Start building today!
Experience the Find the courses and unlock the true potential
The Bachelor of Environmental Science / Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours) is a prestigious double degree that equips graduates with both the scientific understanding and the technical engineering skills needed to address Australia's most pressing environmental challenges. Spanning five years of full-time study, this combined qualification covers the full spectrum from understanding ecological systems, environmental chemistry, and ecosystem management, to designing and implementing engineering solutions for water treatment, land remediation, pollution control, and sustainable infrastructure. Students graduate with two credentials — an environmental science degree and an accredited Honours engineering degree — recognised internationally under the Washington Accord, making them highly versatile in a global job market. The Honours component typically culminates in an independent research thesis or major capstone project, ensuring graduates also develop strong analytical and research capabilities. This course is designed for students who want more than a single-discipline qualification. It suits those who are passionate about both the natural environment and the role of technical design and engineering innovation in protecting it. The dual focus means graduates are not limited to one type of role — they can work as scientists in the field, as professional engineers on infrastructure projects, as consultants, or as policy and compliance specialists. Employers who seek out these graduates include government agencies such as state Environment Protection Authorities, the Bureau of Meteorology, and the CSIRO; private consultancies and engineering firms; resource and mining companies; water utilities; construction and infrastructure companies; and international organisations focused on sustainability and climate adaptation.
Australia faces significant and growing environmental challenges — from climate change and water security to land degradation, mining rehabilitation, and urban sustainability — and the demand for professionals who can engineer practical solutions to these problems is rising rapidly. Australia's government has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, and this has accelerated investment in green infrastructure, renewable energy, and environmental compliance, creating a strong and sustained demand for environmental engineers and scientists. The combined double degree offers a distinct competitive advantage: graduates possess both the scientific literacy to understand complex environmental systems and the engineering credentials to design, build, and manage solutions. This dual expertise addresses a genuine skills gap in Australia's workforce, where employers increasingly require professionals who can bridge the gap between environmental science and technical engineering practice. With Engineers Australia accreditation, graduates also gain access to a respected professional pathway, eligibility for Chartered Engineer status, and international recognition — opening doors not just across Australia but globally.
For domestic students, entry to this double degree typically requires completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) with a competitive ATAR, as entry to the combined degree is competitive and merit-based. Prerequisite subjects generally include Mathematics (at an intermediate or higher level such as Mathematical Methods) and at least one science subject such as Chemistry, Physics, or Biology. Physics is often assumed knowledge for the engineering component, and some institutions may require a minimum study score in Mathematics as a prerequisite. Students who do not fully meet prerequisites may be able to complete bridging subjects or enter via a related single degree before transferring internally. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency, typically through an IELTS overall score of at least 6.5 (with no band below 6.0), or an equivalent score in tests such as TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Specific band requirements may vary between institutions. Students who do not meet the standard entry pathway may also apply via alternative routes such as the STAT (Special Tertiary Admissions Test), completion of a relevant TAFE diploma or foundation studies program, or through recognition of prior learning. As the double degree is one of the more demanding combined qualifications offered in Australia, applicants should be aware that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an offer, and that academic achievement is assessed holistically.
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 double degree are highly sought after across both the public and private sectors in Australia, with a uniquely broad skill set that spans scientific knowledge and professional engineering capability. Career paths include environmental consulting firms, state and federal government agencies, mining and resources companies, water utilities, urban planning and infrastructure firms, research and development organisations, and international environmental bodies. The combination of an environmental science background and an accredited engineering qualification means graduates can pursue roles that a single-degree graduate simply cannot access, and are especially competitive in technical consulting, project management, and regulatory compliance roles.
Entry Level
Graduate / Assistant Engineer
Graduate Environmental Engineer, Environmental Science Officer, Graduate Sustainability Analyst, Environmental Monitoring Assistant, Junior Environmental Consultant
Early Career
Engineer / Coordinator
Environmental Engineer, Environmental Scientist, Compliance Coordinator, Stormwater Engineer, Remediation Coordinator, Water Quality Engineer
Mid-Level
Specialist / Senior Engineer
Senior Environmental Engineer, Senior Environmental Consultant, Contaminated Land Specialist, Water Resources Specialist, Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist, Hydrogeologist
Senior Level
Principal / Manager
Principal Environmental Engineer, Environmental Project Manager, Senior Sustainability Manager, Environmental Services Manager, Technical Director (Environment)
Leadership
Director / Head / Principal Consultant
Director of Environment and Sustainability, Head of Environmental Engineering, Principal Environmental Consultant, Chief Environmental Officer, Environmental Practice Lead
Salaries for environmental engineers and scientists in Australia vary by experience, location, and sector, with strong growth potential across the career ladder.
Melbourne
Melbourne is home to major environmental engineering consultancies, state government agencies including the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA Victoria) and Melbourne Water, and a thriving sustainability sector driven by large-scale urban infrastructure projects. The city's focus on green building, urban renewal, and water management creates strong ongoing demand for dual-qualified environmental science and engineering graduates.
Sydney
Sydney is Australia's largest engineering job market, with significant employment opportunities across state government, transport infrastructure, and specialist environmental consulting firms. The city's ongoing infrastructure investment and coastal management challenges make it a prime destination for environmental engineers, with top-tier professional networks and access to industry leaders in environmental science and sustainability.
Brisbane
Brisbane is experiencing a major construction and infrastructure boom, partly driven by preparations for the 2032 Olympic Games, creating strong demand for civil and environmental engineers across both government and private sectors. Queensland's diverse ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef and significant wetland systems, also support careers in environmental impact assessment, water resource management, and ecological engineering.
Perth
Perth is a global hub for mining and resources, and environmental engineers play a critical role in mine rehabilitation, contaminated site remediation, and environmental compliance for major resource companies operating across Western Australia. The city also offers fly-in fly-out (FIFO) opportunities and some of the highest engineering salaries in Australia, particularly for those specialising in environmental management within the resources sector.
Adelaide
Adelaide offers a strong environment for students interested in sustainable urban design, water management, and South Australia's growing renewable energy sector, with several universities offering accredited environmental engineering programs in the city. The state government's active investment in environmental policy and low cost of living make Adelaide an attractive and accessible city for environmental engineering study and early-career employment.
Canberra
As Australia's national capital, Canberra is the headquarters of federal government agencies including the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the CSIRO, and Geoscience Australia, providing unparalleled access to policy-level and research-focused roles for environmental science and engineering graduates. Students in Canberra benefit from close proximity to these major employers and strong connections to national environmental policy, research funding, and public sector 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
