Develop a diverse skillset to create the built environment of the future.
Build the capabilities and specialist expertise to develop infrastructure faster, better and more sustainably with La Trobe's accredited Master of Civil Engineering.
- Get the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of disruptive technologies that are reshaping industries and the engineering profession globally.
- Learn to analyse real-world problems and design modern infrastructure, developing valuable skills transferable across industries.
- Experience engineering practice first-hand with an 800-hour work-integrated learning (WIL) program, including an opportunity to receive a $10,000 grant to support your placement.¹
- Graduate ready to apply for membership of Engineers Australia.
¹ Conditional on successful entry to the WIL program with a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 70
Entry requirements and pathways
International students
Academic entry requirement
Prerequisites
Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent).
240 credit point pathway (2 years): Successful completion of a 4 year Australian Bachelor degree (or its equivalent).
180 credit point pathway – COGNATE ENTRY(18 months):
Successful completion of a 4 year Australian
Bachelor degree (or its equivalent) in an engineering related field.
Eligibility to be assessed on a case by case basis by the school.
120 credit point pathway – COGNATE ENTRY(12 months):
Successful completion of a 4-year Australian Bachelor of Engineering Honours degree (or equivalent Washington Accord-recognised degree)
Eligibility to be assessed on a case by case basis by the school.
Postgraduate
Selection criteria
Applicants with an Australian Honours degree (or equivalent) in a cognate discipline may be eligible for one year of advanced standing (120 credit points) in this course.
Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
English language requirement
6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.
Please refer to our English Language Requirements page for details of other accepted English Proficiency tests and additional recognised English Language Proficiency Measures, such as English as the language of instruction.
Credit for previous study (advanced standing)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited credit. See list of limited entry courses.
To check if this course is available for credit, please visit the Advanced standing webpage.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
What you'll study
Sample course structure
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Master of Civil Engineering, students must complete a total of 240 credit points across 2 years.
Applicants with an Australian Honours degree (or equivalent) in a cognate discipline may be eligible for one year of advanced standing (120 credit points) in this course.
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 120 credit points from chosen Core
Year 2 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 60 credit points from chosen Core
- 60 credit points from chosen Core choice - Pathway
Study options
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE | LTU0AIM | 1 | 0 |
| ADVANCED ENGINEERING INNOVATION | EMS5AEI | 1 | 15 |
| ADVANCED WATER TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT | CIV5AWM | 1 | 15 |
| AUSTRALIAN ENGINEERING ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABILITY AND PRACTICE | EMS5AEE | 1 | 15 |
| BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING | CEM5BIM | 1 | 15 |
| ENGINEERING RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND APPLICATION | ELE5ERM | 1 | 15 |
| GROUND IMPROVEMENT & GEOSYNTHETICS ENGINEERING | CIV5GI | 1 | 15 |
| INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN | CIV4ID | 1 | 15 |
| RISK AND COST ENGINEERING | EMS5RCE | 1 | 15 |
| APPLIED MANAGEMENT FOR ENGINEERS | EMS5EMT | 2 | 15 |
| COMPUTER AIDED ENGINEERING | EMS5CAE | 2 | 15 |
| DESIGN FOR STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS | CIV5DSD | 2 | 15 |
| MECHANICS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS | CIV5MCM | 2 | 15 |
Core choice subjects are one or more subject groups you need to select in your course. Core choice subjects may be specific to your course, major, minor, specialisation or other learning requirements.
Students to select one learning pathway from the list below.
Pathway
- Advanced research
- Work integrated learning
For more information on these please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
Work-Based Learning
During this course, you will have the opportunity to participate in a Work Based Learning (WBL) placement experience, designed to allow you to extend your formal academic learning beyond the classroom. The WBL experience will provide the opportunity to bring your learning from the university into a work environment and test out your knowledge in a professional real-world environment. Some courses include compulsory WBL subjects, however, we also offer a range of elective WBL subjects, both cross-discipline and subject-specific. La Trobe University will source placements for some subjects, while others will require you to source your own placement. If you are required to source your own placement, dedicated staff will guide and support you through the process. Elective WBL subjects generally involve an application process and Subject Coordinator approval. The location and number of hours undertaken can vary considerably depending on the activity and the discipline area.
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Melbourne (Bundoora)
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Master of Civil Engineering course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Course intended learning outcomes
- Apply civil engineering principles, technical knowledge, and methods, along with current tools and techniques, to solve complex engineering problems at an advanced level.
