The Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) (Honours) is a four-year undergraduate degree that equips students with the knowledge and technical skills to address some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. Environmental engineers combine principles drawn from engineering, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and environmental science to design and implement safe, sustainable solutions — tackling climate change, enabling the renewable energy transition, securing water supplies, protecting communities from natural hazards, and redesigning systems to reduce waste. Core study areas include water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, land contamination and rehabilitation, solid waste management, hydrology, sustainable design, and environmental risk assessment. Students develop a solid grounding in engineering fundamentals before specialising in environmental disciplines from second year onwards.

This degree is accredited by Engineers Australia at the Professional Engineer level, with graduates recognised internationally through the Washington Accord — a framework signed by 18 countries including the USA, UK, China, Japan, Singapore, and New Zealand. This international recognition opens doors to global employment opportunities. Typical employers of graduates include government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Bureau of Meteorology, state water authorities, and local councils, as well as private consulting firms, construction and infrastructure companies, energy utilities, mining companies, and environmental remediation specialists. Graduates may also work across the water and hydrology sectors, land remediation, construction, infrastructure, and renewable energy industries.

Domestic applicants are typically required to have completed a senior secondary school qualification such as the Higher School Certificate (HSC), Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), or equivalent state qualification. Entry is competitive and generally based on an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), with typical minimum ATARs ranging from approximately 70 to 90 depending on the institution. Most universities require prerequisite studies in Mathematics (usually at the level of Mathematical Methods or equivalent) and either Physics or Chemistry at a senior secondary level. Alternative pathways are available for students who have completed a Certificate IV or higher from a registered training organisation (RTO), a diploma or associate degree, or at least six months of prior higher education study.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests such as IELTS (typically a minimum overall score of 6.0–6.5 with no individual band below 6.0), TOEFL, or equivalent accepted qualifications, assessed within the past two years prior to admission. Some institutions offer preparatory English language programs or foundation studies pathways for students who do not yet meet language requirements. Entry to most programs is assessed holistically, and some providers may also consider relevant work experience, personal statements, or portfolio evidence for mature-age applicants seeking alternative entry. Students with prior tertiary engineering study may be eligible for advanced standing or credit recognition.