Major overview
Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and water scarcity are among today’s greatest global challenges. The future demands professionals who understand environmental systems and can engineer innovative solutions to protect and restore them.
This future-focused double degree combines engineering expertise with biological and ecological knowledge, preparing you to tackle complex environmental challenges from multiple perspectives. 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
Careers
- Environmental engineer
- Environmental quality control engineer
- Pollution control engineer
- Water resources engineer
- Water and wastewater treatment engineer
- Environmental biologist
- Conservation and biodiversity consultant
- Natural resource manager
- Mine rehabilitation and restoration consultant
- Sustainability consultant
- Renewable energy and resource recovery engineer
- Climate and sustainability advisor
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.
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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 Environmental Biology and Ecology major, you’ll explore how living systems interact and respond to environmental change. You’ll study zoology, botany, ecology, and genetics, while gaining hands-on experience in fieldwork, ecological surveying, laboratory analysis, and environmental data interpretation.
Together, these complementary disciplines develop graduates who can integrate engineering and environmental science – an increasingly valuable capability as industries transition to sustainability and low-carbon futures. You’ll be prepared to tackle challenges such as land degradation, climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss across a range of sectors.
A key strength of this double degree is its strong focus on practical and industry-relevant learning. In your final year, you’ll apply your knowledge through design projects, capstone or research projects, strengthening your ability to solve real-world environmental problems using both engineering and scientific approaches. You’ll graduate with both technical expertise and systems-thinking skills highly sought after by employers in government, consulting, mining, infrastructure, water, energy and environmental sectors.
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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