Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Commerce major Chemical Engineering

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Curtin University Perth

Program Overview

The Curtin University Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Commerce (Chemical Engineering major) is a 5-year double degree that combines advanced chemical engineering expertise with strong business and commerce knowledge, preparing graduates to lead technical innovation as well as manage engineering-driven organisations. Delivered at Curtin’s Bentley Campus in Perth, Western Australia, this program is ideal for students who want to bridge engineering and business, gaining skills to work in industrial process design, operations management, consulting, and commercial decision-making within global engineering and resource sectors.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in mathematics, chemistry, economics, and introductory engineering and commerce principles. Core units such as Engineering Mathematics, Chemistry for Engineers, and Introduction to Economics help students develop analytical thinking across both technical and business domains.

Year 2

Second year focuses on core chemical engineering principles alongside fundamental commerce studies. Students study units such as Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Accounting Principles, and Business Data Analysis, developing an understanding of both industrial systems and commercial operations.

Year 3

By third year, students progress into advanced chemical engineering topics and intermediate commerce subjects. Engineering units such as Reaction Engineering and Heat and Mass Transfer are combined with commerce subjects in areas like Management and Organisational Behaviour, linking technical systems with business decision-making.

Year 4

Fourth year emphasises process design, engineering optimisation, and advanced business strategy. Students complete units such as Process Systems Engineering, Chemical Process Design, and commerce electives focused on Marketing, Finance, or Project Management, building leadership and strategic skills.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete a capstone engineering design project alongside advanced commerce coursework. The project integrates chemical engineering solutions with commercial feasibility, preparing graduates for leadership roles in industry, consulting, and operations management.

Focus Areas

Chemical engineering, business management, process design, economics, operations management, thermodynamics, finance, organisational leadership, industrial systems, project management

Learning Outcomes

Develop integrated engineering and business expertise, design and optimise chemical processes, apply economic and managerial principles to engineering problems, lead multidisciplinary teams, evaluate commercial viability of engineering solutions, and operate effectively in industrial and corporate environments

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The chemical engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition and eligibility for professional engineer status. The commerce component aligns with global business education standards, supporting careers in management and consulting.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Curtin University is internationally recognised for strong industry engagement, applied learning, and graduate employability. It consistently ranks in global systems such as the QS World University Rankings, particularly in engineering and business disciplines, reflecting its strong reputation for career-focused education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Curtin University’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Commerce (Chemical Engineering major) gain practical, career-ready experience by combining technical engineering training with real business decision-making in industrial contexts. Learning is highly applied, with students working in modern engineering laboratories, commerce simulation environments, and industry-aligned project settings at Curtin’s Bentley Campus in Perth, where they develop both technical process design skills and commercial problem-solving ability. The program is designed to reflect real engineering and corporate environments, ensuring students regularly apply engineering software, teamwork, and industry-based case studies throughout their studies:

Chemical Engineering Laboratories (Bentley Campus): Hands-on training in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, and process systems using specialised experimental equipment.
Engineering Design and Commerce Project Work: Integrated group projects combining chemical process design with financial analysis, business strategy, and operations planning.
Process Simulation and Engineering Software: Use of industry tools such as MATLAB and process modelling software for chemical system analysis and optimisation.
Commerce Simulation and Business Analytics Tools: Exposure to business modelling, accounting systems, and data analysis tools used in real-world management and consulting environments.
Industry Placement and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Opportunities for internships and vacation work in engineering, energy, mining, manufacturing, and consulting firms.
Capstone Engineering and Commerce Project: Final-year integrated project where students solve real industrial problems by combining technical engineering solutions with commercial feasibility analysis.
Curtin Business School Learning Environments: Access to commerce-focused learning spaces supporting case-based learning, teamwork, and strategic decision-making exercises.
Curtin Engineering Research and Teaching Laboratories: Facilities supporting experimentation, process design, and applied chemical engineering research.
Industry Engagement and Guest Lectures: Regular interaction with professionals from engineering firms, consulting companies, and resource-sector businesses.
Curtin Library and Digital Resources: Extensive access to engineering databases, business journals, financial datasets, and technical research materials.
Field-Relevant Industry Exposure: Learning aligned with Western Australia’s strong mining, energy, and industrial sectors through case studies and industry-linked projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Curtin University’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Commerce (Chemical Engineering major) are well positioned for leadership roles that combine technical engineering expertise with strong business and management capability. This dual skill set is highly valued in industries such as energy, mining, manufacturing, consulting, and large-scale industrial operations. Typical career pathways include Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Operations Manager, and Engineering Consultant:

Curtin Careers and Employability Service: Provides personalised career planning, resume and interview support, employer networking events, and access to graduate recruitment programs across engineering and business sectors.
Industry Experience and Placement Pathways: Students can access internships, vacation work, and industry projects with engineering firms, mining companies, energy providers, and consulting organisations.
Strong Industry Partnerships (WA and Global Sectors): Curtin collaborates closely with major organisations in mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, engineering consulting, and business services, supporting real-world exposure and employment pathways.
Professional Accreditation Value: The engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition and eligibility for professional engineer status.
Business and Engineering Integration Advantage: Graduates are uniquely equipped to work across both technical and commercial domains, making them highly competitive for leadership and management-track roles.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: Curtin graduates are recognised for strong industry readiness, with high employability across engineering, consulting, and corporate sectors due to practical, applied learning.
Median Salary: Chemical engineering graduates in Australia typically earn a median starting salary of approximately AUD $85,000–$105,000, with higher earning potential in management, consulting, mining, and energy industries.
Global Career Opportunities: The combination of engineering and commerce opens pathways to international careers in multinational corporations, consulting firms, and global resource and manufacturing companies.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this dual degree, graduates may pursue advanced study such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Business Administration (MBA), or specialised postgraduate programs in engineering management, finance, or operations. Students may also progress into a PhD in Chemical Engineering or Business-related research, focusing on areas such as industrial systems optimisation, sustainable operations, or engineering economics.