Construction engineers are the boots on the ground of the project site. From first concept through to completion, these engineers ensure buildings and infrastructure are constructed safely, on time and within budget.
With major public infrastructure spend set to reach $230 billion and a need for at least 229,000 more full-time infrastructure workers by 2027, construction engineers have never been more in demand (Infrastructure Australia, 2023).
Through our Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) majoring in Construction Engineering, you’ll develop the knowledge, technical and professional skills needed to coordinate and control construction processes – including time, cost, quality and safety.
This degree provides you with a solid grounding in civil engineering knowledge. Develop technical and professional engineering skills with particular focus on their application in the construction sector.
Throughout, you’ll study a broad range of courses drawn from civil engineering and related fields, as well as specialised courses in construction project management.
You’ll spend time honing your creativity and engineering mindset through substantial design projects – learning how to design roads, bridges, tunnels, buildings, water systems and a range of other critical infrastructure.
In your final year, you’ll undertake a major honours research project, with industry representatives or academic researchers acting as your clients.
The degree is designed to be hands-on and practical, ensuring you graduate career ready. You’ll also complete up to 12 weeks of professional work placements in industry as part of your studies.
Graduate with the civil engineering knowledge, technical and professional skills necessary to work directly on-site – effectively and efficiently managing all aspects of a construction project.
Develop a broad foundation in civil, structural, water, geotechnical and transportation engineering. Study specialised courses in structural steel design, construction project management, work safety and environmental requirements. Common first-year subjects provide flexibility to switch engineering specialisations and receive credit for successfully completed courses. Undertake up to 12 weeks of professional industry placements and apply your skills to real-world projects. Complete a major honours research project as well as an industry-focused design project. Our Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) majoring in Construction Engineering provides a deep knowledge of civil engineering principles, and the technical and professional skills to apply these in a construction context.
In your first year, you’ll develop a strong, general foundation in engineering before moving into civil engineering-focused courses in second year.
From third year, you’ll study construction-focused courses, in areas such as:
Throughout, you’ll hone your creativity and technical skillset through substantial design projects and practicals.
In your final year, you’ll undertake a major honours research project. With industry representatives or academic researchers acting as your clients, you’ll work through the real-life stages of a project from developing a project brief through to feasibility, concept and detailed design.
As part of your studies, you’ll also complete up to 12 weeks of professional work placements. These placements provide an opportunity for you to apply the skills and knowledge you've acquired throughout your degree in real-world settings.
Assessments for this degree include reports, case studies, presentations, essays and assignments, online quizzes, examinations, industry-relevant research projects, lab/practical team-based projects, e-portfolios and reflective practice.
You’ll be able to complete majority of first year common courses and second year courses at either our Adelaide City or Mawson Lakes Campus with some potential cross-campus study required. Throughout your degree, you’ll gain access to cutting-edge facilities across both campus locations to enhance your overall learning experience.
Did you know that you can also choose a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) with a major in one of the following:
Complete 192 units comprising:
Complete 138 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Introduction to Structural Design - Loads and Forms
|
Course code
ENGC2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Engineering Practice
|
Course code
ENGI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Programming
|
Course code
COMP1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Geology and Surveying
|
Course code
ENGI1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Modelling 1
|
Course code
ENGI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Construction Materials
|
Course code
ENGC1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Design and Prototyping
|
Course code
ENGI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics
|
Course code
ENGM1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Modelling 2
|
Course code
ENGI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mechanics of Materials
|
Course code
ENGM2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mechanics of Materials and Structures
|
Course code
ENGM2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Water Engineering
|
Course code
ENGC2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Project Management
|
Course code
ENGI2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Road Design and Traffic Management
|
Course code
ENGC2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Systems Engineering and Professional Practice
|
Course code
ENGI3006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Water Engineering and Hydraulic Modelling
|
Course code
ENGC3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Reinforced Concrete Design
|
Course code
ENGC3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geotechnical Engineering Design
|
Course code
ENGC3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Structural Steel Design
|
Course code
ENGC3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Hydrology and Flood Management
|
Course code
ENGC3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Research Project Part A
|
Course code
ENGI4900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Research Project Part B
|
Course code
ENGI4901
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 42 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Civil and Environmental Design Project
|
Course code
ENGI4002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Low-rise Construction and Land Surveying
|
Course code
BLDG1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Infrastructure Construction
|
Course code
BLDG2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Construction Planning and Safety
|
Course code
BLDG2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Adaptive Reuse of Structures
|
Course code
ENGC4006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Circular Economy and Lifecycle Assessment
|
Course code
ENGI4011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Construction Engineering
|
Course code
ENGC2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Construction Contract Administration
|
Course code
LAWS2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Structural Steel Design
|
Course code
ENGC3004
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Engineer Career Preparation
|
Course code
ENGI3900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Engineer Engagement with Professional Practice
|
Course code
ENGI3901
|
Units
6
|
Complete 0 to 6 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Systems and Sustainability
|
Course code
ENGV3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Object-Oriented Programming
|
Course code
COMP1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Electrical Engineering Systems
|
Course code
ENGE1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Process Engineering
|
Course code
ENGP1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Chemistry
|
Course code
ENGP2004
|
Units
6
|
Civil engineering is known as one of the broadest areas of engineering. Even within construction engineering, these engineers can be found working in many different sectors and areas of specialisation.
As a construction engineer, you could oversee the development of Australia’s first high-speed rail network. Maybe you’ll lead ambitious urban upgrade projects, making cities more walkable and pedestrian friendly. Or perhaps you’ll specialise in modular, prefabricated construction, expanding access to affordable housing options while minimising material waste and environmental impact.
Construction engineers are employed in a wide range of roles and industries, including:
Globally and in Australia, there is an engineering skills shortage – with demand for qualified engineers across all sectors continuing to outstrip supply (Engineers Australia, 2023).
Major public infrastructure project spend is estimated to hit $230 billion by 2027 in Australia alone. This level of investment, combined with a projected shortfall of 229,000 full-time construction roles, makes construction engineers one of the most in demand engineering specialists by industry (Infrastructure Australia, 2023).
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing at the institution in 2026.
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
