From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.
Why Master of Professional Engineering (Civil)?
The work of civil engineers is all around us - From sprawling undersea tunnels to earthquake-resistant buildings, high-speed rail networks, smart water systems and offshore wind farms.
Industry demand for civil engineers is soaring. With major public infrastructure spend estimated to hit $230 billion, civil engineers are now the most in demand of all engineering specialists (Infrastructure Australia, 2023).
If you’re a civil engineer looking to extend your skills, our Master of Professional Engineering (Civil) is for you.
Combining advanced theory with opportunities to practise your skills in professional settings, you’ll graduate with the expertise to take your engineering career to the next level.
Overview
Our Master of Professional Engineering (Civil) is designed to challenge you and extend your knowledge, so you can take your civil engineering career to the next level.
With our elective-driven degree structure, you can tailor your studies to your specific civil engineering interests and career goals. Whether that’s advanced steel design, hydrology and flood management, structural mechanics, geotechnical engineering design – or something else entirely – you’ll find plenty of options.
Core courses in construction project management and data analytics enable you to deepen and formalise your project management expertise.
A deeply practical degree, you’ll put your learning into practise through a major research project and up to 450 hours of industry placement.
All these experiences come together to ensure you’ll graduate with the advanced technical and professional skills needed to achieve your career goals.
Key features
Extend yourself with higher-level courses in advanced civil, geotechnical, water and traffic engineering. - Tailor your studies to your specific interests and career goals with our elective-driven degree structure.
- Complete up to 450 hours of professional experience, applying your skills in industry settings.
- Formalise your project management skillset through courses in construction project management and data analytics.
- Sharpen your research skills through capstone design and research projects.
- Benefit from stackable qualifications that can be completed at a pace and commitment level that suits you.
What you'll learn
Our degree is structured with both a foundation and extension year. Depending on your professional experience and educational qualifications, you might be eligible to receive credit for the first year and progress straight into second year.
The first year of this degree covers essential civil engineering knowledge, with courses available in:
- Geotechnical engineering design
- Hydrology and flood management
- Reinforced concrete design
- Structural mechanics
- Structural steel design
- Timber and masonry design
- Water distribution systems.
You’ll also complete courses in engineering data analytics and construction project management.
Complete professional industry placement in your first year. You’ll complete up to 450 hours of placement in a relevant industry setting.
In second year, you’ll complete advanced courses, tailored to your interests and career aspirations. Courses are available in a wide range of areas, including:
- Adaptive reuse of structures
- Advanced reinforced concrete design
- Advanced steel design
- Constitutive modelling in geotech
- Finite element theory
- Green infrastructure
- Numerical methods in geotechnical design
- Numerical modelling of solids and structures
- Prestressed concrete design
- Soil and groundwater remediation
- Steel concrete composite design
- Structural dynamics – wind and earthquake
- Traffic and transport modelling
- Unsaturated soil mechanics and expansive soils
- Water and wastewater treatment
- Water quality modelling
- Water resources systems for changing climate.
In your final year, you’ll also complete a major research project.
You’ll be able to complete majority of first year common 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.
Specialisations
The Master of Professional Engineering is also available with specialisations in the following:
- Chemical
- Electrical
- Energy Resources
- Environmental and Water Resources Management
- Mechanical
- Mechatronic
- Mining
- Structural
- Telecommunications.
What courses you'll study
Complete 96 units comprising:
- 60 units from Core courses, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 24 units from Electives
Complete exactly 60 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Engineering Data Analytics
|
Course code
ENGI5006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Masters Engineering Research Project Part A
|
Course code
ENGI6023
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Masters Engineering Research Project Part B
|
Course code
ENGI6024
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Engineering Management
|
Course code
ENGI5003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Complex Project Management
|
Course code
PROJ6006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Water Engineering and Hydraulic Modelling
|
Course code
ENGC5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Reinforced Concrete Design
|
Course code
ENGC5003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Structural Steel Design
|
Course code
ENGC5004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Structural Mechanics
|
Course code
ENGC5005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Timber and Masonry Design
|
Course code
ENGC5013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Hydrology and Flood Management
|
Course code
ENGC6001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geotechnical Engineering Design
|
Course code
ENGC6002
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Masters Engineering Work Experience Part 1
|
Course code
ENGI5900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Masters Engineering Work Experience Part 2
|
Course code
ENGI5901
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 24 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Prestressed Concrete Design
|
Course code
ENGC6003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Steel Design
|
Course code
ENGC6004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Steel Concrete Composite Design
|
Course code
ENGC6005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Adaptive Reuse of Structures
|
Course code
ENGC6006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Numerical Modelling of Solids and Structures
|
Course code
ENGC6007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Reinforced Concrete Design
|
Course code
ENGC6009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Finite Element Modelling of Structures
|
Course code
ENGI6006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Structural Dynamics - Wind and Earthquake
|
Course code
ENGC6008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Unsaturated Soil Mechanics and Expansive Soils
|
Course code
ENGM6001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Constitutive modelling in Geotech
|
Course code
ENGI5025
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Numerical methods in geotechnical design
|
Course code
ENGI5019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Traffic and Transport Modelling
|
Course code
ENGC6000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Water Resources Planning and Management
|
Course code
ENGV6001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Groundwater Remediation
|
Course code
ENGV6002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Water Treatment and Reuse Applications
|
Course code
ENGC2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Green infrastructure
|
Course code
ENGV5011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Water and Wastewater Engineering
|
Course code
ENGP6015
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Civil engineering is one of the broadest areas of engineering, covering construction, geotechnics, transportation, water resource management, consulting, project management, and more.
You could design earthquake-resistant buildings, improving safety for people living in areas prone to frequent seismic activity. Maybe you’ll facilitate a city’s transition to 100% renewable energy through the development of offshore wind farms, solar energy parks, or hydroelectric dams.
No matter your career goals, there’s a path for you. You could work in a wide range of sectors including:
- Construction
- Transportation
- Water resources
- Environmental engineering
- Geotechnical engineering
- Structural engineering
- Urban planning and development.
Industry trends
Adoption of smart technologies including building information modelling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, digital twins and application of artificial intelligence and machine learning are driving digital transformation in the civil engineering sector. These technologies are being utilised to enable more sustainable, efficient and resilient infrastructure development. Civil engineers with the expertise to leverage these technologies are in high demand by employers.
Globally and in Australia, there is an engineering skills shortage. Demand for qualified engineers across all sectors continues to outstrip supply (Engineers Australia, 2023).
Major public infrastructure spend is projected to reach $230 billion by 2027 in Australia alone. This, combined with a projected shortfall of 229,000 full-time infrastructure workers, makes civil engineers the most in demand engineering specialist by industry (Infrastructure Australia, 2023).
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
How to apply
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Your study experience and support
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:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
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.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
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.
Assessment
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:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
