Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) (Canberra)
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1
- Duration
- 4 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Canberra
- Codes
- UAC code 450050 - Defence 451050 - Non Defence
- Program code 4473
- CRICOS code -
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ATAR/2025 lowest selection rank
- 85 + Application (Defence)90 - Non Defence View all admission criteria
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $8,000*
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $37,500*
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- -
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- -
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Professional accreditation
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Defence and non-Defence students
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60-day internship
The Australian Defence Force Academy
Combining teaching and research with military education
91³ÉÈ˰涶Òôspecialises 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
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees
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.
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Want to see more from 91³ÉÈ˰涶Òôat ADFA?
Entry requirements
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- The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
- The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
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 91³ÉÈ˰涶Òôat 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 thisÌýÌýfor more information on both application processes.
This degree is also available toÌýnon-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.Ìý
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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.Ìý
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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.
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
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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, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Program structure
The 91³ÉÈ˰涶ÒôBachelor 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 gainingÌýpractical engineering experience in the workplaceÌýduring your degree. In your final year, you’ll undertake a capstone research project and work in a teamÌýto 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).
Level 1 Core Courses - 48 UOC
- Engineering Mechanics
- Introduction to Civil Engineering
- Introduction to Cyber-Security: Policy & Operations
- Chemistry 1B
- Engineering Mathematics 1A
- Engineering Mathematics 1B
- Computational Problem Solving
- Engineering Physics 1A
Level 2 Core Courses - 42 UOC
- Thermofluids
- Mechanics of Solids
- Soil Mechanics and Engineering Geology
- Hydraulic Engineering
- Civil Engineering Materials
- Engineering Mathematics 2A
- Engineering Mathematics 2B
Level 3 Core Courses – 42 UOC
- Structural Analysis
- Environmental Engineering
- Geotechnical Design
- Design of Steel and Timber Structures
- Design of Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Structures
- Foundation and Pavement Engineering
- Transport Planning and Engineering
Level 4 Core Courses – 30 UOC
- Engineering Project A
- Engineering Project B
- Civil Design Practice
- Civil Design Practice Extension
- Hydrology and Environmental Engineering Practice
Technical Electives – 18 UOC
Space Stream
- Satellite Communications
- Space Mission Design
- Space Situational Awareness
Maritime Stream
- Naval Architecture Practice, Hydrostatics and Stability
- Electrical and Mechanical Plant
- Nuclear Propulsion and Its Assurance
- Building the Fleet: History, Politics and Naval Technology
Artificial Intelligence Stream
- Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Human-Artificial-Intelligence Teaming
- Natural Computation
- Deep Learning
Environmental Engineering Stream
- Geosynthetics and Ground Improvement
- Smart Grids and Renewable Energy
- Finite Element Method
Robotics and Autonomous Systems Stream
- Autonomous Robots
- Algorithms for Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- Advanced Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Other Technical Electives
- Impact Dynamics
- Occasional Option 2
- Occasional Option 3
- Occasional Option 4
General Education – 12 UOC
One of the following:
- Introduction to Strategic Studies
- Strategy, Management and Leadership
One of the following:
- Law, Force and Legitimacy
- Introduction to Military Ethics
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. Ìý
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.Ìý
Trainee Officers studying civil engineering have career opportunities in the Army or Air Force. 
Army Ìý
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 ForceÌý
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.Ìý
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 Ìýand 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 for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to Apply?
Fees & Scholarships
The Australian Defence Force covers tuition fees for defence students.
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