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

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) / Engineering Science at University of New South Wales is a five-year double degree designed for students who want to combine deep chemical engineering expertise with a broader foundation in engineering science. It suits students who are analytical, problem-solving driven, and interested in designing large-scale industrial, energy, materials, and chemical systems that shape modern society.

Students study core chemical engineering principles alongside advanced engineering science topics, gaining both specialist depth and broad interdisciplinary engineering capability.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build strong foundations in engineering and science through subjects such as Chemistry for Engineers, Engineering Mathematics 1A & 1B, and Introduction to Engineering Design and Innovation. This year develops core problem-solving skills, scientific reasoning, and an understanding of fundamental engineering principles.

Year 2

Year two focuses on core chemical engineering and engineering science concepts, including Thermodynamics 1, Fluid Mechanics, and Materials Science and Engineering. Students begin applying mathematical and scientific principles to real engineering systems and industrial processes.

Year 3

In the third year, students advance into specialised chemical engineering topics such as Reaction Engineering, Separation Processes, and Process Systems Analysis. Engineering science electives deepen understanding of modelling, simulation, and complex systems design.

Year 4

Year four emphasises advanced engineering practice through subjects like Process Control Engineering, Transport Phenomena, and Engineering Project Management. Students also engage in design projects that integrate chemical engineering theory with real-world applications.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete advanced chemical engineering electives and a major Engineering Honours Research Thesis or Capstone Project. This year focuses on independent research, industrial-level problem solving, and preparing for professional engineering practice or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas

Chemical engineering systems, engineering science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, reaction engineering, process design, materials engineering, systems modelling, process control, engineering mathematics, industrial systems.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design, analyse, and optimise complex chemical and industrial systems while applying advanced engineering science principles. They develop strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills suitable for engineering, energy, manufacturing, and technology-driven industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The chemical engineering component is designed to align with professional engineering accreditation pathways in Australia, supporting progression toward recognised engineering practice through appropriate post-graduate or competency-based registration routes.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

University of New South Wales is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities for engineering, with strong global recognition for research excellence, industry collaboration, and graduate employability in engineering disciplines.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At University of New South Wales, the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) / Engineering Science is delivered through a strongly practice-oriented learning model where students continuously apply theory in laboratories, design studios, and advanced engineering project environments. From early-stage fundamentals to final-year research, students work on real engineering problems using industry-standard tools, simulation platforms, and collaborative team projects that mirror professional engineering practice.

This program is especially hands-on, with a strong focus on experimentation, modelling, and interdisciplinary engineering design:

Chemical Engineering Laboratories : Students conduct practical experiments in thermodynamics, reaction engineering, fluid flow, and separation processes to understand real industrial systems.
Engineering Design Studios : Dedicated spaces support collaborative problem-solving, prototype development, and systems-based engineering design.
Industry-Standard Simulation Software : Students use professional engineering tools for process modelling, chemical system simulation, and data analysis used in real chemical and manufacturing industries.
Engineering Science Computing Tools : Advanced computational platforms support mathematical modelling, optimisation, and systems engineering analysis.
Team-Based Engineering Projects : Group projects are embedded throughout the degree, requiring students to design, analyse, and present engineering solutions collaboratively.
Final-Year Research Thesis / Capstone Project : Students complete an independent or industry-linked research project addressing complex chemical engineering or systems engineering challenges.
Industry-Linked Learning Opportunities : Projects are often inspired by real industrial problems, giving students exposure to professional engineering challenges and expectations.
Engineering Innovation Workshops : Structured workshops develop skills in design thinking, prototyping, and engineering creativity.
Research-Active Learning Environment : Students learn in a research-intensive setting where academic staff contribute to global engineering research and innovation.
University Libraries and Digital Engineering Resources : Access to extensive engineering databases, journals, technical standards, and simulation resources supports learning and project work.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration Opportunities : Students collaborate across engineering disciplines to solve complex systems-level problems relevant to modern industry.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) / Engineering Science at University of New South Wales are well-prepared for high-impact careers in chemical processing, energy systems, materials development, industrial engineering, and complex systems design. The combination of chemical engineering depth and engineering science breadth allows graduates to work across traditional engineering roles and emerging interdisciplinary technology fields.

Typical roles include Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Systems Engineer, Energy Engineer, and Research & Development Engineer in sectors such as manufacturing, resources, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, and advanced materials:

UNSW Engineering Career Development & Employability Support : Students access tailored career coaching, internship placement support, resume development, interview preparation, and employer networking events.
High Graduate Employability : UNSW engineering graduates are consistently recognised for strong employment outcomes in Australia and internationally, supported by the university’s industry reputation.
Strong Industry Partnerships : UNSW maintains close collaboration with major engineering, energy, resources, and technology organisations, providing students with real-world exposure through projects and engagement opportunities.
Professional Accreditation Pathway : The program is designed to align with the requirements for professional engineering accreditation in Australia, supporting progression toward Chartered Engineer status through Engineers Australia.
Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities : Students benefit from industry-informed projects and practical engineering experiences that reflect real workplace challenges.
Research and Innovation Strength : The program is supported by UNSW’s research-intensive engineering environment, contributing to advances in energy, sustainability, materials, and industrial systems.
Global Recognition of Qualification : A UNSW engineering degree is highly regarded internationally, supporting strong global mobility and career flexibility.
Strong Graduate Outcomes in Engineering Fields : Graduates are equipped with advanced analytical, technical, and systems-thinking skills valued across engineering sectors.

Salary outcomes vary by role and industry, but engineering graduates from top Australian universities typically enter well-compensated technical roles with strong long-term earning growth potential in energy, resources, manufacturing, and consulting sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, graduates can progress into Master of Engineering Science, Master of Engineering (Chemical), Master of Energy Systems, or specialised postgraduate programs in areas such as process engineering, environmental engineering, and systems engineering. Graduates may also pursue research degrees such as Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or PhD pathways in chemical engineering, advanced materials, or complex systems modelling.