Environmental engineers are responsible for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our natural ecosystems and urban environments.
There are few global challenges that environmental engineering doesn’t impact. Through this diverse and practical branch of engineering you’ll be able to drive real progress on the issues that matter and the ways we live.
The environmental engineering major equips future engineers with the ability to address the challenges of today and those that will emerge in the future.
Specialisations
To study this major, you'll have to choose an engineering specialisation first. The environmental engineering major is available in the following specialisations:
Chemical engineers with a major in environmental engineering design sustainable technologies and processes.
They apply engineering knowledge to environmental systems. Your studies will explore the challenges and opportunities of designing more sustainable products and processes, and how to evaluate and address trade-offs between environmental, social and economic indicators.
Civil engineers with a major in environmental engineering enhance the resilience and sustainability of our natural ecosystems and urban environments.
This requires integration of technical innovations, design and development with an understanding of natural systems.
You will explore how to assess, measure and develop solutions for managing resources such as energy, water, building materials, food and waste in an efficient and cost effect way without harming the environment.
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Environmental engineer
- Process improvement engineer
- Environmental consultant
- Wastewater treatment engineer
- Principal environmental officer
Average annual salary range
Environmental Engineer
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As a Graduate Site Engineer at Lendlease, I am involved with developing the construction methodology for projects, preparing tender submissions and creating project programs. It’s satisfying to offer engineering solutions which add quality, time, safety and cost efficiencies to the projects I’m involved in.
I was fortunate enough to visit the St Lucia campus when I was in high school. The moment I stepped onto campus I knew it was where I wanted to go. I love the campus, facilities, staff, students, and the many opportunities that UQ offers.
The production of fuels is a good example of the chemical engineer's role in the energy space. In the future chemical engineers are going to be crucial in the production of sustainable biofuels and clean fuels such as hydrogen, which is an area that I’m particularly interested in.
I have many great memories from UQ. I really loved the large number of active clubs and societies that I could join. I also really valued having good study spaces on campus to work on assignments alongside my peers.
As a Graduate Site Engineer at Lendlease, I am involved with developing the construction methodology for projects, preparing tender submissions and creating project programs. It’s satisfying to offer engineering solutions which add quality, time, safety and cost efficiencies to the projects I’m involved in.
I was fortunate enough to visit the St Lucia campus when I was in high school. The moment I stepped onto campus I knew it was where I wanted to go. I love the campus, facilities, staff, students, and the many opportunities that UQ offers.
The production of fuels is a good example of the chemical engineer's role in the energy space. In the future chemical engineers are going to be crucial in the production of sustainable biofuels and clean fuels such as hydrogen, which is an area that I’m particularly interested in.
I have many great memories from UQ. I really loved the large number of active clubs and societies that I could join. I also really valued having good study spaces on campus to work on assignments alongside my peers.
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UQ people
Meet the expert: Exploring computer science with Dr Paul Vrbik
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Uni life
What’s it like to study agriculture, environment and sustainability as a postgraduate?
Stories
See all storiesUQ people
Meet the expert: Exploring computer science with Dr Paul Vrbik
Uni life
What’s it like to study data, analytics and cyber security as a postgraduate?
Uni life
What’s it like to study agriculture, environment and sustainability as a postgraduate?
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Overseas study
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study:
- Environmental Systems
- Environmental System Dynamics and Modelling
- Environmental Phenomena
- Engineering the Circular Economy
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