Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours)

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours)
Deakin course code	S460
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Campus	For students who commenced prior to 2022
Duration	4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course 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
* 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.
The final intake to this course version was in 2021. Students should contact a Student Adviser in Student Central for course and enrolment information. Further course structure information can be found in the handbook archive.

Course sub-headings

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.

Career opportunities

Graduates can expect to gain employment in a wide range of organisations such as construction companies, councils, water authorities, government bodies, public works departments and as consulting engineers.

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.

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.

*From 2022 alternate unit SEL703

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central

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

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.