Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours)
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) |
| Deakin course code | S460 |
| Course Credit Points | 32 |
| Course version | 2 |
| Faculty | |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2016 to 2021 |
| Final Intake | Offered to continuing students only. The final intake to this course was in teaching period 1, 2021. Students should contact Student Central for course, course map and enrolment information. |
| Duration | 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| CRICOS code | 079998G Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
| Supplementary Information | * Only the first year of this Engineering program is available at the Melbourne Burwood Campus. Students enrolled at the Melbourne Burwood Campus will be required to transfer to the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus or online mode for the second year of their program. International students holding student visas – this course is registered for delivery to student visa holders at Geelong Waurn Ponds campus. |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Other learning experiences
- Research and research-related study
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Graduate as an industry-ready civil engineer by studying Deakin’s Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours). You will combine contemporary theory with industry-led projects to develop the skills needed to confidently design, construct and maintain the built infrastructure systems that are vital in our day-to-day lives.
You will learn how to apply scientific and engineering principles to address complex problems and develop innovative solutions that are beneficial to organisations and the community.
In this Engineers Australia-accredited course, you will gain a deep understanding of the way infrastructure works, not just through textbooks, but by applying your skills in cutting edge engineering facilities. Work on industry-informed projects and undertake work placements to gain valuable real-world experience and build your professional networks.
Want to turn your big ideas into the creative solutions that power our future cities?
Deakin graduates are sought-after both in Australia and abroad. That’s because we train students in practical scenarios and look to develop skills beyond the technical. You will be highly valued for your skills in innovation, leadership, project management and communication, as well as your ability to anticipate and tackle the unknown challenges of tomorrow.
Throughout the course you will explore a diverse range of civil engineering disciplines related to structural, water, geotechnical and transportation engineering and civil engineering materials. Then you will put the theory you learn into practice in Deakin’s world-class, multi-million-dollar engineering precinct.
With hands-on experience, you will realise and validate your designs through combinations of computer simulation and testing. Key facilities available to civil engineering students include the geotechnical (soil and rock) testing lab, hydraulics and hydrology lab and two structural testing laboratories. You will also have access to a range of other facilities including 3D printers, a materials science corrosion and polymer lab, concrete and structural testing facilities and CNC machining centres.
In addition to traditional theory-based classes, 50% of each trimester is dedicated to learning via team-based projects. You will tackle real-world industry problems and research, design, test and evaluate solutions, with the support of our expert teaching staff.
Through project-oriented design-based learning (PODBL) in collaboration with industry, you will have the chance to apply scientific and engineering principles to solve situational challenges faced by businesses and communities. This real-world application gives you competitive insight into the social, cultural, global, ethical and environmental responsibilities of today’s engineer.
Take these skills even further during your Professional Engineering Practice unit, where you will have the opportunity to work in a real engineering team. Build your industry experience, create a professional network and get an insight into your future career options.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Professional recognition
Deakin’s Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) is accredited by Engineers Australia, which gives the degree international recognition, allowing graduates to practise as professional engineers in many countries around the world.
Participation requirements
In order to satisfy course accreditation requirements, as specified and administered by Engineers Australia, all online enrolled students, or students enrolled online in specified units, are required to participate in campus-based learning activities at Waurn Ponds (Geelong) during intensive week each trimester to ensure that graduates possess and have demonstrated the minimum necessary knowledge and skill base, engineering application abilities, and professional skills, values and attitudes at successful completion of the course to be sufficiently prepared to enter professional engineering practice.
Attendance and participation in learning activities during intensive week is linked to assessment requirements within the Engineering programmes, and failure to attend may result in students not meeting the hurdle requirement of the respective assessment. This may result in a fail grade being awarded for the respective affected unit(s) for that particular trimester.
International students: Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online. To participate in the mandatory campus based scheduled sessions during the trimester intensive week, it is suggested that you apply for a tourist visa to enter Australia. Please be advised that Deakin University cannot guarantee that you will be granted a tourist visa by the Australian Government.
International students studying online may not be granted a visitor visa to complete mandatory components of the course at a campus.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Articulation and credit transfer
Flexible entry into the course allows students to upgrade their qualifications and to obtain credit for previous studies/experience. Applicants with appropriate TAFE qualifications or other approved post-secondary studies may apply for Recognition of prior learning. Credit may be considered for skills obtained in the workforce or by informal means.
