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Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) (Canberra)

Educating leaders in Defence, government & industry
You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.
UNSW Canberra's Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) empowers you to design, build and manage the infrastructure of tomorrow. Gain hands-on experience and industry skills to tackle global challenges like urbanisation and sustainability, opening doors to impactful careers in Defence, government and beyond.
Commencing Terms
Semester 1
Duration
4 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Canberra
Codes
UAC code 450050 - Defence 451050 - Non Defence
Program code 4473
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2024 lowest selection rank
85 + Application (Defence)90 - Non Defence
View all admission criteria
Fees
2025 Indicative first year full fee
$8,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$37,500*
Civil Engineering labs
The Australian Defence Force Academy logo

The Australian Defence Force Academy

Combining teaching and research with military education

UNSW Canberra specialises in high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate courses in all areas relating to military, strategic and defence studies. This means future leaders of the Navy, Army and Air Force can combine their military and leadership training with our world-class university programs and defence industry expertise.

Overview

Build a career shaping the world around you with the Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) at UNSW Canberra. You'll gain the expertise to design, build and manage essential infrastructure, from roads and bridges to water systems and energy facilities. This program is built to develop the skills you need to lead in a range of industries, including Defence, government and global engineering firms.

Through hands-on learning and real-world projects, you’ll work alongside industry professionals and experienced engineers to tackle current and future engineering challenges. You’ll master technical skills in areas like structural analysis, environmental engineering and hydraulics, equipping you with the expertise to meet the demands of a dynamic and evolving field. In your final year, a capstone research project allows you to focus on innovative solutions that can drive progress and improve lives.

With an internationally recognised degree accredited by Engineers Australia, you’ll graduate ready to pursue a rewarding career in Australia or abroad. Many of our graduates secure leadership roles in the Army or Air Force, working on critical infrastructure and humanitarian projects around the world. Whether managing large-scale construction or advancing sustainable practices, this degree will open doors to a future where you make a tangible impact.

Key features

Hands-on industry experience
Gain 60 days of practical experience with engineering professionals, preparing you to step into the workforce with confidence. You’ll work on real-world projects in civil engineering, building the skills to excel in infrastructure, Defence and sustainable design.

Accreditation with Engineers Australia
Graduate with a globally recognised qualification, accredited by Engineers Australia. This accreditation means you’ll be ready to work as a professional engineer across Australia and internationally, giving you the credentials to pursue a diverse and impactful career.

Honours research project
Dive deep into a capstone research project in your final year, where you’ll tackle complex engineering challenges and explore innovative solutions in an area you’re passionate about. You’ll gain specialised expertise that will prepare you for advanced roles in engineering or further research.

Why study at UNSW Canberra?

Gain valuable industry connections
Benefit from UNSW Canberra’s unique partnerships with the Australian Defence Force and other major industry players. You'll work directly with experienced engineers and industry professionals, giving access to exclusive internships, projects and research opportunities.

Learn from industry experts
Our civil engineering lecturers bring extensive industry and Defence experience into the classroom, giving you practical insights and mentorship throughout your degree. With their guidance, you’ll gain the expertise to tackle real-world engineering challenges and excel in a range of career paths.

Cutting-edge facilities
Access state-of-the-art labs and research facilities where you can experiment, innovate and refine your engineering skills. Be ready to work with the latest technology and methodologies used in today’s civil engineering projects when you graduate, so you can hit the ground running.

 

Program Code
4473
Campus
Canberra
UAC Code
450050 - Defence 451050 - Non Defence
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
192

Want to see more from UNSW Canberra at ADFA?

Entry requirements

2024 Lowest Selection Rank 1
85 + Application (Defence)90 - Non Defence
2024 A levels 2
11 + Application (Defence)13 - Non Defence
2024 IB Diploma 3
32 + Application (Defence)34 - Non Defence
2024 Lowest ATAR 4
83.4 - Defence86.25 - Non Defence

Additional Selection Criteria

Undergraduate entry to the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is open to Australian residents who are members of the Australian Defence Force and selected members of overseas Armed Forces. Trainee Officers are selected by one of the three services (Navy, Army or Airforce) in the Australian Defence Force and must also meet academic entry requirements for UNSW Canberra at ADFA. Applying for ADFA is a dual application process. As selection for the Australian Defence Force is a competitive process, which can take up to 12 months, it is preferable that you apply to Defence Force Recruiting in Year 11. Visit this site for more information on both application processes.

This degree is also available to non-defence students.

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics, Physics

Adjustment Factors


We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies. 

HSC Plus 
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points. 

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) 
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS), opens in a new window
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page. 

Program structure

The UNSW Canberra Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) is a four-year full-time degree with a built in Honours research project. You’ll study core engineering subjects, including engineering mechanics, computational problem solving, structural analysis, transportation and traffic engineering, and more. Spend at least 60 days gaining practical engineering experience in the workplace during your degree. In your final year, you’ll undertake a capstone research project and work in a team to complete an integrated design project.

Full program structure

The Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) is a four-year full-time program. Students will complete 192 UOC Units of Credit (UOC).

Future careers

Your degree will be accredited with Engineers Australia, which means that you will be qualified to begin working as an engineer in Australia and many parts of the world as soon as you graduate.  

Civil engineers plan, design, construct and manage essential infrastructure as part of ADF projects and military activities around the world. At UNSW Canberra, our Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) will equip you with the skills to begin your ADF career and take a lead role in designing and transforming our world. 

Trainee Officers studying civil engineering have career opportunities in the Army or Air Force. 

Army  

As an Army Trainee Officer graduate, you’ll be able to join the Royal Australian Engineers Corps, where you will work on infrastructure projects in Australia and overseas. You could find yourself travelling the world to develop or restore clean water supplies, accommodation and airfields.

Air Force 

As an Air Force Trainee Officer graduate, you’ll play a major role in managing the infrastructure within the Air Force. You will be responsible for the management of whole facilities or specialised projects including aircraft pavements, hangars and hospitals. 

Accreditation

Engineers Australia

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website, opens in a new window and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website, opens in a new window for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to Apply?

Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$8,000*
2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$37,500*

The Australian Defence Force covers tuition fees for defence students.