Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering is critical to planning, designing, building, and maintaining modern civilisations. It is a creative pursuit – backed by the application of critical thinking and scientific principles.
As populations expand, standards of living increase and humanity demands more natural resources. We are at the forefront of developing solutions to increase quality of life and minimise environmental impact. Our internationally recognised research is the foundation of our teaching, which evolves with technological advancements and new concepts while staying true to core theories.
Research
Our world-class research delivers societal and commercial benefits across numerous industries. Our research groups within the Civil Engineering discipline make discoveries in the following areas:
- Structural Engineering and Materials
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Water Engineering
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Extensive undergraduate and postgraduate teaching
We prepare graduates to produce highly practical, secure, economical, suitable, and sustainable structures and social infrastructure. Our programs are recognised by professional accreditation bodies including Engineers Australia.
Ranked #36 in the world for Civil Engineering,* #33 for water resources and #51 for Civil and Structural Engineering – and top in South Australia
*2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities
Undergraduate and honours degrees
Our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering) features industry-led design practice and interdisciplinary projects to replicate real-world workplace experiences.
Our unique, blended degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Architectural and Structural) (Honours) combines the artistic flair of architecture with the technical prowess of civil engineering. It prepares students to create high-tech building solutions for some of the most innovative infrastructure today – and tomorrow.
Our unique, blended degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Architectural and Structural) (Honours) combines the artistic flair of architecture with the technical prowess of civil engineering. It prepares students to create high-tech building solutions for some of the most innovative infrastructure today – and tomorrow.
Specialisations
Civil Engineering at the University of Adelaide encompasses a wide-range of areas including:
- Structural Engineering: design and analyse structures, including steel and concrete structures, dynamics, and seismic design.
- Transportation Engineering: study the planning, design, and operation of transportation systems, such as roads, highways, public transportation, and airports.
- Geotechnical Engineering: learn about soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and slope stability.
- Water Resources Engineering: specialise in water supply and treatment, hydrology, and hydraulic engineering.
Double degrees
Enhance your employment opportunities significantly with our comprehensive double degrees in Civil Engineering:
- With Bachelor of Finance and Banking
- With Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
- With Bachelor of Science
Postgraduate degrees
Our Masters in Engineering (Civil & Structural) allows you to pursue specialist areas of interest using the latest design technologies, and enhances employability. Convert an international qualification through our Engineers Australia accredited degrees to practice as a certified Civil or Structural Engineer in Australia.
If you have studied the blended Architectural and Structural Engineering degree, you can choose to a practice as an Architect through a Master of Architecture.
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Collaborations
We regularly collaborate across the three disciplines within the school as well as a wide range of disciplines including Chemical Engineering, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, Science, Mathematics and Computer Science.
We work with leaders in industry to develop test and implement novel materials that improve environmental sustainability and performance of structures under complex loading scenarios.
As leaders in Civil Engineering, we design and implement approaches to strengthen modern and culturally significant structures against earthquake damage. We develop and implement non-destructive approaches to assessing the condition of critical infrastructure such as railways and power lines.
Our collaboration with SA Water is just one example of our innovative solutions in action:
- Water supply and sewage system optimisation tools, estimated to have saved water utilities and their customers hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide
- Sophisticated non-invasive pipe condition assessment tools (p-CATTM), now commercialised by Sydney-based Detection Services
- SA Water’s Smart Water Network monitoring and analysis program to prevent burst water mains in Adelaide’s CBD
- Planning and optimisation for SA Water’s hydropower facilities
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Study with us
Learn more about our unique student experiences, career opportunities and industry connections.
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HDR opportunities
Be involved in civil engineering discovery, innovation, and cutting-edge research through a higher degree by research. Join our Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy programs.
Associate Professor Giang Nguyen
Postgraduate Coordinator