Become a skilled environmental professional and manage human interaction with the environment
Gain a broad foundation in engineering and enabling sciences, before you choose to specialise your studies in either construction or environment and water.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Gain a broad foundation in engineering and enabling sciences, before you choose to specialise your studies in either construction or environment and water.
During the program, you develop skills in problem-solving, teamwork and communication, and gain technical, business management and scientific environmental knowledge. Build your expertise in areas including environmental management, planning and restoration, managed ecosystems and marine science.
Earn invaluable work experience, completed over 60 days, examining current engineering professional practice with emphasis on the creative nature of engineering. At the end of your studies you will have the scientific skills needed to make judgements on the conservation and use of Australia's natural ecosystems and resources.
Majors
Construction; Environment and water
Exemption for first year Mathematics
Students who enter the program having achieved a 'Very High Achievement' in Maths C in secondary school will be eligible for an exemption for the courses MTH103 Introduction to Applied Mathematics and MTH104 Introductory Calculus on application to the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering and may substitute two engineering relevant courses in order to fulfil the requirements of the degree.
Post-admission requirements
Students must complete 60 days of suitable field experience.
Career opportunities
You can find employment pathways in Government agencies, construction companies, engineering consultancies, building industry, water supply authorities, mining industry, research organisations. As a specialist in environmental science, you can pursue career paths in environmental management and protection, parks and wildlife, resource management, waste and pollution control, catchment management agencies, local councils and environmental consultancies.
Membership
Graduate membership of Engineers Australia (Professional Engineer) available on individual application; Australian Network for Plant Conservation; Australian Water Association; Ecological Society of Australia; Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand; Australian Marine Sciences Association.
Program structure
Introductory courses (11)
COR109 Biodiversity and Ecology
ENG101 Chemistry
ENG102 Science Research Methods
ENG103 Discovering Science
ENS103 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
MTH103 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
MTH104 K'gari-Fraser Island Field Studies
SCI102 Special Field Studies Topic
SCI105 Analytical Sciences
SCI107 Special Research Project
SCI110 Workplace Learning I
Advanced courses (21)
ENG202 Communication and Thought
ENG211 Foundations of Engineering
ENG302 Engineering Statics
ENG312 Introduction to the Internet of Things
ENG401 Earth's Surface Processes
ENG402 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
ENG403 Introductory Calculus
ENG422 Biodiversity and Ecology
ENS221 Chemistry
ENS222 Physics
ENS224 Science Research Methods
ENS253 Introduction to Engineering Design
ENS321 Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics
ENS325 Engineering Project Management
GEO201 Soil Mechanics
GEO302 Engineering Project 1
MTH201 Engineering Project 2
MTH203 Engineering Research Methodology
PHY201 Design of Roads and Drainage
PLUS select 1 course from:
ANM203 Plant Diversity and Ecology
SCI202 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
PLUS select 1 course from:
ENS317 Soil Properties, Processes and Rehabilitation
ENS330 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
ENS333 Restoration Ecology
SRP301 Population Ecology and Genetics
WPL310 Hydrology and Geomorphology
Major studies courses (8)
Students must select 1 of the following Engineering majors:
Construction major
Environment and Water major
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 480
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 480 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Select a major in either Construction or Environment and Water
- Complete a minimum of 60 days of suitable work experience. Students must meet all costs associated with the acquisition of practical experience to satisfy this requirement
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- Most courses are valued at 12 units unless otherwise specified
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the 'Planning your study' page to manage your progression
- You may wish to use electives to complete an additional major or minor
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)