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

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queensland University of Technology

Program Overview

This dual degree combines chemical engineering with sustainable process design and scientific study, preparing students to develop cleaner, more efficient industrial systems for the future. It is ideal for students who want to work in energy, environmental engineering, manufacturing, or scientific research with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.

Campus: Gardens Point Campus, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Curriculum Structure

First Year

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in engineering, science, and sustainability principles. Engineering studies typically include Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Design, and Introduction to Chemical Engineering, while science subjects cover Chemistry Fundamentals and Scientific Practice and Communication. This year develops core analytical thinking, laboratory skills, and an understanding of sustainable engineering concepts.

Second Year

The second year deepens technical knowledge in chemical engineering while expanding scientific understanding. Engineering units include Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Process Engineering Principles, while science electives may include Organic Chemistry, Environmental Systems, or Data Analysis for Science. Students begin to understand how chemical processes can be designed for efficiency and sustainability.

Third Year

In the third year, students move into advanced engineering and applied science. Engineering subjects typically include Reaction Engineering, Separation Processes, and Process Control, while science electives explore areas such as Materials Science or Environmental Chemistry. Students also begin working on integrated design projects focused on sustainable industrial systems.

Fourth Year

The fourth year focuses on advanced chemical process systems and sustainability-driven engineering design. Students study units such as Advanced Process Design, Industrial Systems Engineering, and Sustainable Energy Systems, alongside advanced science electives. This year emphasises real-world problem solving and large-scale system optimisation.

Fifth Year

In the final year, students complete a major capstone project integrating engineering and science knowledge to solve real industrial or environmental challenges. The project typically focuses on sustainable chemical production, energy efficiency, or environmental impact reduction. Graduates leave with advanced technical, scientific, and sustainability-focused engineering expertise.

Focus Areas:

Chemical engineering, sustainable process design, environmental engineering, energy systems, industrial chemistry, process optimisation, materials science, environmental systems, and scientific analysis.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop the ability to design sustainable chemical processes, apply scientific principles to industrial systems, analyse environmental and engineering challenges, and contribute to innovation in clean energy, manufacturing, and environmental protection industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Engineering (Honours) component is aligned with Engineers Australia accreditation standards, supporting professional engineering recognition. The Science component provides a flexible STEM qualification aligned with QUT’s internationally recognised science education framework.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Queensland University of Technology is recognised globally for strong graduate employability, industry-focused learning, and applied STEM education. It consistently performs well in QS World University Rankings for employer reputation and practical graduate outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At QUT, learning is strongly practice-based, meaning you’ll spend a significant part of your degree applying engineering and science concepts in real laboratory and industry-style environments. From chemical process experimentation to sustainability-focused system design, students develop hands-on technical skills using advanced lab infrastructure, modern scientific equipment, and industry-standard modelling tools. The program is closely connected to real-world engineering practice, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, applied research, and industry engagement through structured learning experiences:

Chemical engineering and science laboratories: hands-on work in thermodynamics, reaction engineering, fluid systems, chemical analysis, and environmental testing
QUT Science and Engineering Centre (SEC): modern learning and lab environment supporting engineering design, experimentation, and collaborative STEM projects
Central Analytical Research Facility (CARF): advanced instrumentation for chemical analysis, materials characterisation, and scientific research applications
Process simulation and engineering software tools: industry-standard platforms used for modelling chemical processes, system optimisation, and sustainable design solutions
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): structured industry placements and internships with engineering, energy, environmental, and manufacturing organisations
Capstone design projects: final-year team-based projects focused on sustainable chemical processes and real-world industrial problem solving
Interdisciplinary group projects: collaborative engineering and science tasks that simulate professional teamwork in industry settings
QUT Library (Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove): access to engineering journals, scientific databases, technical standards, and research resources
Sustainability and clean energy research engagement: opportunities linked with QUT research strengths in environmental systems and sustainable engineering
Industry-linked case studies and applied learning tasks: real-world problems developed in collaboration with industry partners to reflect current engineering challenges

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this dual degree are equipped to design sustainable industrial processes, develop cleaner energy solutions, and apply scientific knowledge to solve environmental and chemical engineering challenges. You can step into impactful roles such as Process Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Chemical Engineer, and Sustainability Consultant across energy, manufacturing, resources, and environmental sectors:

QUT Career and Employability support: personalised career coaching, resume and interview preparation, employer networking events, and access to graduate recruitment programs
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): industry placements and internships with engineering firms, energy companies, environmental consultancies, and manufacturing organisations
Graduate employment outcomes & salary (Australia): engineering graduates typically achieve strong employment rates, with median starting salaries often around AUD 70,000–95,000+, depending on role and industry
Industry partnerships: QUT collaborates with organisations across energy, resources, environmental engineering, and advanced manufacturing, supporting internships, applied projects, and graduate pathways
Professional accreditation value: the Engineering (Honours) qualification is aligned with Engineers Australia accreditation, supporting long-term professional recognition and global mobility
Industry-ready sustainability focus: graduates are highly valued for expertise in sustainable engineering, environmental systems, and clean technology innovation

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this program, graduates may pursue a Master of Engineering (Environmental, Chemical, or Sustainable Engineering) or other specialised postgraduate STEM qualifications to deepen technical expertise. Those interested in research or innovation careers can also progress to Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or PhD studies, focusing on advanced sustainable process systems, energy transition technologies, or environmental engineering solutions.