Civil engineers plan, design, construct, operate and maintain a variety of structures and facilities that benefit society—from roads and busways to bridges and buildings. They are also involved with the assessment of the impact of projects on the natural and social environment. Civil engineers have a responsibility to produce safe, economical and environmentally sound infrastructure for the community.

QUT's engineering courses, whether a single or double degree, now include honours-level content integrated throughout the course. A bachelor honours degree is a higher-level qualification than a bachelor degree; and along with the advanced knowledge and skills, it will benefit you in your professional career, or future research and study. The duration of the degree remains unchanged: a single engineering honours degree is a four-year program, and a double degree is five years. Your engineering degree features common units in the first year that combine broad foundation principles with a wide range of major choices, giving you flexibility and options before you choose your career specialisation.

Civil engineers can work as a consulting engineer, project manager, municipal engineer, structural engineer, transport engineer, geotechnical engineer or water engineer and may gain employment in government or semi-government agencies, construction firms, power generating authorities, mining firms, property development or consulting engineering firms. With suitable experience you may be able to establish your own consulting engineering practice. Your technical expertise may also bring career opportunities in unexpected areas like law, finance or entertainment.

Professional recognition

All graduates are eligible for an Engineers Australia (EA) membership. EA is a signatory to the Washington Accord, which permits graduates to work in various countries across the world. This course is recognised internationally in the engineering profession, giving QUT graduates more career opportunities overseas.

Possible careers

• Civil Engineer
• Construction Manager
• Project Manager
• Transit analyst
• Transport engineering specialist