94.1% employed within four months of graduating.
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023-2025, Undergraduate Engineering.
Degree overview
Delivering impact from the ground up.
Civil engineers shape the world around us. They design and build the infrastructure that helps communities function, grow and stay safe. From transport networks, hospitals and schools to clean water systems.
What is civil engineering? Civil engineering is about designing, building and managing the physical infrastructure society relies on every day. At the University of Newcastle, you'll build skills across three key areas: structural, water and geotechnical engineering.
You'll learn about construction materials, structural design, foundations, hydrology and water resources, and transport networks while exploring state-of-the-art technologies.
You could help design transport networks that connect communities and reduce carbon emissions, develop water recycling systems that improve water security, design resilient structures that can withstand natural hazards and the effects of climate change, or contribute to more sustainable construction and renewable energy infrastructure.
12 weeks
of Industrial Experience
World top 200
?
for Civil and Structural Engineering
Career opportunities
Civil engineers work across construction, consulting, project management companies, transport and government, designing and managing infrastructure projects of all sizes.
A career in Civil Engineering can take you into a range of specialist areas, from designing buildings and transport networks to managing water systems and understanding the ground conditions that support major infrastructure.
Specialties can include:
- structural engineering - design and analyse buildings, bridges and other structures to ensure they are safe and stable.
- water engineering - design and manage systems that supply clean water, treat wastewater and control flooding.
- transport and traffic engineering – plan and design transport systems for the safe, efficient and sustainable movement of people and goods.
- geotechnical engineering - analyse soil, rock and groundwater conditions to design safe and stable foundations for buildings, bridges and other structures.
Professional outcomes include:
- civil engineering designer
- geotechnical engineer
- structural engineer
- transport systems engineer
- urban development engineer
- water engineer.
Course overview
Develop the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills to design safe, resilient and sustainable infrastructure. You’ll also have opportunities to personalise your studies through a minor or electives, allowing you to broaden your knowledge in a complementary area or explore other interests and skills.
You’ll develop skills in:
- structural engineering
- water engineering
- geotechnical engineering
- transport engineering
- civil engineering materials
- engineering computations
- risk management
- civil engineering design.
Throughout your degree, you’ll build practical, professional and research skills through industry experience, professional practice courses, engineering design and a final-year project.
Student experience
Changing the world with engineering: Civil Engineering at The University of Newcastle 1:24
At the University of Newcastle, we educate our engineers to meet the global challenges of the future. You'll learn to engineer energy-efficient buildings using the latest materials and help develop sustainable and resilient infrastructure in developing countries.
Career-ready placements
All University of Newcastle engineering students complete 12 weeks of industrial experience during their degree.
Through your work placement you’ll build important professional networks and put your learning into practice.
Studying at Newcastle campus
Living in Newcastle
Nestled on Australia's spectacular east coast and surrounded by some of the state's most popular destinations, Newcastle is an all-round wonderful choice as a safe and friendly place to live.
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Campus Life
Our campuses are welcoming, inspiring, and collaborative places for students, staff, and the community. Explore our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle.
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Scholarships
Our scholarships recognise achievement and support enthusiastic and dedicated students. If you are a current student, or planning to study with us, we encourage you to apply for all scholarships you meet the criteria for.
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Accommodation
Living on campus is an experience unlike any other. Whether you're from across Australia or around the globe, your home on campus is where you'll form lifelong friendships and harness your potential in a supportive and diverse community.
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Student showcase
Study Civil Engineering at the University of Newcastle 3:42
Are you looking to study something with impact? Build a better tomorrow? Help to keep our planet on the rails?
Demo Day: First Year Civil Engineering 1:26
Hear from Sophie about what our civil engineering students achieve during their water tower building project and testing at Demo Day.
How to apply
Apply as a domestic student
You are a domestic student if you are:
- An Australian or New Zealand citizen (including dual citizens)
- A permanent resident of Australia
- A holder of a permanent Australian visa.
Apply as an international student
Entry requirements — Senior secondary school qualification
Admission to our undergraduate degree programs usually requires successful completion of a senior secondary school qualification similar to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the highest educational award in New South Wales schools.
English proficiency requirements
Applicants who do not speak English as a first language must demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy.
- IELTS overall minimum - 6.0
- IELTS section minimum - 6.0
- About English Language Pathways
Apply to the University via our online application portal.
In the application portal, you can enter the program you wish to study and upload relevant documents needed as part of your application. It is recommended you submit your application a minimum of 12 weeks before your intended semester of trimester start date.
If you are applying through an education agent, they can also apply through the application portal. Ensure your agent is contracted to the University to avoid delays with your application.
Once you have started your application you will be provided with a reference number. You or your education agent will be able to track your application as it progresses.
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Bachelor of Construction Management (Building) (Honours)
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Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)
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1 Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Learn more.
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Call +61 2 4913 8300
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Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. However, changes to courses and programs may occur. The University accepts no responsibility for any information supplied on this web site or any actions taken on the basis of the information. Users are advised to seek confirmation of the information from the relevant area of the University.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.