Master of Civil Engineering
Graduate Certificate in Civil Engineering

Connected with industry

Study online

Apply before 13 February 2026

Find out more

Complete this form to receive information about coursework, admissions, tuition, and more. 

Note: All fields required.

Save on your program fees

There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for UniSC’s 100% online engineering programs available for Trimester 1 2026. The cost of the graduate certificate with a CSP is $4,656 (normally $16,104). The cost of the masters program with a CSP is $11,640 (normally $40,260).

Gain globally recognised skills from globally recognised leaders

The University of the Sunshine Coast’s (UniSC’s) civil engineering postgraduate programs provide students with opportunities and pathways to be at the epicenter of innovation. We offer the flexibility of online learning combined with on-campus intensive sessions to help advance your education, career, and expand your network. From advanced structural analysis and design to geotechnics and geohydrology, we combine theory with practice so you can forge a successful and sustainable future in civil engineering.

In our program, you’ll:

  • Learn from industry experts and develop strong industry connections
  • Strengthen your technical expertise
  • Learn to lead complex infrastructure projects
  • Shape sustainable communities in a rapidly evolving global landscape
  • Hone your business acumen and communications skills
  • Graduate with internationally recognised skills

Whether you’re aiming to move into leadership, consultancy, or specialised technical roles, you’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge to operate at a senior level. Graduates will also have the tools to develop creative solutions to complex civil engineering challenges, manage multidisciplinary teams, and drive decisions that consider social, economic, and environmental impact.

“You can’t learn how to think critically from a machine. AI is a tool – but experience, applied learning, and time in the field are irreplaceable. We need future engineers who know how to combine new technologies with practical judgment, especially in complex areas like land remediation.”

–Jenny Gough, Technical Director, GHD

Programs

Open the door to high-level leadership positions with a Master of Civil Engineering. You’ll complete six courses and two projects over the course of one year (full time) or two years (part time) and build advanced knowledge in critical areas such as:

  • Structural analysis and design
  • Water resources management
  • Geotechnics and geohydrology
  • Project management
  • Computational analysis, and more

Through our contemporary course design, which has been developed in consultation with our engineering advisory board of industry professionals, you’ll graduate with a specialised set of skills and knowledge of theories, concepts and practice that underpin civil engineering in regional and global engineering contexts.

The program also develops your leadership and communication skills, preparing you to operate ethically and independently at a senior level, while continuously adapting to advancements in the field.

The Master of Civil Engineering is provisionally accredited by Engineers Australia and is recognised by 18 countries under the Washington Accord.

Advance your career in civil engineering with a graduate certificate. Completed in as few as eight months full time, you can tailor your degree to your interest areas and select four high-impact courses from our master’s curriculum which has been designed in consultation with industry professionals.

Courses to choose from include:

  • Advanced Structural Analysis and Design
  • Engineering Project Management Principles
  • Geotechnics and Geohydrology
  • Integrative Group Project
  • Management of Water Resources
  • Advanced Computational Analysis

You’ll graduate with specialised technical knowledge, advanced problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to lead in complex, real-world engineering environments. This program empowers you to generate innovative solutions, evaluate sustainability and safety in project design, and communicate complex engineering concepts with confidence.

If you decide to pursue the master’s program after you complete the graduate certificate, you may transfer your graduate certificate credits to the program. This means you only need to complete an additional four courses to earn your master’s degree.

Graduate Certificate: 4 total courses. 8-12 months.
Masters: 8 total courses. 1-2 years.

Why choose us

Contemporary course design

Through dynamic and responsive learning experiences, we’re redefining engineering education to prepare students for real-world challenges.

Connected with industry

Gain an insider’s view from industry pros who are working hard to mentor the next generation of engineering professionals to excellence. We’re proud to be ranked number two in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality.1

Career excellence

You’ll be set up for success with focused class sizes, tailored career guidance and access to real-world data and case studies.

Globally recognised skills

The Master of Civil Engineering is provisionally accredited by Engineers Australia at the level of Professional Engineer and therefore recognised internationally under the Washington Accord.

Civil engineering careers

Civil engineering is booming and growing at almost double the national average.2 Over the next ten years, the demand is anticipated to surge with hundreds of billions of dollars planned for public infrastructure and global sports events. Coupled with the continuing rise of sustainable energy and smarter cities, the demand for skilled civil engineers will be greater than ever.2

AUD $149,677

Senior Civil Engineer salary3

AUD $182,500

Civil Engineering Manager salary4

Power Australia’s $213 billion infrastructure pipeline

Senior Civil Engineer salary3

4,000 new civil engineer roles added annually

Senior Civil Engineer salary3

About the University of the Sunshine Coast

The University of the Sunshine Coast – UniSC – is young, fresh and driven by an unwavering belief that community and culture is just as important as a world-class education, delivered by world-class educators.

We’re not the biggest university, but we’re doing big things. We’ve produced ground-breaking research and award-winning alumni while championing sustainability and maintaining diversity. We believe in preparing now for tomorrow’s challenges, and our programs support teaching our grads how to thrive and lead in ever-changing marketplaces.

Together with our people, community and partners, we’re building a safe, sustainable, supportive, future-focused and fun learning environment, where lifelong friends are made and opportunities are earned.

We invite you to learn, experience and gain the tools you need to not just create a better tomorrow for yourself, but for the communities and planet you live on.

Sources and disclaimer

  1. 2023 Student Experience Survey Data
  2. https://www.consultanz.com.au/
  3. https://au.indeed.com/
  4. https://au.jora.com/
  5. https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/