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 (Environmental and Water Resources Management)?
Environmental engineers are experts who ensure natural resources are used sustainably and our environment is protected for generations to come.
They strive to find solutions to complex challenges – like designing infrastructure that’s able to withstand the impacts of climate change. Or implementing systems to optimise water treatment processes and convert waste materials into energy.
Whether you’re an environmental engineer looking to extend your skills or an engineer wanting to cross-train in an additional discipline, our Master of Professional Engineering (Environmental and Water Resources Management) is for you.
Be ready to complete advanced theory and practical learning in professional settings. You’ll graduate with the tools to take your engineering career to the next level.
Overview
Our Master of Professional Engineering (Environmental and Water Resources Management) will challenge and extend your learning, so you’ll be ready to progress your environmental engineering career.
You’ll study high level courses in advanced environmental and water engineering.
Complete core courses in construction project management and data analytics – deepening and formalising your project management expertise.
Our wide range of electives give you the freedom to tailor your studies to your specific interests and career goals. Whether that’s water distribution systems, natural resource management, wastewater treatment, environmental planning – or something else entirely – you’ll choose from a diverse selection.
Experience a deeply practical degree. You will put your learning into practice through a capstone design project, a major research project and up to 450 hours of industry placement.
With these learning experiences, our degree will equip you with the advanced technical and professional skills needed to achieve your career goals.
Key features
Extend yourself with advanced environmental and water engineering courses. - Choose specialised elective courses specific to your interests and career goals.
- Undertake up to 450 hours of professional experience in industry.
- Sharpen your engineering project management skillset through courses in engineering project management and data analytics.
- Advance your research skills through capstone design and research projects.
- Complete your studies at the level and pace that works for you with our stackable qualifications.
What you'll learn
Benefit from a degree with both a foundation and extension year. Depending on your professional experience and educational qualifications, you could receive credit for the first year of your studies and progress straight into second year.
The first year of this degree covers essential environmental engineering knowledge and theory in environmental modelling and management, hydrology and flood management, soil and groundwater remediation. You’ll also complete courses in engineering data analytics and engineering project management.
In your first year, you’ll also complete up to 450 hours of placement in an industry setting.
In second year, you’ll take advanced courses, tailored to your specific interests and career goals. Courses are available in a wide range of areas, such as:
- Advanced environmental and climate risk
- Advanced environmental modelling
- Energy and society
- Green Infrastructure
- Environmental planning, climate change and sustainability
- Natural resource management
- Social license to operate
- Valuing the environment
- Water and wastewater treatment
- Water distribution systems
- Water quality modelling
- Water resource systems for changing climates.
In your final year, you’ll complete both a major research project and a capstone engineering design 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
- Civil
- Electrical
- Energy Resources
- Mechanical
- Mechatronic
- Mining
- Structural
- Telecommunications.
What courses you'll study
Complete 96 units comprising:
- 54 units from Core courses, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 24 units for Electives
Complete exactly 54 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 A
|
Course code
ENGI6023
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Masters Engineering Research Project B
|
Course code
ENGI6024
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Engineering Management
|
Course code
ENGI5003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Complex Project Management
|
Course code
PROJ6006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Modelling and Management
|
Course code
ENGV5000
|
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
Civil and Environmental Design Project
|
Course code
ENGI5018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Hydrology and Flood Management
|
Course code
ENGC6001
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Masters Professional Engineer Career Preparation
|
Course code
ENGI5900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Masters Professional Engineer Engagement with Professional Practice
|
Course code
ENGI5901
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Water Engineering and Hydraulic Modelling
|
Course code
ENGC5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Water and Wastewater Engineering
|
Course code
ENGP6015
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Water Treatment and Reuse Applications
|
Course code
ENGC5001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience
|
Course code
ENGV5010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Green Infrastructure
|
Course code
ENGV5011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Environmental and Climate Risk
|
Course code
ENGV6006
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Environmental engineers strive to achieve a balance between human development and environmental conservation. They develop sustainable solutions to mitigate pollution, manage natural resources and address the impacts of climate change.
You could consult on ecosystem restoration projects, helping to restore natural habitats and ensure their long-term sustainability. Maybe you’ll pioneer a new waste-to-energy technology, significantly decreasing our reliance on landfills for waste disposal. Or perhaps you’ll specialise in the use of nanomaterials to remove contaminants from drinking water at a molecular level.
Whatever your career goals, we’ll ensure there is a path for you. You could work in a wide range of sectors including:
- Agriculture and irrigation
- Construction and infrastructure
- Energy and utilities
- Environmental consulting
- Environmental protection agencies
- Forestry and land management
- Government and regulatory agencies
- Manufacturing and industry
- Mining and resources extraction
- Oil and gas
- Public health departments
- Research and development
- Transportation and logistics
- Waste management and recycling
- Water supply and wastewater treatment.
Industry trends
Greater environmental regulatory demands, an increased push towards sustainability and the adoption of smart technologies are driving transformation in the environmental engineering sector. Environmental engineers are developing advanced water treatment technologies to ensure steady supply of clean and safe drinking water. They are utilising smart technologies to monitor air pollution levels in real-time. They might design buildings able to withstand the impacts of climate change. They’re spearheading solutions to the pressing need to reduce waste and landfill dependency. Environmental engineers with the expertise to lead these and many other essential projects are in high demand by employers.
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.
