Study Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Structural) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 72.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 72.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above, or
- Complete the Associate Degree in Engineering at the University of South Australia
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites

SACE Stage 2 Math Methods

Assumed Knowledge

SACE Stage 2 Physics
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This program allows progression to fast-track Masters. Visit Fast-track to Masters in STEM for more information.

Degree overview

Study at SA's number one university for graduate careers 16 years running¹.
Professionally accredited by Engineers Australia (EA), graduates are eligible for membership with EA and comparable international institutions.
Develop the skills to manage the social, environmental and financial components of construction projects.
Focus on the design and construction of buildings and structures, using materials including concrete, masonry, timber and steel.
Gain valuable, relevant work experience and professional competencies through the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program.
Conduct an industry-related major project and other in-class design projects that model industry practice.
Access industry-standard facilities including the largest strong floor in Australia.
Start now, decide later. Flexible entry pathways and common first-year across all Engineering Honours programs so you can change your specialisation based on your interests.
Go on an overseas study exchange and choose from over 25 countries and more than 60 universities worldwide.
Access a new pathway option to complete the required mathematical prerequisite.

¹Graduate Destinations Survey 2007-2015 and Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016-2022 (Domestic Undergraduate Full-time Employment Indicator for SA public universities).

Snapshot

Civil and structural engineers are responsible for the infrastructure and resources that keep our cities, towns and rural areas functioning. They focus on the design and construction of buildings, bridges and other structural components of infrastructure projects.

Professionally accredited by Engineers Australia, this degree is strongly hands-on, with significant opportunities to apply engineering theory to real-world challenges. In your final year, you’ll complete a major honours research project as well as an industry-focused design project.

Throughout your degree you’ll learn and develop your skills in specialist, industry-standard facilities. We have the largest strong floor in the southern hemisphere and a 1200m long hydraulic testing facility. You’ll also learn to use high-tech testing and computer modelling software and equipment.

Through the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program you’ll gain at least 450 hours of skills and competencies to ensure you are graduate career ready. You will have access to a range of engagement activities such as placements, internships, guest lectures, industry panels, site visits, events and networking opportunities. Hear more about the benefits of the UniSA Industry experience from graduates William, Franke and Teresa here.

Enjoy a common first-year across most Engineering degrees enabling you to switch between specialisations and receive credit for completed courses. This means if you change your mind about your Engineering specialisation after first-year, you can change programs and still complete your degree in 4 years full-time. Start now, decide later.

On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.

New Pathway options for Engineering

If you haven’t completed SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods and want to study engineering, consider our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Flexible Entry). You’ll study first year courses, and catch up on the required prerequisite, before transferring into your preferred engineering specialisation with up to one year of credit.

What you'll learn

In your first year, you will develop a strong, general foundation in engineering before commencing your civil engineering courses in second year. During your third year, you will start taking introductory structural engineering courses, such as structural analysis and steel and timber design, with your final year primarily focused on specialised structural courses including earthquake and masonry engineering and cold-formed steel design.

At least half of your honours year will involve a major project. Projects are generally supported by industry clients or based in a research area like the Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management concentration. Our UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program allows you to apply the skills and knowledge you've acquired throughout your degree in real-world settings.

You will also undertake the Engineering Capstone Experience course with other engineering students. This course will see you will complete real projects provided by industry, with industrial representatives acting as your clients. You will work through the real-life stages of a project from developing a tender through to feasibility, concept development and detailed design. See examples of student projects: Project 1 and Project 2.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Programming Concepts	COMP 1045	4.5
Engineering Materials	RENG 1005	4.5
Mathematical Methods for Engineers 1	MATH 1063	4.5
Sustainable Engineering Practice	ENGG 1003	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Mathematical Methods for Engineers 2	MATH 1064	4.5
Electrical and Electronic Systems	EEET 1027	4.5
Engineering Mechanics	MENG 1012	4.5
Engineering Design and Innovation	ENGG 1004	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Engineering Modelling	MATH 2009	4.5
Mechanics of Materials	CIVE 2005	4.5
Introduction to Surveying and Spatial Sciences	GEOE 1018	4.5
Engineering and Environmental Geology	EART 3012	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Introduction to Water Engineering	CIVE 2010	4.5
Project Management for Engineers	ENGG 2004	4.5
Civil Engineering Techniques	CIVE 2009	4.5
Road Design and Traffic Management	CIVE 2012	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Design Management for Engineers	ENGG 3006	4.5
Soil Mechanics	CIVE 3008	4.5
Steel and Timber Design	CIVE 3013	4.5
Hydraulics and Hydrology	CIVE 3009	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Geotechnical Engineering	CIVE 3007	4.5	Note(s): 4
Reinforced Concrete Design	CIVE 3003	4.5	Note(s): 4
Structural Analysis	CIVE 3011	4.5
Water Resources Systems Design	CIVE 3010	4.5	Note(s): 4
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Engineering Industry Experience	ENGG 4017	0		Rule(s): 1,2
Engineering Capstone Experience A	ENGG 4007	4.5	Note(s): 3,4
Engineering Honours Project A	ENGG 4009	4.5	Note(s): 3,4
Civil Honours Electives		4.5	Note(s): 1,2,4
Advanced Concrete Structures	CIVE 5079	4.5	Note(s): 2,4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Engineering Capstone Experience B	ENGG 4008	4.5	Note(s): 3,4
Engineering Honours Project B	ENGG 4010	4.5	Note(s): 3,4
Earthquake and Masonry Engineering	CIVE 4036	4.5	Note(s): 4
Advanced Steel Structures	CIVE 5080	4.5	Note(s): 2,4

