Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

RMIT University

Program Overview

The RMIT Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours) is a professionally accredited 4-year degree designed to equip students with strong expertise in chemical processes, industrial systems, sustainability, and modern engineering design. Delivered at RMIT’s City Campus (Melbourne CBD) and supported by access to advanced engineering learning environments across its Bundoora campus (Melbourne), the program is ideal for students who want to solve real-world challenges in energy, manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and environmental engineering.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build essential foundations in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering principles while developing problem-solving and design thinking skills. Core subjects such as Engineering Mathematics, Chemistry for Engineers, and Engineering Design Introduction help students understand scientific principles and how they apply to real engineering systems.

Year 2

Second year focuses on core chemical engineering fundamentals, including how materials, energy, and fluids behave in industrial processes. Students typically study units such as Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Material and Energy Balances, which develop an understanding of how chemical processes are designed and analysed.

Year 3

By third year, students move into advanced process engineering concepts and system-level design. Subjects such as Heat and Mass Transfer, Reaction Engineering, and Process Control prepare students to design, optimise, and manage complex chemical systems used in industry.

Year 4

In the final year, students complete advanced electives and a major capstone engineering project focused on real-world industrial challenges. Units such as Process Design Project, Engineering Project Management, and advanced chemical engineering practice courses prepare graduates for professional engineering roles and industry leadership.

Focus Areas

Chemical process engineering, industrial process design, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, separation processes, process control, sustainability, energy systems, environmental engineering, industrial safety

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced chemical engineering knowledge, design and optimise industrial processes, apply thermodynamic and transport principles, solve complex engineering problems, manage process safety and sustainability, and work effectively in multidisciplinary engineering environments

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)

RMIT University is internationally recognised for industry-connected education and strong graduate employability, consistently ranking in the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education Rankings for engineering and technology disciplines.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

RMIT's Chemical Engineering degree is built on a problem and project-based learning approach that mirrors real industry work from day one. You won't just sit in lectures—you'll engage in hands-on labs, workshops, practical sessions, and site visits that give you genuine experience designing and troubleshooting chemical processes. The program uses a mix of face-to-face and flexible delivery methods, including online resources through Canvas, the University's Learning Management System, so you can learn in ways that suit your schedule.

The School of Engineering provides exceptional facilities and equipment to support your practical learning:

Specialized laboratory spaces for rheology, materials characterisation, polymer processing, and water quality and treatment
Lab and pilot-scale investigation facilities for running experiments at different scales
Comprehensive analytical equipment covering general and specialist testing needs
RMIT's MicroNano Research Facility, a state-of-the-art, multi-million dollar facility for advanced research
Practical laboratory sessions that form a critical part of your studies, giving you hands-on experience that translates theoretical learning into practical skills
Canvas Learning Management System for accessing online course materials and resources
Group projects and research projects throughout your semesters as part of ongoing assessment
Site visits to real industrial operations, so you see how chemical engineering works in practice
Capstone project in your final year where you conduct independent research on a topic of real industry relevance
Industry placement options in your final year, giving you direct workplace experience with leading companies

Your qualification will be industry accredited, meaning it's recognised worldwide and opens doors globally—not just in Australia. The combination of world-class facilities, practical learning methods, and industry connections positions you to graduate job-ready and confident in your engineering capabilities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of RMIT’s Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours) are prepared to work in high-demand industries such as energy, manufacturing, food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and sustainable process engineering. The program builds strong technical and problem-solving skills, enabling graduates to contribute to real industrial operations and innovation. Typical career pathways include Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Production Engineer, and Environmental or Sustainability Engineer:

RMIT Careers and Employability Support: Students access RMIT’s dedicated careers services, including one-on-one career consultations, resume and interview preparation, job search support, and employer networking events with engineering recruiters.
Industry-Integrated Learning (Work-Integrated Learning): RMIT strongly embeds industry experience into the degree through project-based learning, industry collaboration, and professional practice opportunities with engineering organisations.
Industry Partnerships: RMIT maintains strong links with industry across manufacturing, energy, resources, chemical processing, and infrastructure sectors, enabling students to engage in real-world engineering projects and employment pathways.
Professional Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring graduates are eligible for professional engineer recognition and international mobility under global engineering accords.
Capstone Industry Project Experience: Students complete a final-year engineering design project that reflects real industry challenges in chemical process design, safety, sustainability, and optimisation.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: RMIT engineering graduates are known for strong employability due to their practical, industry-focused training and hands-on learning approach, with high rates of employment in engineering and technical sectors.
Median Salary: Chemical engineering graduates in Australia typically earn a median starting salary of around AUD $85,000–$100,000, depending on sector and industry demand, particularly in energy, manufacturing, and process industries.
Global Career Pathways: The qualification supports international career opportunities in multinational engineering companies, consulting firms, and large-scale industrial operations across chemical and process engineering fields.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this honours degree, graduates may pursue further study such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Engineering Management, or specialised postgraduate programs in sustainability, energy systems, or advanced manufacturing. Students can also progress to a PhD in Chemical Engineering or related fields, focusing on research in process innovation, renewable energy, industrial sustainability, and advanced chemical technologies.