Engineer a more sustainable future.
From the invention of weather radars and satellites to rain gauges and remote sensing technology. Engineers have been essential in capturing data on climate change for decades. Working out how to slow global warming and mitigate its impacts? This remains one of the greatest engineering challenges of our time.
Environmental engineers combine their knowledge of our natural and built environments to design and implement safe, sustainable solutions. They tackle climate change, enable the renewable energy transition, secure our water supplies, protect society from natural hazards, and redesign products to reduce waste.
The environmental challenges facing our world are immense and the time to act is now. Are you in?
Help shape a more sustainable future on our planet with our Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) (Honours).
Learn how concepts drawn together from engineering, chemistry, maths and environmental science can be harnessed to address complex issues. From water and air pollution control to waste management, climate change mitigation and ecosystem restoration. Examine the connections between infrastructure, environment, society and economy in developed and developing nations.
Electives enable you to dive deeper into the areas that interest you – whether that’s electrical and electronic systems, geology and surveying, engineering mechanics or something else entirely.
Gain hands-on experience in industry environments through up to 12 weeks of professional placement. Under the guidance of experienced engineers, you'll apply your knowledge to real-world challenges. Additionally, you'll tackle a comprehensive research and design project, helping you bridge the gap between theory and industry applications.
Emerge with the knowledge, expertise and qualifications necessary to practice as an environmental engineer – and tackle environmental challenges head on.
Learn how to design and implement engineering-led solutions to protect our environment and safeguard human health. Explore topics in areas like climate change adaption and resilience, green infrastructure, environmental remediation and more. Develop your technical skillset in our purpose-built laboratories and workshops. Complete a major honours research and design project. Apply your skills to real industry projects in up to 12 weeks of professional work experience. In the Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) (Honours), you will complete a range of core courses that provide a solid grounding in key environmental engineering concepts, theories, principles and methods.
Your first year has been designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to general engineering principles and skills. Ensuring that, whatever your prior educational experiences, you’ll have every opportunity to excel in your engineering studies at Adelaide University.
From second year onwards, you’ll take environmental engineering-focused courses. These include:
In your final years, you will also complete up to 12 weeks of work experience in industry under the supervision of a qualified engineer. Professional practice topics help you hone your professional skillset further, as you work with your peers to engineer a solution to a complex civil and environmental design problem. You will also complete a major environmental engineering research project.
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.
Complete 192 units comprising:
Complete 174 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Course name
Engineering Programming
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Course code
COMP1006
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Units
6
|
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Course name
Construction Materials
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Course code
ENGC1000
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Units
6
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Course name
Engineering Design and Prototyping
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Course code
ENGI1001
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Units
6
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|
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Course name
Engineering Modelling 1
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Course code
ENGI1004
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Units
6
|
|
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Course name
Professional Engineering Practice
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Course code
ENGI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
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Course name
Engineering Chemistry
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Course code
ENGP2004
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Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Mathematics
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Course code
MATH1016
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Units
6
|
|
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Course name
Introduction to Water Engineering
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Course code
ENGC2000
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Units
6
|
|
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Course name
Water Treatment and Reuse Applications
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Course code
ENGC2004
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Units
6
|
|
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Course name
Engineering Modelling 2
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Course code
ENGI2001
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Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Systems and Sustainability
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Course code
ENGV3003
|
Units
6
|
|
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Course name
Engineering Project Management
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Course code
ENGI2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Integrated Natural Hazard Risk Management
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Course code
ENGV2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Modelling and Management
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Course code
ENGV2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental and Climate Risk Analysis
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Course code
ENGV4003
|
Units
6
|
|
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Course name
Hydrology and Flood Management
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Course code
ENGC3001
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Units
6
|
|
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Course name
Systems Engineering and Professional Practice
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Course code
ENGI3006
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Units
6
|
|
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Course name
Water Resources Planning and Management
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Course code
ENGV3001
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Units
6
|
|
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Course name
Soil and Groundwater Remediation
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Course code
ENGV3002
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Units
6
|
|
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Course name
Environmental System Dynamics
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Course code
ENGV3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Civil and Environmental Design Project
|
Course code
ENGI4002
|
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
|
|
|
Course name
Circular Economy and Lifecycle Assessment
|
Course code
ENGI4011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Water and Wastewater Engineering
|
Course code
ENGP4015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience
|
Course code
ENGV4000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Green Infrastructure
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Course code
ENGV4001
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Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Decision Making for Sustainable Solutions
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Course code
ENGV4002
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Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Pollution and Monitoring
|
Course code
ENVI3010
|
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 6 units comprising:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Electrical Engineering Systems
|
Course code
ENGE1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Physics
|
Course code
ENGI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Geology and Surveying
|
Course code
ENGI1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Circular Economy and Lifecycle Assessment
|
Course code
ENGI4011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Environmental and Climate Risk
|
Course code
ENGV6006
|
Units
6
|
Graduates of this degree will qualify to work as environmental engineers. With their versatile and holistic skillset, environmental engineers enjoy dynamic careers across a variety of industry sectors – from environmental remediation, construction, marine and coastal management to consultancy and public health.
You could specialise in designing climate-resilient infrastructure – like buildings and bridges – that can withstand extreme weather events. Maybe you’ll pioneer new and innovative methods for recycling waste materials to create valuable products and, in turn, minimise industrial waste. Or perhaps you’ll undertake breakthrough work in environmental restoration, helping rehabilitate ecosystems to support endangered species.
Whatever your area of interest, career paths are available in a wide range of sectors 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).
The growing emphasis, across all industry sectors, on sustainability, transition to clean energy, and the overarching goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is driving demand for environmental engineers. In fact, job market growth for environmental engineers, particularly in net-zero emissions technologies, increased by more than 38% in the last five years alone and shows no sign of slowing down. (Engineers Australia, 2021).
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing 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:
