Overview
Prepare for a career designing practical and sustainable community infrastructure, with a degree in civil engineering from VU.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) covers the planning, design, construction and management of essential infrastructure. This includes:
- commercial and industrial buildings
- water supply and wastewater systems
- irrigation, drainage and flood protection systems
- bridges, roads and transport systems
- port harbour and airport facilities.
VU’s civil engineering graduates are known in the industry as well-rounded, accredited engineers. Our focus on practical teaching and work experience will have you job-ready on graduation. We offer industry placements and high-tech engineering laboratories.
As a civil engineer, you can run your own practice or work for government authorities, private industry consulting firms, or major construction companies.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyse and apply advanced mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles to identify, model, and solve complex and interdependent problems using creative, interdisciplinary, and systems-based approaches;
- Critically evaluate and apply ethical, cultural, and sustainability frameworks including deep respect for First Nations peoples knowledge and culture, social equity, and circular economy principles to guide responsible and inclusive engineering practice;
- Plan, design and deliver innovative, safe, human-centred, and sustainable engineering solutions that integrate cultural, environmental, and technical considerations to address contemporary and future challenges;
- Collaborate effectively in diverse, multidisciplinary teams and with varied stakeholders, producing inclusive documentation and presentations that reflect cultural sensitivity and professional integrity;
- Appraise and model the performance, risk, and environmental impact of engineering systems using simulation tools, life cycle assessment, and benchmarking against global sustainability and safety standards;
- Integrate existing and emerging digital and engineering technologies to enhance design practices, operational efficiency, sustainability outcomes, and innovation potential;
- Exemplify skills in leading and managing multidisciplinary engineering projects, applying risk analysis, planning, coordination, and mitigation strategies while aligning with industry, community, and regulatory standards;
- Critically reflect on their professional practice and understand the importance of continuous professional development, intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical leadership; and
- Plan and execute research-based investigations using appropriate methodologies to generate, analyse, and interpret data, contributing to evidence-based engineering practice.
VU's College of Sport, Health and Engineering follows a teaching method of problem-based learning. Our students learn to approach engineering problems independently, resolving issues with creative and practical solutions.
Our focus on local engineering examples, site visits, and input from external industry-based lecturers will help you graduate job-ready for a career in civil engineering.
You’ll also benefit from work placements and industry projects that give you the practical experience needed to confidently begin your career. Students are required to complete 12 weeks of industry placement.
Female engineers excel in solving problems of social significance, making a positive impact on society and the environment.
Our Women in Science & Engineering program supports our current university students, and inspires women to choose engineering and science careers.
We run hands-on workshops in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines for secondary-school students. Our support continues throughout undergraduate and postgraduate study, with mentoring, seminars and workshops featuring female engineers.
Achieve your full potential with The Learning Hub, which help you develop your confidence, academic ability, and study skills.
Benefit from in-person mentoring and study sessions, along with a range of digital learning modules that you can access anytime.
Get help from our online, 24/7 support service to polish your assignments before you submit, and receive guidance on writing, referencing, maths and more.
