Engineer environmental solutions to build a better world.
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
Special selection criteria
Students who enter the program having achieved a 'Very High Achievement' in a Maths B and Maths C in secondary school will be eligible for an exemption for the course MTH102 on application to the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering they may substitute another mathematically based and engineering relevant course for MTH102 as a Variation to Program 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 (10)
COR109 Writing Your Novel
ENG101 Professional Creative Writing Practice A: The Industry
ENG102 Professional Creative Writing Practice B: Industry Engagement
ENS103 Creative Writing and Editing for e-Publication
MTH102 Systemic Physiology I
SCI102 Systemic Physiology II
SCI105 Pathophysiology
SCI107 Introduction to Pharmacology
SCI110 Immunology
SET111 Functional Anatomy
Advanced courses (22)
ENG202 Exercise Physiology I
ENG203 Italian A
ENG211 Italian B
ENG302 In-Country Italian Studies A
ENG312 In-Country Italian Studies B
ENG401 Italian C
ENG402 Italian D
ENG403 Italian E
ENG422 Italian F
ENS221 Languages and Linguistics
ENS222 Italian A
ENS224 Italian B
ENS253 In-Country Italian Studies A
ENS321 In-Country Italian Studies B
ENS325 Italian C
GEO201 Italian D
GEO302 Italian E
MTH202 Italian F
MTH312 Languages and Linguistics
PHY201 Communication and Thought
PLUS select 1 course from:
ANM203 Engineering Professional Practice
SCI202 Engineering Statics
PLUS select 1 course from:
ENS317 Earth's Surface Processes
ENS330 Mathematics Foundations
ENS333 Biodiversity and Ecology
SRP301 Chemistry
WPL310 Physics
Major studies courses (8)
Students must select 1 of the following Engineering majors:
Construction major
ENG212 Science Research Methods
ENG221 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
ENG225 Introduction to Engineering Design
ENG340 Engineering Computer Programming
ENG404 Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics
ENG432 Engineering Project Management
ENG451 Soil Mechanics
ENS281 Engineering Project 1
Environment and Water major
ENG330 Engineering Project 2
ENG411 Engineering Research Methodology
ENG412 Design of Roads and Drainage
ENG421 Plant Diversity and Ecology
ENS242 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
ENS353 Soil Properties, Processes and Rehabilitation
MTH381 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
PLUS select 1 elective course from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
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
- Register your selected major and/or minor
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
- Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)