An engineering alumni squats down in front of a concrete bridge, she is wearing a high visibility yellow safety hat and high visibility shirt

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July

  • Duration

    2 years full-time; 4 years part-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Online

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • Course abbreviation

    MEng

  • Course code

    1209400

  • Credit points

    192

  • Equivalent units

    16

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

  • Duration

    2 years full-time; 4 years part-time

  • Location

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

The Master of Engineering will prepare you to solve our biggest challenges as a professional civil engineer.

This course is designed for graduates with prior cognate studies in civil engineering, enabling them to gain a qualification as a professional engineer. The Master of Engineering equips students to become industry-ready professional engineers, skilled in analysing and developing solutions for complex engineering systems, with specialised expertise in civil engineering.

Foundational core units build knowledge of the basic sciences, practical skills and the processes and philosophy that underpin the engineering profession.

A specialisation in Civil Engineering will develop skills and knowledge across geotechnical engineering, steel and timber engineering, environmental management, water cycle management, concrete structure systems, and transportation engineering systems.

To complete your study, you will choose advanced elective units to further build specialist expertise in areas of professional practice, while also completing industry-guided research units that will develop your skills in independent investigation, critical thinking and creative problem solving.

This course includes a professional placement of 60 days (480 hours).

A picture of Engineering graduate Jake Bentley , outside, he is leaning against a fence and smiling at the camera

"The facilities were great and the course laid the base for my career. I actually scored a dream job before I graduated.”

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Critically apply systems approaches using a wide range of technical and contextual factors to conceptualise and evaluate human-centred solutions to complex, industry-relevant problems in the chosen field of engineering specialisation in professional practice or scholarship

Plan and execute a substantial research project to create and apply new knowledge in the chosen field of engineering that contributes to professional practice or scholarship

Lead or function as a team member and systematically manage information and projects to deliver industry-relevant engineering solutions aligned with stakeholder and community needs in professional practice

GA2: Creativity

Critically apply systems approaches using a wide range of technical and contextual factors to conceptualise and evaluate human-centred solutions to complex, industry-relevant problems in the chosen field of engineering specialisation in professional practice or scholarship

Creatively apply and integrate established engineering methods, techniques, tools and resources in the context of systematic engineering synthesis, design and management processes in professional practice

GA3: Ethical practice

Apply professional conduct and judgement that reflects contemporary industry standards of ethical, sustainable and human-centred engineering practice

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Draw upon a broad conceptual knowledge of mathematics, other basic sciences, computing and information sciences to demonstrate an advanced understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge in the chosen field of engineering specialisation

Plan and execute a substantial research project to create and apply new knowledge in the chosen field of engineering that contributes to professional practice or scholarship

GA5: Lifelong learning

Plan and execute a substantial research project to create and apply new knowledge in the chosen field of engineering that contributes to professional practice or scholarship

Critically reflect on and document development of proficiency in relevant engineering competencies to guide continuing professional development and lifelong learning in professional practice

GA6: Communication and social skills

Employ effective oral and written communication and social skills, informed by an appreciation of diverse cultural and Indigenous perspectives with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability to a variety of audiences

GA7: Cultural competence

Employ effective oral and written communication and social skills, informed by an appreciation of diverse cultural and Indigenous perspectives with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability to a variety of audiences

Students must complete at least 60 days (480 hours) of professional placement in industry.

Students will undertake a specialisation in Civil Engineering.

This specialisation develops skills and knowledge across geotechnical engineering, steel and timber engineering, environmental management, water cycle management, concrete structure systems, and transportation engineering systems.

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Engineering will be qualified to work as professional engineers.

The Civil Engineering specialisation will prepare students to work in a range of settings, including traffic and transport, humanitarian organisations, engineering design, government authorities, water supply and management agencies, construction companies, natural resource management organisations, consulting engineering companies, mining companies, irrigation authorities, research organisations and in tertiary education.

