Major overview
Earth’s systems are under increasing strain as global demand for energy, materials, and land continues to rise alongside rapid environmental change.
This double degree combines Earth science with engineering to equip you with a broad, integrated skill set for understanding and responding to these challenges.
You’ll learn how Earth systems operate, how they are influenced by human activity, and how engineering solutions can be designed to improve resource use, address environmental pressures, and contribute to a more resilient future. See the 'course structure' tab for a detailed description of each major.
You'll have the flexibility to choose from a range of optional units, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations.
This major sits within the double degree combination of Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science. To apply for this major, you will apply for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science double degree.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Double degrees
Career outcomes
Demand for graduates with expertise in environmental systems, geology and engineering is forecast to remain strong across Australia’s growing sustainability, infrastructure, energy and resources sectors.¹
Careers
- Environmental engineer
- Geotechnical and remediation engineer
- Environmental quality control engineer
- Health and safety engineer
- Pollution control engineer
- Water resources engineer
- Earth scientist
- Environmental geoscientist
- Hydrogeologist
- Geologist
- Geochemist
¹ Australian Government, Your Career, Environmental Engineer, accessed May 2026
Professional accreditation and recognition
Graduates can seek membership of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand, and with the Ecological Society of Australia. Curtin’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) is accredited by Engineers Australia (EA) and recognised internationally. As EA accreditation is based on graduate outcomes, a recently established course may be granted provisional accreditation until it has attained the threshold number of graduates required for full accreditation. Curtin’s Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours) is a recently established major in our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and is seeking provisional accreditation.
Course and career advice
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Major structure
In the Environmental Engineering major, you’ll learn how engineering principles, advanced technologies, and sustainable design can tackle complex environmental challenges – protecting communities, improving environmental quality, and conserving natural resources.
You’ll explore areas such as water and wastewater treatment, solid waste management, air pollution control, land remediation, renewable energy systems, resource recovery, and environmental monitoring.
Throughout the course, you’ll build a strong foundation in environmental chemistry and microbiology, hydraulics, hydrology and fluid mechanics. You’ll also develop practical skills in environmental modelling, geotechnical engineering, water and energy management, sustainability assessment, and life-cycle analysis — equipping you to design solutions to real-world environmental challenges faced by industry and society.
In the Earth Sciences major, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of Earth systems, processes, natural resources and geological history. You’ll study areas such as geology, geochemistry and mineralogy, while building skills in fieldwork, laboratory analysis, remote sensing and data interpretation.
Together, these complementary majors will equip you to understand Earth’s natural systems, how humans interact with them, and the engineering solutions needed to manage and protect them. You’ll be prepared to work across industries addressing the energy transition, climate change, environmental management and the sustainable use of Earth’s resources.
A key strength of this double degree is its strong emphasis on practical and industry-relevant learning. In your final year, you’ll apply your knowledge through a design and research project, strengthening your ability to solve real-world problems and develop innovative, evidence-based solutions.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this major either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Double degrees
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