Bachelor of Engineering Honours(Chemical Engineering)/Bachelor of Commerce

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

This double degree combines chemical engineering with commerce, giving students the technical expertise to design and manage industrial processes along with the business skills to understand markets, finance, and organisational strategy. It is ideal for students who want to work in industries such as energy, mining, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, or consulting where engineering and business decisions are closely connected.

Campus: Joondalup Campus, Perth, Western Australia

Curriculum Structure

First Year

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both engineering and commerce disciplines. Engineering study typically includes Engineering Mathematics, Introduction to Chemical Engineering, and Engineering Design, while commerce introduces core concepts through units such as Principles of Economics and Accounting Principles. This year develops analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how engineering systems interact with business environments.

Second Year

The second year strengthens chemical engineering knowledge while expanding business understanding. Engineering units include Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Process Engineering Fundamentals, while commerce studies include Marketing Principles and Business Finance. Students begin to understand how industrial systems are designed and how business decisions influence engineering projects.

Third Year

In the third year, students move into more advanced engineering and commerce applications. Engineering subjects typically include Reaction Engineering, Separation Processes, and Process Control, while commerce units may include Organisational Behaviour and Business Analytics. Students begin integrating technical engineering solutions with commercial and management perspectives.

Fourth Year

The fourth year focuses on advanced chemical engineering design and strategic business development. Engineering study includes Advanced Process Design, Sustainable Engineering Systems, and Industrial Process Optimisation, while commerce units may include Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship. Students develop leadership and decision-making skills for complex industrial environments.

Fifth Year

In the final year, students complete advanced engineering projects alongside commerce-based strategic studies. The engineering component focuses on real-world chemical process design and optimisation, while commerce studies strengthen leadership, innovation, and global business strategy. Graduates leave with a powerful combination of technical engineering and commercial expertise.

Focus Areas:

Chemical engineering, process design, sustainable systems, industrial operations, business strategy, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, operations management, and engineering project management.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop the ability to design and optimise chemical processes, apply engineering principles to industrial challenges, understand business and financial decision-making, lead multidisciplinary teams, and integrate technical and commercial thinking in real-world environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Engineering (Honours) component is aligned with Engineers Australia accreditation standards, ensuring professional engineering recognition. The Commerce component is designed to meet industry expectations in business, finance, and management education, supporting broad career pathways across engineering and corporate sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Edith Cowan University is recognised for strong teaching quality, industry engagement, and graduate employability. It performs well in global university rankings such as QS World University Rankings, particularly for practical, career-focused education and industry-connected learning.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Edith Cowan University, this double degree is built to make sure students are learning by doing, not just studying theory. You’ll spend time in engineering laboratories, business simulation environments, and collaborative project spaces where you apply chemical engineering principles alongside real business decision-making. The program is strongly focused on industry readiness, so students regularly work on applied engineering design challenges while also developing commercial and management skills through practical business tasks:

Chemical engineering laboratories: hands-on experience in process engineering, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and reaction systems
Engineering design studios: collaborative spaces for solving real chemical process design problems and developing technical solutions
Business simulation tools: practical learning using financial modelling, marketing analysis, and strategic decision-making scenarios
Computer labs with engineering and business software: tools for process modelling, data analysis, and business planning applications
Group-based industry-style projects: interdisciplinary teamwork combining engineering design with commerce strategy and problem-solving
Industry placements and professional practice: work-integrated learning opportunities with engineering firms, manufacturing companies, and business organisations
Engineering and business capstone projects: final-year applied projects integrating chemical engineering systems with commercial strategy
ECU library and learning resources: access to engineering research materials, business journals, technical databases, and case studies
Industry-engaged learning activities: real-world case studies developed in collaboration with engineering and business partners
Work-ready learning environment: focus on communication, leadership, and project management skills required in professional engineering-business roles

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this double degree are prepared for careers that combine technical engineering expertise with strong commercial and business decision-making skills, making them valuable across both industrial and corporate environments. You can move into roles such as Process Engineer, Project Engineer, Operations Manager, Business Analyst, or Engineering Consultant in sectors like energy, resources, manufacturing, and consulting:

ECU Employability and Careers support: career coaching, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events, and access to graduate recruitment opportunities
Industry experience pathways: professional practice opportunities and industry-linked learning integrated into engineering and commerce components
Graduate employment outcomes & salary range: engineering and business graduates in Australia typically achieve strong employability, with starting salaries often around AUD 65,000–95,000+, depending on role and sector
Industry partnerships: ECU collaborates with organisations in engineering, resources, manufacturing, and business sectors to support practical learning and graduate pathways
Professional accreditation value: the Engineering (Honours) component is aligned with Engineers Australia accreditation standards, ensuring long-term professional recognition and global mobility
Dual-skill advantage: graduates are highly valued for combining technical engineering expertise with business strategy, finance, and management capabilities

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this program, graduates can pursue a Master of Engineering (Chemical, Environmental, or Process Engineering) or an MBA (Master of Business Administration) to strengthen leadership and technical depth. Those interested in research or innovation careers may also progress to Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or PhD pathways, focusing on advanced engineering systems, industrial optimisation, or business strategy in engineering-driven industries.