- Utilise mathematical tools and techniques to derive appropriate solutions for civil engineering problems in accordance with professional standards.
- Critically investigate engineering problems, drawing upon current civil engineering knowledge and research, to formulate and evaluate effective solutions.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive awareness of social, cultural, and environmental issues when solving engineering problems, and adhere to the professional and ethical requirements mandated by Engineers Australia.
- Evaluate and synthesise information to review, assess, and propose improvements to projects, plans, and processes, incorporating creativity and innovation while maintaining professional standards.
- Effectively communicate technical information through oral, written, and visual means using professional media, presenting clear and concise arguments to both technical and non-technical audiences in accordance with professional standards.
- Manage personal professional development, relationships, and work practices, actively collaborating and contributing as a team leader and professional engineer in an efficient and effective manner.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of advanced technological tools and software relevant to civil engineering practice, effectively applying them to analyse, model, and simulate complex engineering systems and processes.
Master of Civil Engineering career opportunities
Graduate with the skills to succeed as a world-class engineer, preparing you for work in both the public and private sectors in sectors such as construction, planning, transport, environment, sanitation, energy and communications.
Possible roles for qualified civil engineer include:
- Building surveyor or estimator
- Construction engineer
- Consulting or contracting civil engineer
- Site engineer
- Structural engineer
Professional recognition
The Master of Civil Engineering is accredited by Engineers Australia. Professional membership may require an application to the professional body and may have additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for international students
Estimated fees per year (2025):
Indicative based on 2024 fees
A$40 200 per 120 credit points.
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
Scholarships:
The International estimated fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. In some cases, your course fees may be higher than the indicated fees because of the subjects you choose.
International scholarships
Destination Australia – an Australian Government initiative
The Destination Australia scheme supports new international students to study in regional Australia and offers students a high-quality learning experience. For eligible applicants, these scholarships are worth up to A$15 000 per annum for up to four years.
Find out more about Destination Australia scholarships.
If you're a La Trobe graduate, you may be eligible for a 10 per cent fee reduction when you apply for a full-fee postgraduate coursework program. See our Alumni Advantage page for further details.
International students applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate course to study at La Trobe University can be rewarded a bonus grant for completing their admission process early. Recipients will automatically be eligible to receive an Early Bird Acceptance Grant of 5% of the first-year tuition fees.
If you’re a high-achieving international student from either Vietnam, Cambodia or the Philippines and are considering full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study, you can apply to receive a 50 - 100 per cent tuition fees scholarship for the duration of your studies from 2024.
Do you have an excellent academic record? La Trobe High Achiever Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving international students and provide up to a 25 per cent reduction in course fees for selected courses.
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
Apply now or ask us a question if you need more help. You can also call us on +61 3 9627 4805.
Note: Some courses start earlier than the standard semester, term or study period. Applications for these courses close one week prior. Always check your course’s start date to ensure your application is submitted in time.
CRICOS code: 113899A
Ready to apply?
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Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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Overview
Key facts
| Award | Master of Civil Engineering |
|---|---|
| CRICOS code | 113899A |
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2024 start dates Semester 1 (March 2025), Winter Semester (June 2025), Semester 2 (July 2025) |
| Duration | 2 years full-time |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Annual tuition fee |
Indicative based on 2024 fees A$40 200 per 120 credit points.Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year. |
About the Master of Civil Engineering
Get the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of disruptive technologies that are reshaping industries and the engineering profession globally with La Trobe's accredited Master of Civil Engineering.
Designed and delivered in consultation with industry leaders, our Master's builds the capabilities and specialist expertise to meet society and industry demands to develop infrastructure faster, better and more sustainably. You'll learn to analyse real-world problems and design modern infrastructure, developing valuable skills transferable across industries. The course includes a competitive stream that offer you the opportunity to experience engineering practice first-hand while building valuable industry connections with a six-month work-integrated learning (WIL) program that gives you 800 hours on the job.
By completing La Trobe's Master of Civil Engineering, you will:
- gain an understanding of Australian engineering industry sustainability practices
- learn the mechanics of the quality and nature of materials to guide appropriate selection
- discover how to use soil improvement techniques to make infrastructure stronger and more reliable
- develop capabilities in structural dynamics to ensure structures are safe and long-lasting
- discover how water and waste technology can be used as sustainable engineering solutions
- graduate ready to apply for membership of Engineers Australia.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9 - Masters Degree.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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