Built Environment | Careers in Built Environment

Building the communities of tomorrow starts with driving progress for people and places today.

Interested in making a difference in how we interact with our buildings, cities and communities? Take your passion for people and places to the field of built environment. From rural to urban settings, communities are coming together to create – and build – a better future. Built environments aren’t just the buildings that surround us. As cities expand and transform globally, they’re also the foundation for meaningful connections, healthy living and our future communities. Looking the part isn’t enough; Our built environments need to do their part for people and the planet.

You could shape future cities that are sustainable, healthy, connected and more liveable than ever in the field of built environment.

How to apply

Increased demand

Demand for architects is projected to grow 35% from 2023-33 (Labour Market Insights, 2023).

Ranked #4 in Australia and #35 globally

Architecture and Built Environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024).

Most employable graduates

Most employable students for five years in a row (AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2024).

Build your career in built environment

Or pave a path forward that's meaningful to you. Whatever your trajectory, a career in built environment will see you exploring and redefining what place means to people and their communities. And, as our needs grow and shift, built environment professionals will be at the forefront of driving progress in the way we live. Opportunities for architects are projected to grow 35% over the next ten years^, and the building and construction industry is set to grow 11.7% to 2033*. Built environment professionals are in demand.

Jobs in the field include:

Architect: Interior and landscape architects design buildings and their surroundings to meet the needs of those who use them.
City planner: Protect natural and heritage-built environments and drive equitable communities by guiding the growth and development of urban areas.
Civil engineer: Work across every aspect of infrastructure to plan, design, build, manage and maintain buildings and structures.
Construction project manager: Manage property development, construction sites, projects and quantity surveying.
Environment or renewable energies consultant: Shape sustainable practices within built environments - from materials and waste to renewable energy sources.

^{^Labour Market Insights, 2023

*Jobs and Skills Australia, Employment Projections 2023-33.}

Explore our School of Built Environment

It's not just construction, but building bridges between people and places is at the heart of built environments. Discover your bridge forward.

School of Built Environment

Study at the School of Built Environment

With our focus on creating sustainable, liveable cities, you'll find the tools and support you need to follow your passion in the field at the School of Built Environment. Join a School ranked in the global top 40 for Architecture and Built Environment*, with leaders in architecture, planning, construction and design.

In our suite of degrees, you'll graduate with the skills and relevant accreditations to address the local and global challenges facing our natural and built environments.

The School of Built Environment also hosts the Design Futures Lab - a workshop and community space for students and researchers to be creative individually and collaboratively. Hands-on learner? You'll develop your skills through active experimentation and making.

^{*QS World University Rankings, 2024.}

Learn more about your study options within the School of Built Environment.

Study with us

UNSW Science

Study at UNSW Science

At UNSW Science, you’ll join a community of world-leading researchers and inspiring educators who are using science to improve lives and communities around the world.

Science has evolved beyond lab coats and test tubes – you'll be equipped with the skills to analyse complex environmental and scientific information critical to the field of built environment. From the local and global implications of geography to environmental management challenges, a degree in Science can provide a strong foundation for you to make an impact in the built environments.

UNSW Engineering

Study at UNSW Engineering

When it comes to built environments, civil and structural engineers are increasingly working to overcome environmental and sustainability challenges — exploring material sourcing, efficient structural design and natural disaster management. Interested in combining the design principles of architecture and the structural, mathematical insight of civil engineering? You can broaden your skillset — and your potential built environment impact — with a UNSW Engineering degree.

We’re home to the leading Civil and Environmental Engineering School, ranked 1st in Australia and 17th globally*. Explore civil and structural engineering at UNSW Engineering.

^{*QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024.}

Learn more

"As a student, we’re empowered to innovate and it’s a big reason why we’re recognised as a top 50 uni globally for architecture, planning and construction."

Luke Heeraman
UNSW Architecture Student

Explore our annual UNSW Built Environment undergraduate exhibition, Luminocity - a showcase of student work from across the school.

Learn more