Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) at Victoria University

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 Engineering and Science 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.

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.

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

Civil engineers earn an average salary of A$87,000 (Job Outlook(external link)).

Employment rates

Four months after graduation, almost 80 per cent of civil engineering graduates across Australia were in full-time employment (Graduate Careers Australia(external link)).

Employment for civil engineers rose strongly over the past decade and are set to remain steady over the next five years (Job Outlook(external link)).