Structural engineers determine what’s possible when it comes to the design of buildings and other structures. They are responsible for designing structures that are secure, strong, and cost-efficient.
Through our Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) majoring in Structural Engineering, you’ll learn how to evaluate different construction materials and design extreme weather-resistant structures. You’ll analyse buildings and other structures to ensure they meet strict safety and performance standards.
With major public infrastructure spend set to reach $230 billion by 2027, the need for structural engineers has never been greater (Infrastructure Australia, 2023).
Our Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) majoring in Structural Engineering equips you with a strong foundation in civil engineering knowledge, technical and professional skills – focusing 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 structural design, material mechanics, safety and performance requirements.
You’ll have opportunities to hone your creativity and engineering mindset through substantial design projects, practicals and professional experiences.
In your final year you’ll undertake a major honours research project, with industry representatives or academic researchers acting as your clients.
Designed to provide a hands-on approach, you'll complete up to 12 weeks of professional work placements in industry as part of your studies. You’ll graduate with the structural engineering knowledge, technical and professional skills necessary to design buildings and structures that are safe, secure, and built to last.
Develop a broad foundation in civil engineering, including construction, water, geotechnical, and transportation engineering principles. Study design and structural-focused courses. Complete a common first-year in engineering – switch specialisations and get credit for completed courses. Gain real-world experience through up to 12 weeks of professional industry placement. Complete a major honours research project as well as an industry-focused design project in your final year. Our Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) majoring in Structural Engineering provides you with a solid foundation in core civil and structural engineering knowledge, skills and principles with a focus on applying 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 structural-focused courses in areas such as structural mechanics, reinforced concrete design, structural steel design, timber and masonry design.
You can also explore your specific areas of interest through elective courses like:
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 initial concept through to the production of technical design drawings.
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 to real-world challenges.
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
Construction Engineering
|
Course code
ENGC2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Structural Mechanics
|
Course code
ENGC3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Civil and Environmental Design Project
|
Course code
ENGI4002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Timber and Masonry Design
|
Course code
ENGC4013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Adaptive Reuse of Structures
|
Course code
ENGC4006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Reinforced Concrete Design
|
Course code
ENGC4002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Steel Design
|
Course code
ENGC4004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Numerical Modelling of Solids and Structures
|
Course code
ENGC4007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Prestressed Concrete Design
|
Course code
ENGC4003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Steel Concrete Composite Design
|
Course code
ENGC4005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Structural Dynamics - Wind and Earthquake Engineering
|
Course code
ENGC4001
|
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
|
Graduates of this degree will qualify to work as civil engineers. The additional expertise gained through studying a major in structural engineering also opens doors to specialised career paths in the construction sector.
You could lead seismic retrofitting projects, enhancing the resilience of existing buildings and structures to earthquake activity. Maybe you’ll support space exploration efforts through the design of safe, secure habitats and structures for astronauts. Or perhaps you’ll specialise in advanced materials and composite structures, uncovering new ways to construct more durable, lightweight bridges and buildings.
Structural 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 exceed supply (Engineers Australia, 2023). As urban areas expand, there will be continuous demand for qualified structural engineers with the expertise to build and maintain the critical infrastructure relied upon by communities.
Increased awareness of our environmental impact is driving industry innovation in areas like sustainable design and eco-friendly construction. Structural engineers are at the forefront of these trends.
The concept of smart cities, where public amenities are digitally connected and interactions are streamlined, is an emerging field that'll be dependent on structural engineers to make possible.
Major public infrastructure project spend is estimated to reach $230 billion by 2027 in Australia alone. This, combined with an estimated shortage of 229,000 full-time infrastructure workers, places civil structural engineers as one of the most highly sought after 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:
