You often hear about civil engineering but unsure what the differences are with other types of Engineering, and most students would also compare the course with architecture. You are unsure which path, either civil engineering or architecture, to choose for your undergraduate degree, which one would have good employability after you graduate, these are all the questions you are probably asking yourself right now. But do not worry, we are here to help you. By the end of this article, you will know better which course to choose.
What is Civil Engineering?
Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that applies physical and scientific principles to solve problems in society. Civil engineers usually design, build, supervise, operate, construct and maintain infrastructure projects and systems. These include roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams and bridges. One famous example of civil engineersâ contribution is the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao mega bridge. This 55km bridge is the longest bridge-cum-tunnel sea crossing in the world that connects Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau.
What are Civil Engineers duties?
The usual duties of civil engineers are:
- Analyze long-range plans, survey report, maps, and other data to plan and design projects
- Analyze construction costs, government regulations, potential environmental hazards, and other factors during the planning and risk-analysis stages of a project
- Compile and submit permit applications to regulatory authorities to verify that the project complies with all the required regulations
- Oversee and evaluate the results of soil testing to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations
- Examine the results of test on building materials such as concrete, wood, asphalt or steel, for use in projects
- Prepare the budget for materials, equipment or labor cost to determine a projectâs economic viability
- Manage repair, maintenance, and replacement of public and private infrastructure
What are the skills required to be Civil Engineers?
Mathematical Skills
Students must have a thorough understanding of algebra, calculus, trigonometry and geometry, and even statistics. This is because the principles of Mathematics are applicable to the day-to-day duties of a civil engineer.
Organizational Skills
Civil Engineers will monitor and evaluate the progress of work completed at a job site and ensure all staff adhered to the project plans, rules and regulations, and the design documents. They often work on multiple projects at once and therefore, they must be able to organize project information, manage team members and allocate resources efficiently.
Problem Solving Skills
It is crucial to have problem-solving skills because you will be facing many challenges that require you to think out-of-the-box. You are required to use your educational background and experience to find safe and cost-effective solutions.
Leadership Skills
You will be managing your staff, planners, technicians, surveyors, and contractors, therefore, you must have strong leadership skills. You must be able to plan and prioritize, manage time effectively, and delegate duties to ensure projects run smoothly.
Oral Communication Skills
You must be able to listen to clients, officials, team members and other skilled workers to ensure their concern and request are being met. Next, you are able to explain complex technical information to people that you are working with to make sure they understand and carry the work correctly.Â
What are the Career Prospects for students with a Civil Engineering degree?
- Building control surveyor
- CAD technician
- Consulting civil engineer
- Contracting civil engineer
- Design engineer
- Nuclear engineer
- Site engineer
- Structural engineer
- Water engineer
Recommended Universities to Study Civil Engineering in Australia
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020: Engineering- Civil & Structural:Â
-1st in AustraliaÂ
– 11th in the world
Program | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) |
Intake | February, June & September |
Duration | 4 years |
Entry Requirement | English: IELTS 6.5 A-Level: 12 STPM: 15 UEC: 2 |
Annual Indicative Fees (2020) | AUD$ 47,760 |
For other entry requirements other than stated above, or on how to apply, contact us đ
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020: Engineering- Civil & Structural:Â
-9th in AustraliaÂ
– Top 100Â in the world
Program | Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure)(Honours) |
Intake | February & July |
Duration | 4 years |
Entry Requirement | English: IELTS 6.5 A-Level: 7 STPM: 2.33 UEC: 2.20 |
Annual Indicative Fees (2020) | AUD$ 37,440 |
For other entry requirements other than stated above, or on how to apply, contact us đ
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020: Engineering- Civil & Structural:Â
-12th in AustraliaÂ
– Top 100Â in the world
Program | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) |
Intake | March & July |
Duration | 4 years |
Entry Requirement | English: IELTS 6.5 A-Level: 9 STPM: Minimum 3 subjects |
Annual Indicative Fees (2020) | AUD$ 42,360 |
For other entry requirements other than stated above, or on how to apply, contact us đ
Western Sydney University
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020: Engineering- Civil & Structural:Â
– 15th in AustraliaÂ
– Top200Â in the world
Program | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – Civil |
Intake | March & July |
Duration | 4 years |
Entry Requirement | English: IELTS 6.5 Ask us now đ |
Annual Indicative Fees (2020) | AUD$ 33,000 |
For other entry requirements other than stated above, or on how to apply, contact us đ
Edith Cowan University (ECU)
QS World University Rankings 2020:Â
-31st in AustraliaÂ
– Top 700Â in the world
Program | Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) Honours |
Intake | February & July |
Duration | 4 years |
Entry Requirement | English: IELTS 6.0 A-Level: 8 STPM: 3 UEC: B3 |
Annual Indicative Fees (2020) | AUD$ 30,200 |
For other entry requirements other than stated above, or on how to apply, contact us đ
What is Architecture?
According to Britannica.com, architecture is the art and technique of designing and building. Architects will be involved in new building designs, extensions, alterations, restorations, and conservations from the earliest stages right through to completion. They focus mainly on the designing of a buildingâs look and style by using their specialist construction knowledge and high-level drawing skills.
They make sure their designs are functional, safe, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing. One example of a famous building that was beautifully built in the style of French Gothic Architecture was the Notre Dame de Paris. That is why many people around the world were so saddened by the fire that struck the 857 years old cathedral.Â
What are Architect duties?