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Civil Honours Electives
Advanced Construction Management	BUIL 4013	4.5
Principles of Project Management	BUSS 5142	4.5
Water Quality Modelling	CIVE 5066	4.5
Advanced Concrete Structures	CIVE 5079	4.5
Advanced Steel Structures	CIVE 5080	4.5
Environmental Engineering and Modelling	CIVE 4038	4.5
Green Infrastructure	CIVE 5085	4.5
Civil Electives
STEM Internship 15 Days	NASC 4022	4.5
Spatial Data Acquisition and Analysis	GEOE 2026	4.5
Contract Administration	BUIL 3010	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Engineers Australia (EA) requires students to achieve at least 450 hours/60 days full-time equivalent (FTE) of discipline and/or industry related skills and competencies prior to graduation. At UniSA, students must complete the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program (PPP) to gain these hours through a range of professional engagement activities such as placements, internships, guest lectures, industry panels, site visits, networking, and industry events. Please contact STEM.placements@unisa.edu.au for more information.

2. Upon completion of the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program (PPP) students will be invited to enrol in this course and complete the required assessment. Students will not be eligible to graduate until they have obtained a non-graded pass (NGP) for this course.

Notes

1. Not all electives will be offered every year. Other options not listed here may only be taken with the prior agreement of the Program Director.

2. To enrol in a course with a catalogue number starting with 5 (e.g. CIVE 5xxx), students need to apply for a career permission override via myEnrolment and gain approval first.

3. Students must undertake a final year project. This can be completed as an on-campus research project or with Program Director's approval as an industry project at a workplace. Contact the Program Director for more information.

4. Students must complete at least 36 units with honours level outcomes. This course may contribute towards the final honours grade for the program.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations
essays and assignments
examinations
industry-relevant, research-based projects
practical, team-based projects

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Honours

This is a four-year, professional degree with honours. The honours component includes a minimum of one year of advanced studies in research and professional practice. You will receive First Class, Second Class or Third Class Honours, depending on your performance. You will graduate with industry experience and connections, and a higher-level qualification than a bachelor degree. Your honours year is designed to prepare you for future leadership roles in civil and structural engineering.

Why Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Structural)

This degree focuses on the design and construction of buildings and structures, using materials including concrete, masonry, timber and steel. In your studies you will develop the skills to manage the social, environmental and financial components of construction projects. You will get hands-on experience and gain knowledge in areas such as:

road design and traffic management
geospatial science for engineers
soil mechanics
geotechnical engineering

All of our Engineering Honours programs share a common first-year, so choosing this degree offers ultimate flexibility. Should you wish to pursue a different specialty after completing your first-year, you can switch to an alternative Engineering program and receive credit for the courses completed. Start now, decide later.

4+1 Pathway to Masters

Are you interested in gaining a postgraduate degree with just one extra year of study? You can package the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Structural) with the Master of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) or the Master of Engineering (Engineering Management) with our Fast-track to Masters programs. This unique offering allows you develop advanced expertise and broaden your career opportunities. You will graduate in just five years, instead of the typical six.

Real-world connections

UniSA collaborates with over 2,500 companies worldwide to ensure our degrees remain relevant and connected to industry. As part of all engineering degrees UniSA students participate in our UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program.

The UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program gives you the opportunity to gain hands on experience and create industry connections. In-industry work placements and internships enhance the employability skills of our graduates. Many of our graduates have been employed through work placements or internships, going on to work on major projects such as the $350 million redevelopment of the Adelaide Oval and the $2 billion Royal Adelaide Hospital.

UniSA is number one in South Australia for graduate careers and student satisfaction¹ and we’re one of Australia's leading universities for Engineering research². Our leading researchers will be your teachers and everything you learn will be supported by our research excellence. We also host regular University-wide career expos and employment forums through our Career Service, as well as alumni events in Australia and overseas.

¹ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.

²UniSA’s Engineering research rated well above world-class – 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Engineers Australia accreditation

Graduate career ready by completing the Professional Practice Program as part of your degree. You will gain at least 450 hours of skills and competencies through a range of engagement activities such as placements, internships, guest lectures, industry panels, site visits, networking and events.

This program is accredited by Engineers Australia and students are eligible to join as a member during their studies. Engineers Australia is part of the Washington Accord, making members eligible for membership with comparable institutions worldwide.

Study at UniSA

Hear from Amelia a UniSA civil engineering and construction management graduate.

Career outcomes

Your career

For civil and structural engineers in Australia, employment growth of 15.2 per cent is expected by November 2025¹. Careers to consider:

civil draftsperson: design, construction and testing of physical infrastructure; assessing the impact of largescale projects on the environment
structural engineer: working with architects, builders, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineers to make sure all parts of a structure are safe and fit for purpose; makes sure materials are used efficiently and appropriately
water and environment engineer: involved in providing clean water, the disposal of wastewater and sewage, and preventing flood damage; responsible for the construction and maintenance of new equipment for managing water resources
environmental engineer: protecting the environment by assessing the impact a project has on the air, water, soil and noise levels in its vicinity

Explore a range of engineering and construction careers here.

¹Australian Government, Occupation Projections 2020

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is professionally accredited by Engineers Australia and is designed to meet the requirements for graduate membership of Engineers Australia and comparable international institutions.

Industry facts

There is strong predicted future growth for Civil Engineering Professionals

(Labour Market Insights 2022)

Employment for Civil Engineering Professionals is projected to increase by 13.4 per cent (or 8,700 jobs) by 2026

(Labour Market Insights 2022)

There is currently a skills shortage of experienced engineers in Australia

(Engineers Australia 2022)

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

UniSA College Diploma in STEM (Engineering)
SAIBT Diploma of Engineering
Eynesbury Diploma of Engineering

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Engineering
Eynesbury Diploma of Engineering

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

As a UniSA engineering student you will enjoy access to the latest industry technology and tools in our engineering spaces.

Experience One Studio: a unique first year engineering space with open studio, small group and learning spaces as well as chill out areas.
ENE Experience Studio for second and third year students.
Experiential Learning Space: a collaborative, innovation space for final year students, postgraduate and research students, leading researchers and industry partners to work side-by-side in a flexible, open and creative environment.
Industry-standard facilities: the largest strong floor in the southern hemisphere and a 1,200 metre long hydraulic testing facility.
Engineering Mechatronics Lab: a laboratory to explore robotics, machine tool control, and automated guided vehicles.

Your program director

Dr Sithara Walpita Gamage is the Program Director for Civil Engineering at UniSA. She has contributed to UniSA engineering education for over 10 years, during which time she has undertaken roles as a lecturer, course coordinator, curriculum developer and student supervisor. Sithara has promoted innovation in student-centred learning and has conducted workshops promoting the use of digital technologies in teaching. She also has a background in Water Engineering with a focus on surface water hydrology. Teaching is her passion and she is committed to pass on her knowledge and experience to inspire the next generation.

Dr Sithara Walpita Gamage

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Sithara Walpita Gamage

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate

The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

Postgraduate

Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

What others are saying

Being able to connect and understand concepts is something I find interesting. I spent my Gap Year working - fly in fly out for a mineral exploration company (Verdant Minerals) doing data collection and acquisition in the Northern Territory. It was this experience that lead me to study engineering.

I have been involved with the Formula SAE (FSAE) for the last four years. I think that FSAE is one of the best learning experiences you can get while studying at university, it allows you develop your engineering skills in a real-world setting. You are able to develop and express creativity with designs while learning and implementing the fundamental principles of engineering learnt during your studies. Formula SAE is looked upon highly within industry because it gives real-world experience within a multitude of different areas across engineering, whilst also demonstrating you have a passion for engineering.

Samuel Matthews

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Structural)