Start building today!
Experience the Find the courses and unlock the true potential
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Architectural and Structural) is a four-year, AQF Level 8 undergraduate degree that uniquely bridges the disciplines of civil and structural engineering with the creative design principles of architecture. Students develop skills and knowledge in the planning, design, construction, and operation of engineered systems across a diverse range of construction types — from high-rise residential buildings and bridges to renewable energy infrastructure and defence facilities. The first two years build a strong scientific, architectural design, and engineering foundation, while the third and fourth years focus on specialist courses in structural and geotechnical engineering, professional practice, communication, management, and industry-integrated project work. The degree is accredited by Engineers Australia at the level of Professional Engineer, meaning graduates qualify for professional membership and their qualification is internationally recognised under the Washington Accord.
This degree is designed for students who are passionate about both technical problem-solving and creative design — those who want to bring aesthetically inspiring, structurally sound, and environmentally responsible buildings and infrastructure to life. Graduates are equipped to work across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. Typical employers include specialist structural engineering consultancies, construction and contracting companies, government organisations, airport and harbour authorities, defence contractors, project development firms, and large infrastructure consultancies such as Aurecon, WSP, AECOM, GHD, Arcadis, Jacobs, and Hatch. Some programs also encompass elements of mechanical, electrical, and fire protection engineering, making graduates highly versatile practitioners in the built environment.
Australia's architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) market is experiencing robust and sustained growth, valued at AUD $409.67 million in 2025 and projected to reach AUD $943.47 million by 2035 at a compound annual growth rate of 8.70%. Government investment in infrastructure, rapid urban population growth, and the national push for sustainable and energy-efficient building practices are all fuelling demand for engineers with precisely the dual skill set this degree provides. Engineering roles — particularly civil, structural, and building services — remain among the most in-demand in Australia, with the push for infrastructure, sustainability, and smart city solutions continuing to drive hiring activity through 2026 and beyond. Queensland's Olympics-related development pipeline, New South Wales's major infrastructure boom, and South Australia's AUKUS submarine and shipyard projects are creating significant long-term employment opportunities for structural and architectural engineers.
Australia's construction sector is facing a well-documented skills gap, with labour shortages making it harder than ever to meet project timelines. Senior structural and civil engineers are consistently cited among the hardest-to-fill roles across the country, meaning graduates with an accredited, hybrid qualification in architectural and structural engineering enter a market where they are in genuine short supply. The dual skill set facilitated by this degree — combining rigorous engineering analysis with architectural design fluency — is increasingly prized by employers seeking professionals who can lead complex, design-driven infrastructure projects from concept through to completion.
For domestic students, entry into a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Architectural and Structural) or equivalent program typically requires completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) with a competitive ATAR — generally around 85 or above for well-regarded programs, though this varies between providers and may be lower at some institutions. Most programs have specific prerequisite subjects including Mathematics (at the level of Specialist Mathematics or equivalent) and Physics. Students who have not completed Specialist Mathematics prior to enrolment may be required to undertake bridging mathematics units before progressing to core program subjects. Entry may also be granted via prior higher education study (typically at least six months full-time equivalent), a completed AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation, or through special entry pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants and mature-age students.
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency, typically via IELTS (minimum overall score of 6.0–6.5, with no band below 6.0) or an equivalent test such as TOEFL or PTE Academic. International applicants completing Australian Year 12 qualifications apply through state-based tertiary admissions centres (e.g. VTAC, UAC, SATAC). Unlike architecture-only degrees, a design portfolio is generally not required for engineering entry; however, some combined architecture/engineering double degrees may require a portfolio or design folio as part of their assessment. International Baccalaureate applicants typically require Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL) and Physics (SL grade 4 or HL grade 3) as minimum prerequisites for engineering entry.
This course may be offered in different study modes depending on the university, campus location, course structure and student type. Students should check the available delivery mode before applying, as not every study option is available at every institution.
On-campus study is the traditional mode of delivery where students attend classes, lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars at the university campus. This option may suit students who prefer face-to-face learning, access to campus facilities, networking with classmates, practical workshops, group projects and direct engagement with academic staff.
Some universities may offer programs fully online or with online subject options. Online study can be attractive for students who need flexibility due to work, family, location or other commitments. Online study may suit domestic students, working professionals or students who want to study from outside Australia.
Hybrid or blended study usually combines online learning with some on-campus classes, workshops, intensive sessions or practical components. This mode may suit students who want flexibility but still want some face-to-face interaction. The exact structure varies between institutions.