Southern Cross University is seeking accreditation from Engineers Australia at the level of Professional Engineer.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Bachelor degree (AQF 7) in an engineering discipline that is cognate with the chosen specialisation (or equivalent).

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.5
Listeningminimum 6.0
Speakingminimum 6.0
Readingminimum 6.0
Writingminimum 6.0

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Master of Engineering, students must complete the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising:

  • 7 core units (108 credit points) and
  • 1 specialisation in Civil Engineering (72 credit points) and
  • 1 Elective unit (12 credit points).

Other things to consider

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

CIVL6001Building Information Modelling Systems
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
MelbourneN/A
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
PerthN/A
Term1
SydneyN/A
Term1
CIVL6002Geotechnical Engineering
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
MelbourneN/A
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
PerthN/A
Term1
SydneyN/A
Term1
CIVL6003Building Information Technologies and Practices
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
MelbourneN/A
Term2
Online
Term2
N/A
PerthN/A
Term2
SydneyN/A
Term2
Pre-requisitesCIVL6001 - Building Information Modelling Systems
CIVL6004Environmental Management Systems
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
MelbourneN/A
Term2
Online
Term2
N/A
PerthN/A
Term2
SydneyN/A
Term2
BUSN5003Management Communication
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3
Term1,3
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
CIVL6005Concrete Structure Systems
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
MelbourneN/A
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
PerthN/A
Term3
SydneyN/A
Term3
ENGN6002Engineering Management for a Sustainable Future
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
MelbourneN/A
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
PerthN/A
Term4
SydneyN/A
Term4
CIVL6006Transportation Engineering Systems
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
MelbourneN/A
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
PerthN/A
Term4
SydneyN/A
Term4

Second Year

ENGN6003Professional Practice Masters Thesis 1

Not currently available

24 Note 1
CIVL6007Steel and Timber Engineering Systems

Not currently available

12
Elective Units OR University Wide elective at Postgraduate level.
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
ACCT6004Finance
ACCT6015Corporate Governance
MGMT6002The Positive Leader
ACCT5002Accounting for Managers
BUSN6004Managing Enterprise Systems
MGMT5002Organisational Behaviour
PROJ5001Project Management
BUSN6005Strategy and Case Analysis
ENGN6004Professional Practice Masters Thesis 2

Not currently available

24 Note 2
CIVL6008Water Cycle Management Systems

Not currently available

12
INDG2013Aboriginal Community Organisations: Ethics and Sustainability
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term4
N/A


Note 1:

This unit is double weighted and requires a compulsory residential

Note 2:

This unit is double weighted

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
CIVL6001Building Information Modelling Systems
CIVL6003Building Information Technologies and Practices
BUSN5003Management Communication
ENGN6002Engineering Management for a Sustainable Future
ENGN6003Professional Practice Masters Thesis 1 Note 1
ENGN6004Professional Practice Masters Thesis 2 Note 2
INDG2013Aboriginal Community Organisations: Ethics and Sustainability

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
CIVL6002Geotechnical Engineering
CIVL6007Steel and Timber Engineering Systems
CIVL6004Environmental Management Systems
CIVL6008Water Cycle Management Systems
CIVL6005Concrete Structure Systems
CIVL6006Transportation Engineering Systems

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Select 1 elective unit (12 credit points) from the follow list OR 1 university wide elective unit at postgraduate level
ACCT6004Finance
ACCT6015Corporate Governance
MGMT6002The Positive Leader
ACCT5002Accounting for Managers
BUSN6004Managing Enterprise Systems
MGMT5002Organisational Behaviour
PROJ5001Project Management
BUSN6005Strategy and Case Analysis

Why study Engineering at Southern Cross University

Industry connections

Strong industry connections for work placement and networking

World-class facilities

Learn in state-of-the-art engineering laboratories

Go global

Work around the world with accredited degrees

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

Preparing to apply

  1. Check requirements
  2. Get supporting documents ready
  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Choose where you want to study

Gold Coast

Online

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway