Design systems for and manage human interaction with the environment
Gain a broad foundation in civil engineering and enabling sciences with a focus on structures, construction 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.
- Campus note: Subject to external accreditation for Moreton Bay campus offering.
- Campus note: Subject to external accreditation for Moreton Bay campus offering.
Gain a broad foundation in civil engineering and enabling sciences with a focus on structures, construction and water.
During the program, you’ll build your expertise in areas including environmental management, planning and restoration, managed ecosystems and marine science.
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.
In this program you will:
- Complete more than 60 days of work experience.
- Learn about the creative nature of engineering.
- Develop skills in problem-solving, teamwork and communication.
- Gain technical, business management and scientific environmental knowledge.
- Attain Engineers Australia graduate status.
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:
- Government agencies
- Construction companies
- Engineering consultancies
- Building industry
- Water supply authorities
- Mining industry
- Research organisations.
- Parks and wildlife
- Resource management
- Environmental consultancies
Graduates are eligible to become members of:
- Engineers Australia (Professional Engineer)
- 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) 132 units
COR109 Creating and Leveraging Digital Products
ENG101 Bringing Data to Life
ENG102 Communication and Thought
ENG103 Foundations of Engineering
ENS103 Engineering Statics
MTH103 Introduction to the Internet of Things
MTH104 Earth's Surface Processes
SCI102 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
SCI105 Introductory Calculus
SCI107 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI110 Chemistry
Developing and Graduate courses (21) 252 units
ENG202 Physics
ENG204 Science Research Methods
ENG211 Introduction to Engineering Design
ENG302 Thermodynamics
ENG312 Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics
ENG401 Engineering Project Management
ENG402 Soil Mechanics
ENG403 Engineering Project 1
ENG422 Engineering Project 2
ENS221 Engineering Research Methodology
ENS222 Design of Roads and Drainage
ENS224 Plant Diversity and Ecology
ENS253 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
ENS321 Soil Properties, Processes and Rehabilitation
ENS325 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
GEO201 Restoration Ecology
GEO302 Population Ecology and Genetics
MTH201 Hydrology and Geomorphology
MTH203 Coastal Geomorphology
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
ANM203 Calculus II and Linear Algebra
SCI202 Numerical Analysis
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
ENS317 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
ENS330 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
ENS333 Coastal Conservation Planning
SRP301 K'gari-Fraser Island Field Studies
WPL310 Special Field Studies Topic
Major studies courses (8) 96 units
Students must select 1 of the following Engineering majors:
Construction major
Environment and Water major
Honours
The Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) may be awarded with Honours. The class of Honours to be awarded to a student is dependent upon:
- the percentage results achieved by study or transfer in eleven courses (132 units) as specified in the table below; and
- the student achieving at least 60% in ENG402 Special Research Project.
| Construction Major | Environment & Water Major |
| MTH203 Workplace Learning I | MTH203 Engineering Project 2 |
| ENG302 Numerical Analysis | ENG302 Numerical Analysis |
| ENG312 Engineering Project Management | ENG312 Engineering Project Management |
| ENG401 Soil Mechanics | ENG401 Soil Mechanics |
| ENG402 Engineering Project 1 | ENG402 Engineering Project 1 |
| ENG403 Engineering Project 2 | ENG403 Engineering Project 2 |
| ENG422 Engineering Research Methodology | ENG422 Engineering Research Methodology |
| ENG340 Design of Roads and Drainage | ENG330 Design of Roads and Drainage |
| ENG404 Construction Technology | ENG411 Engineering Hydrology |
| ENG432 Engineering Sustainable Design | ENG412 Reservoir and Stormwater Engineering |
| ENG451 Advanced Soil Mechanics | ENG421 Design of Wastewater Treatment Systems |
A student must complete a minimum of 8 courses (96 units) in the table and the research project for an honours grade to be awarded.
The minimum levels of achievement normally required for each class of honours are shown in the following table:
| Honours results classification | Overall Percentage attainded in Specified Courses* |
| Honours Class I | 80% - 100% |
| Honours Class IIA | 70% - 79% |
| Honours Class IIB | 60% - 69% |
| Honours (unclassified) | 50% - 59% |
*The percentage result shall be rounded up if ≥ 0.5 or rounded down if < 0.5.
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
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- 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 Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.