Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Curtin University Perth

Program Overview

The Curtin University Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical Engineering is a professionally accredited 4-year degree designed to equip students with advanced skills in chemical processes, industrial systems, and sustainable engineering solutions. Delivered at Curtin’s Bentley Campus in Perth, Western Australia, the program suits students who are interested in transforming raw materials into useful products and solving global challenges in energy, environment, mining, and manufacturing industries through innovative engineering design and technology.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and introductory engineering principles. Core units such as Engineering Mathematics, Chemistry for Engineers, and Engineering Fundamentals develop problem-solving skills and scientific understanding essential for chemical engineering practice.

Year 2

Second year focuses on core chemical engineering concepts such as material and energy balances, thermodynamics, and fluid behaviour. Units including Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Chemical Engineering Principles help students understand how industrial chemical processes are designed and operated.

Year 3

By third year, students move into advanced process engineering topics, including reaction engineering, heat and mass transfer, and process control. Subjects such as Reaction Engineering, Heat Transfer, and Process Systems Engineering prepare students for real-world industrial process design and optimisation.

Year 4

In the final year, students complete advanced electives and a major honours research or design project focused on real industry problems. The capstone experience includes Process Design Project and advanced chemical engineering applications, preparing graduates for professional engineering roles in industry and research.

Focus Areas

Chemical process engineering, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, process design, sustainability, industrial systems, energy engineering, environmental engineering, process control, materials processing

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced chemical engineering knowledge, design and optimise industrial processes, apply thermodynamic and transport principles, manage process safety and efficiency, solve complex engineering problems, and apply sustainable engineering solutions in real-world contexts

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by Engineers Australia, enabling graduates to pursue professional engineer status and international recognition through global engineering accreditation agreements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Curtin University is internationally recognised for strong industry engagement and practical, career-focused education. It consistently ranks in global systems such as the QS World University Rankings, particularly for engineering and technology disciplines, and is well known for graduate employability and strong links with industry in Western Australia.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Curtin University’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical Engineering develop practical, industry-ready skills through hands-on laboratory work, engineering design projects, and real-world problem-solving activities closely aligned with Western Australia’s strong resources, energy, and process industries. Learning is strongly practice-oriented, with students working in modern engineering labs, applying process simulation tools, and engaging in collaborative design experiences that mirror professional chemical engineering environments. Delivered at Curtin’s Bentley Campus in Perth, the program emphasises applied learning supported by industry connections, research exposure, and advanced engineering facilities:

Chemical Engineering Laboratories (Bentley Campus): Students conduct experiments in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, and reaction engineering using specialised laboratory equipment.
Process Simulation and Modelling Software: Students use industry-standard tools such as MATLAB and chemical process simulation software for modelling, analysing, and optimising industrial systems.
Engineering Design Projects (Team-Based Learning): Group projects across the degree simulate real industrial challenges, including process optimisation, sustainability, and safety engineering design tasks.
Capstone Engineering Project: Final-year students complete a major design or research project focused on real-world chemical engineering problems, often linked to industry needs.
Industry Placements and Professional Practice: Opportunities for internships, vacation work, and industry engagement with companies in mining, energy, chemical processing, and manufacturing sectors.
Curtin School of Chemical Engineering Facilities: Access to specialised engineering laboratories and learning spaces designed for pilot-scale processes, experimentation, and applied chemical engineering practice.
Curtin Library and Digital Engineering Resources: Extensive access to engineering databases, research journals, technical standards, and digital learning platforms supporting both coursework and research.
Industry Engagement and Guest Lectures: Regular interaction with industry professionals through seminars, workshops, and networking events connected to Western Australia’s engineering sectors.
Research and Innovation Exposure: Students may engage with Curtin’s research strengths in areas such as energy, resources engineering, process innovation, and sustainable technologies.
Field-Relevant Learning Contexts: Learning is often connected to real industrial applications relevant to Western Australia’s mining, oil and gas, and chemical processing industries.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Curtin University’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical Engineering are well prepared for high-demand roles in industries such as mining, oil and gas, energy production, chemical manufacturing, water treatment, and sustainable process engineering. The program builds strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, enabling graduates to contribute to large-scale industrial operations and innovation projects. Common career pathways include Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Production Engineer, and Environmental or Sustainability Engineer:

Curtin Careers and Employability Service: Students receive dedicated support including career counselling, CV and interview preparation, job search assistance, and access to employer networking events and graduate recruitment programs.
Industry Experience Opportunities: The program supports internships, vacation work, and industry-linked learning experiences with organisations across Western Australia’s major engineering sectors, particularly mining, energy, and chemical processing.
Strong Industry Connections (WA Engineering Sector): Curtin maintains close ties with major industry employers in resources, energy, and industrial manufacturing, supporting real-world project exposure and graduate employment pathways.
Professional Accreditation Value: The degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, enabling graduates to gain professional engineer recognition and international mobility under global engineering accords.
Work-Integrated Learning and Practical Focus: Students gain hands-on experience through applied projects, laboratory work, and engineering design tasks aligned with real industrial challenges.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: Curtin engineering graduates are highly regarded for their practical readiness and industry experience, leading to strong employment outcomes across engineering and technical sectors.
Median Salary: Chemical engineering graduates in Australia typically earn a median starting salary of approximately AUD $80,000–$95,000, with higher earning potential in mining, oil and gas, and industrial process industries.
Global Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers with multinational companies in energy, mining, chemicals, consulting, and sustainable engineering sectors worldwide.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this honours degree, graduates may pursue advanced study such as a Master of Professional Engineering, Master of Energy Engineering, or specialised postgraduate programs in process systems, environmental engineering, or sustainability. Students may also progress into a PhD in Chemical Engineering, focusing on research in energy systems, mineral processing, industrial innovation, or sustainable chemical processes.