, volunteering and other activities that help students prepare for the workplace.

• Professional experience: Students complete or receive credit for at least 12 weeks of professional practice in a relevant industry environment, giving them valuable experience in a professional engineering setting.

• Employment outcomes: ECU reports that 93% of its graduates are in full-time employment within three years of completing their degree. The university also reports that 71.8% are working in professional or managerial positions within three years, with an average graduate salary of AUD 86,900 per year.

• Professional accreditation: When completed with a professionally accredited specialisation, the degree is recognised by Engineers Australia, giving graduates a valuable professional engineering pathway and supporting long-term career progression.

• Practical career scope: The specialisation combines environmental risk assessment and management with civil engineering skills in areas such as concrete and steel design, construction technology, structural analysis and site management.

• Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue engineering roles involved in infrastructure planning, design, construction and improvement, while taking environmental impacts, climate change and resource management into account.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the master's degree, students can continue into research-based higher education, including doctoral study such as a Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) at ECU, allowing them to develop advanced research expertise in engineering or a related field.