The usual duties of architects are:
- Create building designs and highly detailed drawings by hands and computer-aided design (CAD) applications
- Write and present reports, proposals, applications and contracts
- Adapt plans according to circumstances and resolve any problems that may arise during construction
- Travel regularly to visit building sites, proposed locations and client meetings
- Closely work with a team of other professionals such as building service engineers, construction managers, quantity surveyors and architectural technologists
- Liaise with construction professionals about the feasibility of potential projects
- Apply permission and advice about new buildings from government and legal departments
What are the skills required to be Architect?
Design Skills
Aesthetics are the major key in architecture. Students must be familiar with architecture history, art, and style to bring it into a new building with the touch of your own creativity and style. You must be able to imagine, draft, draw, and make your arts into aesthetically beautiful buildings.
Computer Literacy Skills
Students must be able to master in many architectural drafting software such as:
- AutoCAD
- Computer-Aided Design
- Â Revit
Legal Knowledge
Architects need to master and grasp all legal requirements to build a building. Apart from the clientsâ specifications, there are many legal regulations, codes, and policies that need to be adhered such as the Fire Safety Codes, Building Codes, and Zoning Codes.
Attention to Details
Architectsâ drawings are heavily relied on as a guide by the construction workers. Therefore, all the drawings must be detailed to avoid problems and delays in the projects.
Teamwork Skills
You must be a team player because you will liaise with many people to ensure the project builds according to your design. You will be working with your internal team, construction team, clients, and surveyors.Â
What are the Career Prospects for students with an Architecture degree?
- Technical Architect
- Design Architect
- BIM Manager
- Workplace Consultant
- Project Manager
- Interior and Spatial Designer
- Urban Planner
- Building Surveyor
- Historic Buildings Inspector
Recommended Universities to Study Architecture in Australia
University of Melbourne
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020: Architecture / Built Environment:
-1st in AustraliaÂ
– 17th in the world
Program | Bachelor of Design ( Architecture) |
Intake | February & July |
Duration | 3 years |
Entry Requirement | English: IELTS 6.5 A-Level: BCC STPM: 3.30 UEC: A2 |
Annual Indicative Fees (2020) | AUD$ 34,112 – 44,632 |
For other entry requirements other than stated above, or on how to apply, contact us đ
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020: Architecture / Built Environment:
-9th in AustraliaÂ
– Top 100 in the world
Program | Bachelor of Design in Architecture |
Intake | March |
Duration | 3 years |
Entry Requirement | English: IELTS 6.5 A-Level: 10 STPM: Minimum 3 subjects |
Annual Indicative Fees (2020) | AUD$ 36,890 |
For other entry requirements other than stated above, or on how to apply, contact us đ
Deakin University
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020: Architecture / Built Environment:
-14th in AustraliaÂ
– Top 200 in the world
Program | Bachelor of Design (Architecture) |
Intake | March & July |
Duration | 3 years |
Entry Requirement | English: IELTS 6.0 A-Level: 6 STPM: 2.7 UEC: Not more than 21 |
Annual Indicative Fees (2020) | AUD$ 32,000 |
For other entry requirements other than stated above, or on how to apply, contact us đ
Griffith University
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020: Architecture / Built Environment:
-15th in AustraliaÂ
– Top 200 in the world
Program | Bachelor of Architectural Design |
Intake | February & June |
Duration | 3 years |
Entry Requirement | English: IELTS 6.5 A-Level/ STPM: 6 UEC: 14 |
Annual Indicative Fees (2020) | AUD$ 32,500 |
For other entry requirements other than stated above, or on how to apply, contact us đ
University of Tasmania (UTAS)
QS World University Rankings 2020:Â
-18th in AustraliaÂ
– 291st in the world
Program | Bachelor of Architecture and Built Environments |
Intake | February & July |
Duration | 3 years |
Entry Requirement | English: IELTS 6.0 A-Level/ STPM: 7 UEC: 25 |
Annual Indicative Fees (2020) | AUD$ 29,950 |
For other entry requirements other than stated above, or on how to apply, contact us đ
Civil Engineering VS Architecture: Which occupation is more in demand in the marketplace?
The Civil Engineers job market in Australia is expected to grow strongly in the future according to Job Outlook. Not only that, CareerExplorer also predicted that the civil engineer job market will grow by 10.6% between 2016 and 2026.
According to Job Outlook, the architectsâ job market in Australia is expected to grow moderately over the next 5 years. The number of Architects is expected to increase from 22,300 in 2018 to 23,900 in 2023. Apart from that, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, projected that employment of architects to grow 8% in 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.
This shows that both occupations are in demand by employers.Â
If you think Civil Engineering is more of your calling, check the top universities to study Civil Engineering below. But if you think Architecture is the profession that you want to be, below are the top universities that you can study in Australia.Â
It is vital to go to good universities because it will increase your employability and make your resume look good!
Did you find this helpful? If so Give us some Feedback! We are always finding news ways to improve. If you want to know more or ask us a question, please feel free to contact us any time!
Contact us to find out more
International Student enquiries:
Phone:+60182414802
Email: [email protected]
For more stories like this, join the Excel Education community on Facebook
Need help with your uni application? Connect with us here
Stephanie Calamba
Part time ACCA student, part time content writer but full time child of God.