Equipment requirements
Students must have access to a suitable computer and a network connection. The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course may also require that students have access to a range of software. Access to high-cost specialist equipment is provided but students may be required to purchase minor equipment for particular unit(s) as detailed in unit site.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Integrate well-developed knowledge of physical sciences and engineering fundamentals, which underpins the engineering discipline to analyse complex engineering problems and to evaluate possible solutions. Apply professional engineering knowledge, and knowledge of contextual factors in order to design, develop and maintain sustainable engineering infrastructure, systems or products. Plan and execute research projects to show capacity for advanced knowledge and skills in an engineering discipline and thereby demonstrate the ability to continue professional development and / or scholarship. |
| Communication | Apply effective communication skills in a professional context to interpret, evaluate and present technical engineering information using oral, written, visual modes. Demonstrate proficiency in comprehending viewpoints of others and present arguments and justifications for representing engineering position to technical and non-technical audience. |
| Digital literacy | Identify, select and use digital technologies and tools relevant to the engineering discipline to generate, manage and share information. Demonstrate the ability to independently and systematically locate information, evaluate its reliability, and use the information for engineering design, problem solving and research purposes. |
| Critical thinking | Demonstrate autonomy and judgement through balanced application of logic, intellectual and research criteria to review, analyse, and synthesise information for engineering problem solving. |
| Problem solving | Apply engineering knowledge, skills and techniques to identify and define complex problems in a variety of contexts. Evaluate and use established engineering methods to identify potential solutions to independently and collaboratively resolve complex engineering problems and realise solutions. Demonstrate innovative and creative approaches and/or solutions in planning, designing or executing engineering projects. |
| Self-management | Evaluate own knowledge and skills using frameworks of reflection and take responsibility for learning and performance. Work responsibly and safely in engineering environments to demonstrate professionalism. |
| Teamwork | Undertake various team roles, work effectively within a team, and utilise effective teamwork skills in order to achieve learning goals. Apply interpersonal skills to interact and collaborate to enhance outcomes through shared individual and collective knowledge and creative capacity to optimise complex problem resolution. |
| Global citizenship | Formulate sustainable engineering practices by integrating aspects of design, development or research through concern for economic, environmental, social and cultural perspectives and values. Engage with global traditions and current trends in engineering practice in order to appreciate diversity, seek equity in outcomes and adopt ethical and professional standards. |
Approved by Faculty Board # month # year
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- SEJ010 Introduction to Safety and Project Oriented Learning (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- 31 credit points of core units, including minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 60 days Professional Engineering Practice in SEP499*
- 1 credit point elective unit
Online enrolled students are required to attend campus mode conducted activities during the corresponding Intensive Week in a trimester. Attendance at campus mode activities is linked to assessment requirements within the Engineering programs, failure to attend will result in not meeting the hurdle requirement of the respective assessment. Thus, a fail grade shall be awarded for the respective affected unit(s) for that particular trimester.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
*replacement unit SEL703
Course structure
Core units
Level 1 - Trimester 1
STP050 Academic Integrity (0 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit DAI001]
| STP010 | Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points) |
| SEJ010 | Introduction to Safety and Project Oriented Learning (0 credit points) |
SEJ101 Design Fundamentals (2 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SET111 (1 credit point) and SEJ104 (1 credit point)]
| SEB101 | Engineering Physics |
| SIT199 | Applied Algebra and Statistics |
Level 1 - Trimester 2
| SEJ103 | Materials Engineering Project (2 credit points) |
| SIT194 | Introduction to Mathematical Modelling |
SIT172 Programming for Engineers [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SEP105]
Level 2 - Trimester 1
SEV200 Geotechnical Investigation and Design (2 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SEJ202 (2 credit points)]
| SEM218 | Fluid Mechanics |
| SEP291 | Engineering Modelling |
Level 2 - Trimester 2
| SEJ201 | Structural Design (2 credit points)^ |
| SEM216 | Stress and Failure Analysis |
| SEV254 | Road and Pavement Engineering |
Level 3 - Trimester 1
| SEV301 | Water Engineering Design (2 credit points) |
| SEV322 | Hydrology and Hydraulics |
| SEV320 | Theory of Structures |
Level 3 - Trimester 2
| SEV300 | Reinforced Concrete and Steel Structures (2 credit points) |
SEV323 Steel and Timber Structures [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit elective unit (recommended elective SEN769)]
| SEV362 | Geotechnical Engineering |
Level 4 - Trimester 1
| SEJ441 | Engineering Project A (2 credit points)~ |
| SEV402 | Traffic and Transport Engineering |
Plus 1 elective (one credit point)
Level 4 - Trimester 2
| SEJ446 | Engineering Project B (2 credit points)~ |
SEV415 Infrastructure Engineering [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SEN770]
SEP499 Professional Engineering Practice * [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SEL703]
* SEP499 [replacement unit SEL703] Professional Engineering Practice is available in trimester 1, trimester 2 and trimester 3. Students are encouraged to complete this unit in Trimester 3 of the third year of study.
~ Note: Students are expected to undertake SEJ441 and SEJ446 in consecutive trimesters. Students will be required to seek approval from the unit chair if they are unable to complete SEJ441 and SEJ446 consecutively.
^ Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)
Electives
Engineering recommended elective units:
| SEN729 | Railway Infrastructure Design and Management |
| SEJ751 | Materials Performance and Durability |
| SEN725 | Urban Stormwater Asset Design |
| SEN700 | Research Methodology |
| SEN727 | Tunnel and Underground Construction * |
| SEN728 | Transportation Infrastructure Systems |
| SEN769 | Advanced Structural Design |
| SET404 | Engineering Design: International Study Tour |
| SEV401 | Integrated Catchment Systems |
Work experience
Through SEP499* Professional Engineering Practice, you will gain industry experience by completing at least 30 to 60 days of practical work experience in an engineering workplace, developing and enhancing your understanding of the engineering profession, possible career outcomes, and the opportunity to establish valuable professional networks.
*replacement unit SEL703
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Other learning experiences
In your final year of the course, you may apply to undertake an international study tour to engage in a structured program of study, usually involving short project work overseas to gain discipline specific technical expertise and to enhance your global engineering awareness and experience.
Research and research-related study
The key assessment of research and research skills in the programme is through the two linked 2 credit point units in the final year of the course. The first of these units is for students to develop a detailed research proposal and undertake preliminary proof-of-concept or testing of their experimental methods. The second unit is designed to undertake the proposed research and critically evaluate the outcomes of the project. The project is predominantly student-led with direction from an academic supervisor that has expertise in the research field.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.