Programs in Australia may have different intake structures depending on the university. The most common intake systems are semester, trimester and block mode.
Many Australian universities follow a two-semester academic calendar. The main intakes are commonly Semester 1 (around February or March) and Semester 2 (around July). Semester-based study usually allows students to complete a set number of subjects over approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Some universities use a trimester system, which generally provides three study periods a year — around February/March, June/July and October/November. Trimester study may provide more flexibility and may help some students complete their course faster.
Some institutions may offer selected subjects or programs in block mode, where students focus on one subject at a time over a shorter, more intensive teaching period. Block mode may suit students who prefer concentrated learning or working professionals managing study around employment.
Some online or professionally focused programs may offer more frequent start dates or flexible entry points throughout the year. Students should not assume that every course has monthly or multiple intakes — availability depends on the institution, course structure and student type.
Graduates of this degree enter a broad and growing employment market across the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors. With their dual skill set in structural engineering rigour and architectural design literacy, they are well positioned to work in specialist structural engineering consultancies, major construction and contracting firms, government infrastructure agencies, defence organisations, property development companies, and large global engineering consultancies such as Aurecon, WSP, GHD, AECOM, Arcadis, and Jacobs. Employment opportunities also exist with airport and harbour authorities, urban renewal agencies, renewable energy developers, and financial and management consultancies with infrastructure portfolios. The range of roles available spans from hands-on design and analysis through to project management, client advisory, and leadership positions.
Entry Level
Graduate Engineer
Graduate Structural Engineer, Graduate Architectural Engineer, Graduate Civil Engineer, Graduate Building Consultant, Junior Structural Designer
Early Career
Engineer / Project Engineer
Structural Engineer, Architectural Engineer, Project Engineer, Building Structures Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Construction Engineer
Mid-Level
Senior Engineer / Specialist
Senior Structural Engineer, Senior Architectural Engineer, Senior Project Engineer, Facade Engineer, BIM Manager, Engineering Team Leader
Senior Level
Principal Engineer / Manager
Principal Structural Engineer, Principal Architectural Engineer, Engineering Project Manager, Technical Director (Structures), Associate Director
Leadership
Director / Head / Partner
Director of Structural Engineering, Head of Structures, Engineering Practice Leader, Partner / Principal Consultant, Chief Engineer
Salaries for architectural and structural engineering graduates in Australia vary by experience level, location, employer size, and specialisation, with strong earning progression as professionals advance their careers.
Melbourne
Melbourne is home to a thriving construction and engineering sector, with major high-rise residential developments and urban infrastructure projects driving sustained demand for structural engineers. Victoria's ambitious infrastructure pipeline — including transport, health, and housing projects — ensures strong employment prospects, and the city hosts major firms including Aurecon, WSP, GHD, and Arup.
Sydney
Sydney is the strongest engineering market in Australia, with a vast pipeline of major infrastructure, commercial, and residential projects creating long-term hiring demand for architectural and structural engineers. The city is home to the headquarters or major offices of virtually all leading global engineering consultancies, and the scale and diversity of projects on offer — from harbour crossings to supertall towers — is unmatched nationally.
Brisbane
Brisbane's engineering and architecture market is booming in 2026, with Olympics-related development and major infrastructure projects driving an exceptional and sustained pipeline of work for structural engineers. Queensland is experiencing real capacity pressure in the talent market, making it an outstanding opportunity window for graduates entering the profession.
Perth
Perth offers structural and architectural engineering graduates strong opportunities linked to Western Australia's mining and resources sector, major commercial construction, and significant government infrastructure investment — including a $21.6 million workforce expansion investment in late 2024. The city's ongoing urban growth and proximity to major resources infrastructure projects provide a distinctive career context unavailable elsewhere in Australia.
Adelaide
Adelaide is an increasingly attractive market for architectural and structural engineering graduates, shaped by landmark national investment including the AUKUS submarine and shipyard build-out, which is catalysing long-term construction spending across infrastructure, industrial facilities, and associated housing. The city is also home to the primary institution offering this specific degree specialisation, providing strong local industry networks and placement opportunities.
Canberra
Canberra offers a distinctive employment landscape for architectural and structural engineering graduates, with the federal government representing a major employer across defence facilities, national infrastructure, and public building projects. The city's steady pipeline of government-funded construction — including diplomatic, health, education, and security-related facilities — provides stable and high-value career pathways.
Before choosing a course, students should compare:
International students who want to study in Australia should also consider additional requirements before applying.
Join successful graduates
Students Helped
Application Processed
Listed Universities
Listed Courses