Master of Engineering Science (Civil Engineering)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 1 - 2 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8338
- CRICOS code 084282A
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Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2025 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $9,500*
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2025 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $19,000*
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $58,000*
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $121,000*
Fees
Fees
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Upskill or retrain
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Specialised degree
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In-demand skills
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
UNSW Master of Engineering Science (Civil Engineering) is a two-year postgraduate degree in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Designed for students who have a four-year accredited engineering degree, this program will broaden your job prospects through cross-training, re-training or specialisation.
Civil Engineering is one of the largest fields of engineering. Studying this broad discipline at UNSW means you can tailor your degree to your interests and explore an incredibly diverse range of specialisations and subject areas, including:
- Project management
- Transport engineering
- Water and wastewater
- Surveying and construction
- Structural engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Water engineering
You’ll deepen your knowledge and broaden your experience of engineering as part of a faculty that champions hands-on solutions and entrepreneurship. As a graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to work in projects and roles that drive solutions for a better world.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
When you study Civil Engineering at UNSW, you’ll join a world-renowned engineering faculty and school, where diverse perspectives are celebrated. UNSW Engineering consistently ranks as a top Engineering faculty in Australia and globally, placing #38 in the 2019-2020 QS World University Rankings.
The benefits of studying with the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UNSW are vast and include:
- We’re acclaimed as the leading Civil and Environmental Engineering School in Australia; globally ranked 12th by QS Rankings, and 10th by AWRU.
- You’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and research hubs, giving you experience with the technology you’ll use in your career.
- You’ll be immersed in a culture at the forefront of research and innovation in engineering.
- Our Alumni are consistently on Engineers Australia’s Top 100 list of Most Influential Engineers
Want to see more from UNSW Engineering?
Entry requirements
Entry into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depends on your cognate background.
Entry into the Master’s program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*
The Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway does not apply to this specialisation.
*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average
Cognate disciplines |
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Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)
UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.
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A 4 year Bachelor Degree with Honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.
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- A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.
- A 4 year Bachelor Degree with Honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.
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.
Entry into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depends on your cognate background.
Entry into the Master’s program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*
The Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway does not apply to this specialisation.
*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average
Cognate disciplines |
|
|
|
Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)
UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.
-
A 4 year Bachelor Degree with Honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.
-
- A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.
- A 4 year Bachelor Degree with Honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. 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 English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do 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.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
When you choose to study a Master of Engineering Science, you’ll choose from one of 26 specialisations which will help you make your next career move.
Within these specialisations your study will include:
- Enquiry-based courses
- Disciplinary courses
- Engineering and Technical Management Courses.
You’ll be able to tailor your degree to your interests by combining courses in your chosen specialisation with elective courses.
You’ll also have the chance to work on a complex, open-ended enquiry-based research project.
Full program structure
Degree structures can vary depending on your specialisation of choice, the number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.
Depending on your specialisation and your previous studies/professional experience you may study:
- At least 4 Disciplinary Courses
- At least 4 Advanced Disciplinary Courses
- At least 1 Engineering and Technical Management Course
- At least 3 enquiry-based courses (which includes a research project)
- At least 4 elective courses (across Disciplinary, Advanced Disciplinary and Engineering and Technical Management courses)
Through the Disciplinary and Advanced Disciplinary Knowledge courses you’ll learn the technical knowledge and skills you need for your chosen specialisation. You’ll also update your knowledge in cutting-edge developments in your area of interest.
Engineering and Technical Management courses help you build skills in communicating and justifying professional decisions, employing ethical approaches to practice, and developing the abilities required for roles more focused on project and or staff management, leadership and strategy.
You’ll complete a research project in this degree within the enquiry-based courses. In this you can choose to develop your Postgraduate Research skills to assist with the research project component of the degree or as your first step towards a Higher Degree Research (PhD) program. Or you can complete a “Launching a Startup” course where you will be equipped with the skills necessary to successfully commercialise your ideas.
Future careers
Civil Engineers are highly skilled professionals and are in high demand. Your broad expertise will mean you can work across diverse roles and projects, in many organisations and regions, both across Australia and around the world.
Job opportunities are predicted to continue to grow rapidly in the sector. You’ll have the opportunity to work in the sectors and roles listed below, as well as many more:
- Civil engineering
- Geotechnical engineering
- Structural engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Construction
- Project management
- Transport engineering
- Electricity, gas, water and waste services
- Professional, scientific and technical services.
Civil Engineers have high base salaries, and 91% of Civil Engineers enter full-time work, which is well above the national average of 66%. Source.
Whichever career pathway you choose, your Civil Engineering degree will empower you to take on leadership and management roles across the engineering sector, as well as enabling you to transition into corporate and business settings.
UNSW Engineering graduates are some of the most sought-after professional engineers in Australia and abroad thanks to the reputation of our research and teaching.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
$9,000*
$18,500*
All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply.
*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Featured scholarship
The UNSW Women in Engineering Research Scholarship was established to assist women of high academic achievement with an interest in a research and/or an academic career in engineering. UNSW Engineering offers two Women in Engineering Top-up Scholarships every semester.
Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
I love that everything in the world is being engineered by somebody.
