Civil Engineering
Civil engineering creates the infrastructure and built environment around us.
What is Civil Engineering?
Civil engineers design and create many different kinds of infrastructure to support our society. This includes the planning, design and construction of the built environment including structures such as buildings, bridges and tunnels. It also involves the provision of essential services such as transport systems, water supply, drainage systems, ports and harbours. Civil engineers work at the forefront of technology, and draw on broad knowledge and experience to create successful and environmentally sustainable projects.
What You Study
Core engineering studies include systems design, mathematics, materials, fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. Civil engineering study areas include sustainability, environmental processes, geo-technical and hydraulic engineering, transport, and project management. Interaction with industry professionals is available through guest lectures, field and project work.
Career Outcomes
Career opportunities are plentiful in government, construction, property, infrastructure, consulting, mining, land, water, and waste. Graduates are highly employable and go on to work as professional engineers, both locally and internationally, with companies such as John Holland, SKM, Connell-Wagner, Multiplex, and others.
Civil Engineering Career Pathways brochure 1mb pdf
How to Become a Civil Engineer
Step 1: Civil Systems
The Civil Systems major may be taken as a part of either of the following degrees. You can find out more about each degree on the following websites:
Bachelor of Commerce students may choose the Civil Systems sequence, and study between eight and ten engineering subjects as the breadth component of their degree. You can find out more about the degree on the following website:
Duration
300 credit points / 3 years full-time
Fees
Domestic Students
Commonwealth Supported Places: Fees per 100 credit points (depending on subjects taken) $4547–$7262 (with 10% up-front discount)
Commonwealth Supported Places are guaranteed until 2019 for the duration of the undergraduate degree and Master of Engineering course.
International Students
Typical yearly fee range per 100 credit points (depending on subjects taken) $28,788–$33,004
For more information please refer to the Fees page on the University’s Future Students website.
Course Structure
Sample Course Plan — Bachelor of Science (Civil Systems)
This example is provided as a guide only. Subject availability will vary from year to year and there is no guarantee that the listed subjects will be available in future years. This information is for students with VCE Units 3 and 4 Specialist Mathematics.| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Engineering Systems Design 1 | Calculus 2 | Science elective | Breadth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | Engineering Systems Design 2 | Linear Algebra | Science elective | Breadth |
| Year 2 | Semester 1 | Engineering Mechanics | Engineering Mathematics | Science elective | Breadth |
| Year 2 | Semester 2 | Engineering Materials | Earth Processes for Engineering | Science elective | Breadth |
| Year 3 | Semester 1 | Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics | Risk Analysis | Science elective | Breadth |
| Year 3 | Semester 2 | Systems Modelling | Structural Theory & Design | Science elective | Breadth |
Step 2: Master of Engineering (Civil)
Graduates with a Civil Systems major (with a 65% average) are eligible for a two-year Master of Engineering (Civil) or a Master of Engineering (Structural).
- Find out more about the Master of Engineering (Civil)
- Find out more about the Master of Engineering (Structural)
Sample Course Plan — Master of Engineering (Civil)
| Year 4 | Semester 1 | Geotechnical Engineering | Engineering Site Characterisation | Sustainable Infrastructure Systems | Structural Theory and Design 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 4 | Semester 2 | Engineering Project Implementation | Civil Hydraulics | Transport Systems | Civil Engineering elective |
| Year 5 | Semester 1 | Research Project | Integrated Design | Risk Analysis | Civil Engineering elective |
| Year 5 | Semester 2 | Research Project | Integrated Design | Civil Engineering elective | Civil Engineering elective |
| Civil Systems subjects | Electives | Breadth subjects |
Make an Enquiry
Please call or email Eastern Precinct Student Centre:
13 MELB (13 6352)
+61 3 9035 5511 (overseas)
Apply Now
Engineering Study Guide
Download Engineering Study Guide [PDF 2.9MB]
Sarah Godwin
Sarah came to Civil Engineering after studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and working in laboratories in the UK for a number of years. She is now in her second year of the Master of Engineering (Civil), which she balances with her career in the Australian Defence Force Reserves.
I decided there was more to life than working in labs. I wanted something with a bit more variety and engineering gives you a lot of options, especially within civil.
Plus the Master of Engineering is accredited by the Washington Accord, which means you can work in America, Canada, the UK, Japan… pretty much anywhere. So I can travel if I want to. I'm hoping in my last year to do an exchange in America.