Overview
Prepare for a career designing practical and sustainable community infrastructure, with a degree in civil engineering from VU.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) covers the planning, design, construction and management of essential infrastructure. This includes:
- commercial and industrial buildings
- water supply and wastewater systems
- irrigation, drainage and flood protection systems
- bridges, roads and transport systems
- port harbour and airport facilities.
VU’s civil engineering graduates are known in the industry as well-rounded, accredited engineers. Our focus on practical teaching and work experience will have you job-ready on graduation. We offer industry placements and high-tech engineering laboratories.
As a civil engineer, you can run your own practice or work for government authorities, private industry consulting firms, or major construction companies.
Dynamic learning & work experience
VU's College of Sport, Health and Engineering follows a teaching method of problem-based learning. Our students learn to approach engineering problems independently, resolving issues with creative and practical solutions.
Our focus on local engineering examples, site visits, and input from external industry-based lecturers will help you graduate job-ready for a career in civil engineering.
You’ll also benefit from work placements and industry projects that give you the practical experience needed to confidently begin your career. Students are required to complete 12 weeks of industry placement.
Accreditation with Engineers Australia
This program is accredited by Engineers Australia. When you complete the course, you’ll be eligible to apply for graduate membership.
Engineers Australia provides a national engineering forum, and professional development opportunities.
As a student or graduate member, you’ll gain access to EA Connect to find more work placement opportunities in the engineering industry.
Study overseas while earning course credits
At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.
Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.
Scholarships for engineering students
VU offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate students who are in financial need.
The College of Sport, Health and Engineering provides additional scholarship opportunities, including 10 scholarships to undergraduates to conduct supervised research during the summer.
Learning hubs
VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses.
We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice and can show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available to all students.
Women in engineering
Female engineers excel in solving problems of social significance, making a positive impact on society and the environment.
Our Women in Science & Engineering program supports our current university students, and inspires women to choose engineering and science careers.
Careers in civil engineering
As a civil engineer, you can run your own practice, or find work in a wide range of government departments, private consulting firms, or major construction companies. Consulting and contract engineering roles include planning and design, operations and construction.
Job titles in civil engineering include:
- structural engineer
- water engineer
- civil engineer
- environmental engineer
- geotechnical engineer
- project engineer
- construction engineering
- roads and transport engineer.
Salaries & employment rates
Use Labour Market Insights to find employment rates and the average salary for civil engineers in Australia.
Green leaders
Australia is a world leader in the green building industry, with over 12 million square metres of Green Star certified or registered green building space.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by Engineers Australia and graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership.
Course structure
To attain the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering), students will be required to complete:
- 384 credit points of Core studies
Students are required to produce documented evidence of the completion of 12 weeks professional experience.
Accreditation:
This program is accredited by Engineers Australia and graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership.
First Class Honours:
To be eligible for completion with First Class Honours, students must achieve:
- A minimum weighted average of 60% over year levels 1 to 3;
- A minimum weighted average of 80% in year level 4;
- An average HD grade for the final year units, NEF4101 Research Project 1 and NEF4201 Research Project 2.
Course structure and units
Year 1
-
- Unit code
- NEF1102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF1103
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF1104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF1105
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF1201
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF1202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF1204
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF1205
- Credits
- 12
Year 2
Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NEC2102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEC2103
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEC2104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF2101
- Credits
- 12
Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NEC2201
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEC2202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEC2203
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEC2204
- Credits
- 12
Year 3
Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NEC3101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEC3102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEC3103
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF3101
- Credits
- 12
Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NEC3201
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEC3202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEC3203
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF3202
- Credits
- 12
Year 4
Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NEC4101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEC4102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF4101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF4105
- Credits
- 12
Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NEC4172
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF4206
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF4207
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF4201
- Credits
- 12
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Integrate conceptual understanding of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences with advanced specialist bodies of knowledge within the civil engineering discipline; | ||
| 2. | Exhibit expertise and professional judgement in engineering design practice which acknowledges contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline; | ||
| 3. | Adapt theoretical knowledge applicable to the discipline and propose creative, innovative and sustainable engineering practices; | ||
| 4. | Critically evaluate both sources and validity of information and use established processes for information management; | ||
| 5. | Plan and execute a research project, professional project or piece of scholarship which demonstrates intellectual independence and contributes to the evidence base within the engineering discipline; | ||
| 6. | Discriminate and defend the application of established engineering methods and processes to promote systems which resolve existing and emerging complex engineering problems (including those that require cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills); | ||
| 7. | Present clear and coherent expositions of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences; | ||
| 8. | Exemplify the requisite characteristics for team leadership and membership appropriate to specific purposes, projects and contexts; | ||
| 9. | Apply professional ethics and accountabilities in their engineering practice and a commitment to ongoing professional development. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Entry requirements
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4 with a study score of 20 in Mathematics (any) (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
PLUS:
IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score or 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).
OR:
Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.
Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
You will be credited for up to 144 credit points of study.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Pathways from overseas institutions
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
University of Faisalabad (TUF) Pakistan, Pakistan
You will be credited for up to 192 credit points of study.
SEGI University, Malaysia, Malaysia
You will be credited for up to 192 credit points of study.
Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Sri Lanka
You will be credited for up to 192 credit points of study.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
We are currently accepting international applications, and we welcome you to apply for this course.
Click 'apply' to begin, and we will guide you through the application process.
If you have questions, please get in touch:
- Phone: +61 3 9919 1164
- Online: enquiry form
Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students. Fees are accurate at the time of viewing and will be subject to annual increases. Some courses require students to purchase equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above – check your Letter of Offer for an estimate on non-tuition-fee-related expenses.
VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.
