Course overview

Become a highly skilled graduate ready to tackle global environmental issues such as climate change, sustainability and pollution when you study the Bachelor of Environmental Engineering (Honours) at Deakin. Gain knowledge across environmental engineering industry areas including waste management, water engineering, catchment management and soil and water remediation. Develop solutions-led technical and professional skills to put you in high demand in this future-focused field.

Environmental engineers address global issues such as climate change, sustainability, waste disposal, water security, utility distribution, pollution and more. Graduates are highly sought after in government and private sectors to provide innovative solutions to these environmental challenges. You will be equipped to assess project impacts on air, water and soil, and to design strategies that minimise adverse effects.

Want to design groundbreaking engineering solutions for a sustainable future?

This course equips you with the skills and knowledge to develop sustainable engineering solutions through project-oriented design-based learning and lab-based practical classes.

You will gain in-depth knowledge across a range of environmental engineering disciplines related to environmental health, water, air and soil quality, water resource management and waste management. This is underpinned by the fundamentals of environmental engineering and the natural and physical sciences, including geography, chemistry, mathematics, environmental science, ecology and hydrology.

By undertaking authentic engineering projects using project-oriented design-based learning (PODBL) in collaboration with industry, you will have the chance to apply scientific and engineering principles to develop innovative, ethical solutions to real-world environmental problems. This type of project-based learning ensures you will gain the practical expertise – as well as the communication, teamwork and project management skills – to graduate job ready for future roles across industry, government or the humanitarian sector.

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Engineering (Honours), students must attain 32 credit points, which must include the following:

• Thirty one (31) credit points of core units *
• One (1) elective unit (1 credit point)
• Completion of four (4) zero-credit point compulsory units:
  • SEJ010 Introduction to Safety and Project Oriented Learning
  • SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction
  • STP050 Academic Integrity
  • STP010 Career Tools for Employability

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Additional course information

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.

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 duration - additional information

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

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.

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.  

In total, expect to dedicate about 10 hours per week to each single credit point unit, and 20 hours per week to each double credit point unit.

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 specific units are required to participate in campus-based learning activities at Waurn Ponds (Geelong) during intensive week each trimester in order 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.

Work experience

Through SEL703 Professional Practice, you’ll gain industry experience by completing at least 30 to 60 days of practical work experience in an engineering workplace with assessment tasks designed to develop and enhance your understanding of the engineering profession, professional practice and continuing professional development, possible career outcomes, and the opportunity to establish valuable professional networks.

Recognition of prior learning

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of Prior Learning.
Your Recognition of Prior Learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

Career outcomes

Graduates will be in high demand in this rapidly evolving discipline, addressing global issues like climate change, sustainability and water security across a range of industries:

• air pollution and emissions control
• natural resource management
• environmental protection
• engineering consultancy
• government departments - local, state, and federal
• resources - mining, oil and gas
• waste management and recycling
• water and wastewater treatment.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Environmental Engineering (Honours) has been designed in accordance with Engineers Australia professional accreditation requirements. Deakin has been awarded provisional accreditation for the Bachelor of Environmental Engineering (Honours) by Engineers Australia (EA).