Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Sustainable Process)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queensland University of Technology

Program Overview

The QUT Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Sustainable Process) is a 4-year degree designed to prepare students for careers in modern chemical industries with a strong focus on sustainability, clean technologies, and efficient industrial processes. Delivered at QUT’s Gardens Point Campus in Brisbane, Queensland, this program suits students who want to combine chemical engineering expertise with sustainable engineering solutions to address global challenges in energy, environment, manufacturing, and resource efficiency.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering fundamentals. Core units such as Engineering Mathematics, Chemistry for Engineers, and Engineering Design introduce students to scientific principles and basic chemical engineering problem-solving.

Year 2

Second year focuses on core chemical engineering principles and introduces sustainability concepts in industrial systems. Students study units such as Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Material and Energy Balances, alongside introductory sustainable engineering principles that highlight efficient resource use and environmental responsibility.

Year 3

By third year, students progress into advanced chemical engineering and sustainable process design. Units such as Reaction Engineering, Heat and Mass Transfer, and Process Systems Engineering develop technical expertise in designing and optimising chemical and industrial systems with sustainability considerations.

Year 4

In the final year, students complete advanced electives and a major honours capstone project focused on sustainable chemical engineering solutions. This includes Process Design Project and research-based work addressing real-world challenges in energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and sustainable industrial production.

Focus Areas

Chemical process engineering, sustainable engineering, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, process design, environmental systems, energy efficiency, industrial sustainability, materials processing, green technology

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced chemical engineering knowledge with sustainability integration, design and optimise efficient industrial processes, apply environmental and energy principles to engineering problems, solve complex process design challenges, and create sustainable solutions for modern chemical industries

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

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

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

QUT is internationally recognised for its strong focus on applied learning, industry engagement, and graduate employability. It consistently performs well in global rankings such as the QS World University Rankings, particularly in engineering and technology disciplines, and is known for producing work-ready graduates in high-demand sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queensland University of Technology (QUT), our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Process) is designed to get you hands-on from day one, building real-world skills through cutting-edge labs, industry collaborations, and project-based learning. You'll work with professional-grade equipment and software right in our specialized facilities on the Gardens Point campus, gaining the practical expertise employers demand in chemical processing, sustainability, and plant operations. This isn't just theory—it's where you'll engineer solutions to global challenges like clean energy and advanced materials.

Here's how our experiential learning sets you up for success:

State-of-the-art laboratories: Access the Chemical Engineering Laboratories and Process Engineering Pilot Plant, where you'll conduct experiments in unit operations, reaction engineering, and bioprocessing using pilot-scale reactors, distillation columns, and heat exchangers—perfect for simulating industrial chemical processes.
Industry-standard software: Master tools like Aspen Plus for process simulation, MATLAB for modeling, and COMSOL Multiphysics for computational fluid dynamics, integrated into core units like Chemical Process Principles and Process Control.
Group projects and capstone experiences: Collaborate on team-based design projects in your final years, including a major Work Integrated Learning (WIL) capstone where you'll solve real industry problems, often with partners like Dow Chemical or BP.
Internships and WIL placements: Mandatory 100 days of professional practice, including optional internships with leading firms in Queensland's resources sector—many students secure jobs through these paid opportunities via QUT's WIL team.
Field trips and site visits: Regular industry excursions to refineries, water treatment plants, and mining operations, plus virtual plant tours using digital twins for safe, immersive learning.
Research-designated facilities: Use the Centre for Waste Management's advanced labs for sustainable process research, and the Sustainable Materials Research Precinct for hands-on work in nanomaterials and recycling technologies.
Digital tools and resources: QUT's Blackboard learning platform with integrated simulations, plus access to the Science and Engineering Library's extensive digital collections, including process engineering journals and databases like SciFinder.

This hands-on approach has our grads landing roles at top companies with starting salaries often above $75,000 AUD. Ready to turn your passion for chemical engineering into a thriving career? Applications are open—let's get you started. Check out the full list of facilities here: [QUT Science and Engineering Facilities](https://www.qut.edu.au/study/science-and-engineering/facilities).

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of QUT’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Sustainable Process) are prepared for careers at the forefront of sustainable industrial development, where they help design cleaner, more efficient chemical processes for energy, manufacturing, water treatment, and resource industries. This strong technical foundation combined with sustainability expertise makes graduates highly competitive in roles such as Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Sustainability Engineer, and Environmental Process Engineer:

QUT Careers and Employment Support: Students gain access to tailored career coaching, resume and interview workshops, employer networking events, and graduate recruitment programs through QUT’s dedicated careers service.
Industry-Connected Learning (Real Project Experience): The program integrates industry-relevant projects and applied learning experiences that connect students with real engineering challenges in sustainability and chemical processing.
Industry Partnerships (Energy, Resources, and Environmental Sectors): QUT maintains strong links with organisations in energy production, water treatment, manufacturing, and environmental engineering, supporting real-world learning and graduate pathways.
Professional Accreditation Value: The degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition and eligibility for professional engineer status under global accreditation agreements.
Sustainability-Focused Engineering Advantage: Graduates are uniquely equipped to support global decarbonisation, resource efficiency, and sustainable industrial transformation initiatives.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: QUT engineering graduates are highly regarded for their practical, industry-ready skills, with strong employment outcomes in engineering, environmental, and industrial 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 energy, mining, water, and sustainable technology industries.
Global Career Pathways: Graduates can pursue international careers in engineering consultancies, multinational corporations, environmental organisations, and sustainable technology companies.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this honours degree, graduates may pursue further study such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Environmental Engineering, or specialised postgraduate programs in sustainability, renewable energy, or industrial process design. Students may also progress into a PhD in Chemical Engineering or Sustainable Engineering, focusing on research in clean technologies, carbon reduction systems, circular economy processes, or advanced sustainable industrial solutions.