Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) Honours

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

The Edith Cowan University Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) Honours prepares students to design, manage, and improve industrial processes involving chemicals, energy systems, materials, and sustainable manufacturing technologies. This program is ideal for students interested in chemistry, sustainability, industrial innovation, and solving real-world engineering challenges through process optimisation and advanced engineering design.

The program is delivered at the Joondalup Campus in Perth, Western Australia, where students have access to modern engineering laboratories, process simulation facilities, collaborative STEM learning spaces, and industry-focused engineering environments.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build strong foundations in engineering science, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. You’ll study subjects such as Engineering Design and Professional Practice, Engineering Mechanics, and Introductory Engineering Mathematics, developing core analytical and problem-solving skills essential for engineering study. Students are introduced to engineering systems and sustainability-focused thinking from the beginning of the program.

Year 2

Year 2 strengthens technical engineering capability through subjects such as Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Electrical Engineering Fundamentals. Students begin applying scientific and mathematical principles to industrial systems while gaining practical laboratory and computational experience. Engineering analysis and process understanding become increasingly important during this stage.

Year 3

In Year 3, students move into specialised chemical engineering topics including Heat and Mass Transfer, Process Control, and Chemical Process Engineering. Learning focuses on industrial process optimisation, systems analysis, and sustainable engineering solutions. Students also undertake project-based learning activities that reflect real engineering and manufacturing environments.

Year 4

The final year centres on honours-level engineering design and professional practice. Students complete advanced studies in Plant Design, Sustainable Engineering Systems, and Engineering Project Management, while undertaking major capstone projects linked to real-world engineering challenges. This year prepares graduates for professional engineering practice and leadership within industrial sectors.

Focus Areas

Chemical process engineering, sustainable manufacturing, thermodynamics, industrial systems, process optimisation, energy systems, plant design, and environmental engineering.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to design, evaluate, and optimise industrial chemical processes while applying sustainable engineering principles to complex technical challenges. You’ll gain strong analytical, laboratory, computational, and engineering design skills suited to a wide range of engineering industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) Honours is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting international professional recognition through the Washington Accord.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Edith Cowan University is recognised for industry-focused teaching, practical STEM education, and strong graduate employability outcomes. ECU engineering graduates are valued for their hands-on technical skills, professional readiness, and industry engagement across engineering and technology sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Edith Cowan University, the Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) Honours is built around practical engineering application, helping students develop industry-ready technical skills through laboratory experimentation, engineering design projects, and real-world problem-solving activities. At the Joondalup Campus in Perth, students learn in modern engineering facilities equipped for chemical process analysis, sustainability-focused engineering, and industrial systems investigation. The program combines theoretical learning with hands-on technical training to prepare graduates for professional engineering practice:

Chemical Engineering Laboratories : Students gain practical experience in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, process control, and reaction engineering using specialised laboratory equipment.
Engineering Design & Process Facilities : Access to engineering workshops and technical spaces supporting plant systems analysis, industrial process testing, and engineering experimentation.
Engineering Simulation & Modelling Software : Students use industry-relevant engineering software and digital modelling tools for process simulation, systems optimisation, and engineering analysis.
Project-Based Learning : Team engineering projects allow students to solve realistic industrial and sustainability-focused engineering challenges while developing communication and collaboration skills.
Capstone Engineering Projects : Final-year honours projects involve process optimisation, plant design, environmental systems, and advanced engineering problem-solving linked to real-world applications.
Industry Engagement Opportunities : Students benefit from industry-informed coursework, engineering seminars, networking opportunities, and exposure to professional engineering practices.
Research & Innovation Facilities : Access to STEM research environments supporting sustainability, energy systems, industrial technologies, and applied engineering research.
Digital Engineering & Technical Computing Tools : Students use computational engineering tools, technical analysis software, and digital learning systems throughout the program.
Libraries & Technical Information Resources : Access to engineering journals, scientific databases, Australian engineering standards, and digital research materials through ECU’s library network.
Collaborative STEM Learning Spaces : Modern study environments encourage interdisciplinary teamwork, technical problem-solving, and practical engineering collaboration.

These experiences help students graduate with strong laboratory capability, engineering design expertise, and practical industry-focused problem-solving skills valued across engineering sectors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Edith Cowan University Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) Honours are prepared for careers across industries such as energy, mining, manufacturing, water treatment, environmental management, and sustainable industrial processing. The program develops strong technical, analytical, and professional engineering skills, helping graduates contribute to modern engineering challenges involving process optimisation, sustainability, and industrial innovation.

Typical career pathways include chemical engineer, process engineer, production engineer, environmental engineer, and plant operations engineer.

With strong industry relevance and practical engineering preparation:

ECU Career Services & Employability Support : Students have access to career counselling, resume and interview preparation workshops, employer networking events, internship guidance, and graduate employment support through ECU’s employability services.
Industry-Focused Learning Experience : Engineering projects, laboratory training, and honours-level capstone work help students build workplace-ready technical and problem-solving skills before graduation.
Industry Partnerships & Engagement : ECU maintains strong links with industries connected to energy, mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, and environmental engineering sectors across Western Australia and Australia.
Professional Accreditation Advantage : The program is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting international recognition through the Washington Accord and strengthening long-term global engineering career mobility.
Strong Graduate Demand : Chemical engineering graduates are increasingly sought after in industries focused on sustainable manufacturing, clean energy systems, industrial optimisation, and environmental technologies.
Salary Outlook (Australia – indicative) : Graduates entering chemical engineering and industrial process roles commonly begin with salaries around AUD $75,000–$100,000+ per year, with opportunities for significant long-term career progression into leadership and technical specialist roles.
Graduate Outcomes : ECU engineering graduates are recognised for practical capability, industry readiness, technical problem-solving, and adaptability across engineering and technology-focused industries.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, graduates may continue into advanced study such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Environmental Engineering, Master of Sustainable Energy, or PhD research programs. These pathways can support careers in advanced technical specialisation, engineering consulting, industrial innovation, research and development, or leadership within engineering and sustainability-focused sectors.