Humanitarian Engineering Major

Overview

Humanitarian Engineering is the application of engineering to meet the needs of communities globally; while maintaining a focus on appropriateness and sustainability.

This major is the first of its kind in Australia. Humanitarian engineers are skilled engineers from all disciplines. They apply their skills and knowledge to challenges which arise in developing countries, during all stages of disasters, in indigenous communities and improving sustainability globally. In the major students will explore international aid and development, and learn from experienced practitioners and industry partners about how to work in developing communities, remote areas, and communities in disaster response and recovery.

Students will have the opportunity to conduct local or overseas fieldwork and apply their knowledge to analyse the challenges faced by Australia’s close neighbours, such as rapid urbanisation, persistent poverty and climate change. This major forms the foundation for a career in Humanitarian Engineering in public, private or not-for-profit sectors. This course develops core skills in multi-disciplinary team work and cross-cultural competence, as well as preparing globally-minded engineers, which are all highly valued graduate attributes to any employer.

This major best aligns with the Civil and Biomedical streams.