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

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Curtin University Perth

Program Overview

The Curtin University Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Innovation (Chemical Engineering major) is a 5-year double degree designed to combine advanced chemical engineering expertise with innovation, entrepreneurship, and design thinking skills. Delivered at Curtin’s Bentley Campus in Perth, Western Australia, this program is ideal for students who want to not only master chemical processes and industrial systems but also learn how to create, commercialise, and lead innovative engineering solutions in energy, resources, manufacturing, and emerging technology sectors.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build strong foundations in mathematics, chemistry, engineering principles, and introductory innovation concepts. Core units such as Engineering Mathematics, Chemistry for Engineers, and Introduction to Innovation and Design Thinking develop analytical skills alongside creative problem-solving abilities.

Year 2

Second year focuses on core chemical engineering principles combined with innovation and systems thinking. Students study units such as Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Material and Energy Balances, alongside innovation-focused subjects that develop creativity, prototyping, and solution design skills.

Year 3

By third year, students move into advanced chemical engineering topics and applied innovation practice. Engineering units such as Reaction Engineering and Heat and Mass Transfer are combined with innovation subjects focused on entrepreneurship, product development, and engineering design thinking.

Year 4

Fourth year emphasises process design, systems optimisation, and innovation project development. Students complete units such as Process Systems Engineering, Chemical Process Design, and innovation studios where they develop and test real-world engineering solutions with commercial potential.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete a major capstone project integrating chemical engineering and innovation principles. This honours-level project focuses on solving real industrial challenges while developing scalable, innovative solutions for energy, sustainability, manufacturing, or technology-driven industries.

Focus Areas

Chemical engineering, innovation, entrepreneurship, process design, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, systems thinking, product development, sustainability, industrial design, technology commercialisation

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced chemical engineering expertise, apply innovation and design thinking to engineering problems, design and optimise industrial processes, develop entrepreneurial solutions for real-world challenges, integrate technical and commercial thinking, and lead innovation in engineering-driven industries

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The chemical engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition and eligibility for professional engineer status under global engineering accreditation frameworks.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Curtin University is internationally recognised for strong industry engagement, innovation-driven learning, and graduate employability. It ranks in global systems such as the QS World University Rankings, particularly in engineering and technology fields, and is known for producing graduates who are both technically skilled and industry-ready.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Curtin University’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Innovation (Chemical Engineering major) develop practical, real-world engineering skills by working across chemical engineering systems while also applying innovation methods to design and commercialise new solutions. Learning is highly hands-on and industry-aligned, with students engaging in engineering laboratories, innovation studios, and team-based projects that mirror real industrial and startup environments. Delivered at Curtin’s Bentley Campus in Perth, the program blends technical engineering practice with creativity, entrepreneurship, and applied problem-solving supported by modern facilities and industry-connected learning:

Chemical Engineering Laboratories (Bentley Campus): Hands-on experimentation in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, and process systems using specialised engineering equipment.
Innovation and Design Studios: Collaborative spaces where students develop, prototype, and test innovative engineering solutions using design thinking and entrepreneurial methods.
Process Simulation and Engineering Software: Use of industry tools such as MATLAB and process modelling software for analysing chemical systems and optimising industrial processes.
Innovation Project Development Work: Team-based projects focused on transforming engineering ideas into viable solutions with real-world and commercial potential.
Chemical Engineering Capstone Project: Final-year integrated project combining technical engineering design with innovation and problem-solving for industry-relevant challenges.
Industry Placements and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Opportunities for internships, vacation work, and real-world experience with companies in energy, mining, manufacturing, and technology sectors.
Curtin Engineering Research Facilities: Access to laboratories and research environments focused on process engineering, sustainability, and industrial innovation.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem Support: Exposure to Curtin’s innovation ecosystem, supporting students in developing startup ideas and commercialisation pathways.
Advanced Computing and Engineering Labs: Facilities for simulation, data analysis, modelling, and engineering design work.
Industry Engagement Activities: Guest lectures, workshops, and networking sessions with professionals from engineering, innovation, and technology industries.
Curtin Library and Digital Research Resources: Access to engineering journals, innovation case studies, technical standards, and business/engineering databases.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Curtin University’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Innovation (Chemical Engineering major) are equipped not only with strong technical engineering expertise but also with innovation, design thinking, and entrepreneurial capability. This combination prepares them for dynamic careers in energy, resources, manufacturing, consulting, and technology-driven industries where both engineering excellence and innovative problem-solving are highly valued. Typical career pathways include Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Innovation Engineer, and Product Development Engineer:

Curtin Careers and Employability Service: Provides personalised career planning, CV and interview preparation, job search support, and access to employer networking events and graduate recruitment programs.
Industry Experience and Placement Opportunities: Students can undertake internships, vacation work, and industry-linked projects with organisations across mining, energy, manufacturing, and emerging technology sectors.
Strong Industry Partnerships (WA and Global Innovation Networks): Curtin collaborates with leading companies in engineering, energy, resources, and technology innovation, supporting real-world exposure and employment pathways.
Professional Accreditation Value: The chemical engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition and eligibility for professional engineer status.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Advantage: Graduates gain additional skills in innovation and commercialisation, making them suitable for startup environments, product development roles, and technology-driven industries.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: Curtin graduates are widely recognised for their practical readiness, innovation capability, and strong industry engagement, resulting in solid employment outcomes across engineering and innovation sectors.
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 innovation-led roles, consulting, energy, and advanced manufacturing industries.
Global Career Opportunities: The combination of engineering and innovation opens international career pathways in multinational corporations, technology firms, consulting companies, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this dual degree, graduates may pursue advanced study such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, or specialised postgraduate programs in engineering management, product development, or sustainability. Students can also progress into a PhD in Chemical Engineering or Innovation Research, focusing on areas such as sustainable technologies, industrial transformation, process innovation, or advanced engineering systems.