Bachelor of Fine Arts / Engineering (Honours)(Chemical Engineering)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

University of New South Wales’s Bachelor of Fine Arts / Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) is an interdisciplinary double degree that combines creative artistic practice with rigorous chemical engineering training. It is designed for students who want to explore both scientific problem-solving and creative expression, leading to innovative careers that bridge engineering, design, materials, and creative industries.

Students study chemical engineering systems alongside fine arts disciplines such as visual arts, design practice, and studio-based creative work, building both technical engineering capability and artistic development.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both engineering and fine arts through subjects such as Chemistry for Engineers, Engineering Mathematics, and introductory Studio Art Practice. This stage develops core scientific understanding, artistic exploration, and fundamental design thinking skills.

Year 2

Year two strengthens core engineering knowledge through subjects such as Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Materials Science, while continuing studio-based fine arts practice. Students begin integrating technical engineering thinking with creative experimentation and visual communication.

Year 3

In the third year, students advance into chemical engineering systems and creative development through subjects such as Reaction Engineering, Separation Processes, and Advanced Studio Practice. This stage encourages innovation by combining engineering principles with artistic methods and conceptual exploration.

Year 4

Year four focuses on higher-level engineering design and creative refinement through subjects such as Process Control, Transport Phenomena, and Fine Arts Specialisation Studios. Students develop stronger independent practice in both disciplines while working on increasingly complex technical and creative projects.

Year 5

In the fifth year, students undertake advanced chemical engineering study and major creative works through Engineering Design Project and Fine Arts Capstone Studio Projects. This year emphasises professional-level engineering application alongside major artistic production and interdisciplinary integration.

Year 6 (Final Extended Year)

The final stage includes completion of the Chemical Engineering Thesis or Capstone Project and final Fine Arts studio exhibitions or portfolios. Students graduate with a fully integrated engineering qualification and a professional creative portfolio demonstrating interdisciplinary expertise.

Focus Areas

Chemical engineering systems, fine arts practice, studio art, design thinking, materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, creative innovation, interdisciplinary design, engineering modelling, artistic expression.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to apply chemical engineering principles while also producing advanced creative and artistic work, combining technical problem-solving with design innovation. Students develop strong analytical, creative, communication, and interdisciplinary thinking skills suitable for both engineering and creative industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The engineering component of this dual degree is aligned with pathways toward professional engineering accreditation in Australia, supporting progression into accredited engineering practice through further postgraduate study if required.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

University of New South Wales is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities for engineering and is also highly regarded for creative arts education. Its interdisciplinary programs are recognised for innovation, graduate employability, and strong industry and creative sector connections.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At University of New South Wales, the Bachelor of Fine Arts / Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) is built around immersive, practice-led learning that combines advanced engineering training with intensive studio-based creative development. Students gain hands-on experience in chemical engineering laboratories, design studios, and interdisciplinary project environments, allowing them to move fluidly between technical problem-solving and artistic experimentation. The program emphasises real-world application through collaborative projects, prototyping, and research-informed creative and engineering practice:

Chemical Engineering Laboratories : Students conduct experiments in thermodynamics, reaction engineering, fluid mechanics, and materials science to understand real industrial systems.
Fine Arts Studio Practice Spaces : Dedicated studios support painting, sculpture, design, digital media, and conceptual art development.
Interdisciplinary Design and Creative Engineering Projects : Students work on integrated projects that combine engineering systems thinking with artistic innovation and visual communication.
Engineering Simulation and Modelling Software : Industry-standard computational tools are used for chemical process modelling, systems analysis, and engineering design.
Creative Digital Tools and Media Technologies : Students use digital fabrication, design software, and multimedia tools to develop artistic and conceptual outcomes.
Capstone Engineering and Fine Arts Projects : Final-year projects allow students to produce both a professional engineering solution and a major creative portfolio or exhibition.
Collaborative Group Learning : Team-based assignments encourage collaboration between engineering and arts students to solve complex interdisciplinary problems.
Research-Informed Teaching Environment : Students learn from academics engaged in cutting-edge engineering research and contemporary fine arts practice.
Innovation and Design Thinking Workshops : Structured workshops help students integrate creativity, technical analysis, and problem-solving methodologies.
University Libraries and Creative Research Resources : Access to extensive engineering databases, art theory collections, journals, and digital research platforms.
Exposure to Real-World Engineering and Creative Practice : Learning activities reflect professional environments in both engineering industries and creative sectors, preparing students for interdisciplinary careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Fine Arts / Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) at University of New South Wales are uniquely positioned for careers that blend advanced engineering capability with creative practice and innovation. This combination opens pathways in chemical engineering, materials and product design, sustainable innovation, creative technology industries, and interdisciplinary research and development roles.

Graduates typically pursue roles such as Chemical Engineer, Product Design Engineer, Materials Innovation Specialist, Creative Technologist, or Research and Development Engineer across engineering firms, design studios, manufacturing industries, and innovation-driven organisations:

UNSW Engineering & Arts Career Development Services : Students access tailored career counselling, internship support, industry networking events, portfolio development guidance, and interview preparation for both engineering and creative sectors.
Strong Interdisciplinary Employability Focus : The program develops both technical engineering expertise and creative problem-solving skills, highly valued in innovation, design, and technology industries.
High Graduate Employability Reputation : UNSW graduates are widely recognised by employers in Australia and internationally for their strong technical, analytical, and creative capabilities.
Professional Engineering Accreditation Pathway : The engineering component provides a pathway toward accredited engineering qualifications required for professional engineering registration in Australia.
Industry and Creative Sector Engagement : Students benefit from UNSW’s strong connections with engineering, design, technology, and creative industries through collaborative learning and applied projects.
Innovation and Research Strength : The program is supported by a research-active environment in both engineering and creative disciplines, encouraging innovation at the intersection of science and art.
Global Career Mobility : UNSW’s international reputation supports strong global employability across engineering, design, and creative technology sectors.
Transferable Cross-Disciplinary Skills : Graduates develop advanced skills in systems thinking, design innovation, communication, and technical problem-solving applicable across multiple industries.

Salary outcomes vary depending on role and sector, but graduates with combined engineering and creative qualifications generally benefit from strong employability and flexible, high-growth career pathways in both technical and creative industries.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, graduates may progress into Master of Engineering (Chemical), Master of Engineering Science, Master of Design, Master of Fine Arts, or other postgraduate programs depending on whether they choose to specialise further in engineering or creative practice. Students may also pursue research pathways such as a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or PhD in Engineering, Design Innovation, Materials Science, or Interdisciplinary Creative Technologies.