Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Mathematics

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Newcastle

Program Overview

The University of Newcastle Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Mathematics combines advanced engineering systems knowledge with high-level mathematical modelling and analytical capability, preparing students to solve complex industrial, environmental, and technological challenges. This double degree is ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving, quantitative analysis, and applying mathematical methods to optimise engineering processes and sustainable systems.

The program is delivered primarily at the Callaghan Campus in Newcastle, New South Wales, where students have access to engineering laboratories, mathematical computing facilities, research environments, and collaborative STEM learning spaces.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students establish strong foundations in mathematics, engineering science, chemistry, and physics. You’ll study introductory subjects such as Engineering Mathematics, Chemistry for Engineers, and Calculus and Linear Algebra, developing core analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills. This year introduces how mathematical principles support engineering design and industrial systems analysis.

Year 2

Year 2 focuses on strengthening both engineering and mathematical capability. Engineering studies typically include Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Heat and Mass Transfer, while mathematics subjects expand into areas such as Differential Equations and Statistical Methods. Laboratory and computational work help students apply theoretical mathematics to real engineering systems.

Year 3

In Year 3, learning becomes more specialised and technically advanced. Chemical engineering subjects such as Chemical Reaction Engineering, Process Control, and Separation Processes are combined with higher-level mathematics topics including Numerical Methods and Mathematical Modelling. Students begin integrating predictive analysis and optimisation techniques into engineering design challenges.

Year 4

This year focuses on complex systems analysis and advanced engineering applications. Students study areas such as Process Design, Sustainable Engineering Systems, and Plant Engineering, alongside advanced mathematical analysis supporting optimisation, modelling, and systems simulation. Collaborative projects reflect real-world industrial and engineering challenges.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete honours-level engineering and mathematical project work. Capstone projects often involve process optimisation, sustainability modelling, computational analysis, or industrial systems design using advanced mathematical techniques. Graduates leave with strong technical, computational, and analytical expertise.

Focus Areas

Chemical process engineering, mathematical modelling, systems optimisation, sustainable engineering, statistical analysis, computational mathematics, process control, and industrial systems analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to design and optimise engineering systems using advanced mathematical and analytical techniques. You’ll gain strong quantitative reasoning, engineering design capability, computational problem-solving skills, and expertise in process analysis and sustainability-focused systems.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Chemical Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting international professional recognition through the Washington Accord.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

University of Newcastle is recognised for strong STEM education, applied engineering research, and industry engagement. The university has a strong reputation for producing technically skilled graduates with practical problem-solving ability and high employability outcomes across engineering and analytical sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At University of Newcastle, the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Mathematics combines practical engineering training with advanced mathematical modelling and computational analysis. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory experimentation, process simulation, engineering design projects, and mathematical computing activities at the Callaghan Campus in Newcastle, helping them apply quantitative methods to real industrial and sustainability challenges. The program is designed to develop both technical engineering expertise and high-level analytical problem-solving skills through practical and research-focused learning experiences:

Chemical Engineering Laboratories : Practical laboratory work in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, and process control using industry-relevant engineering equipment.
Mathematical Computing Facilities : Access to advanced computing environments for numerical analysis, optimisation modelling, statistical analysis, and engineering simulations.
Engineering Simulation & Modelling Software : Use of professional process simulation and systems analysis software to model industrial operations, sustainability systems, and process optimisation scenarios.
Data Analysis & Computational Tools : Training in mathematical programming, statistical software, and computational methods used for engineering calculations and predictive modelling.
Interdisciplinary Group Projects : Collaborative projects combining engineering systems design with mathematical modelling and analytical problem-solving.
Capstone & Honours Projects : Final-year projects involving process optimisation, systems modelling, sustainability analysis, and industrial engineering investigations linked to real-world applications.
Research & Innovation Facilities : Access to engineering and STEM research environments supporting advanced materials, sustainable technologies, energy systems, and industrial process research.
Engineering Workshops & Technical Spaces : Facilities supporting systems testing, instrumentation analysis, process experimentation, and applied engineering investigation.
Libraries & STEM Digital Resources : Extensive access to engineering standards, scientific journals, mathematical databases, technical publications, and digital research tools through the university library network.
Industry Engagement Opportunities : Exposure to engineering seminars, networking events, and industry-informed project work connected to manufacturing, resources, and engineering sectors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Newcastle Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Mathematics develop a rare combination of engineering expertise and advanced quantitative analysis skills, making them highly valuable across technical, analytical, and research-driven industries. The degree prepares students to solve complex industrial and sustainability challenges using mathematical modelling, systems optimisation, and engineering innovation.

Typical career pathways include chemical engineer, process systems engineer, data and modelling analyst, optimisation engineer, and sustainability consultant.

With strong technical and analytical preparation:

Career & Employability Services : Students have access to resume workshops, interview coaching, employer networking events, internship support, and graduate recruitment assistance through the university’s career development services.
Industry-Integrated Learning : Engineering design projects, mathematical modelling tasks, and honours research activities help students develop industry-ready analytical and technical skills before graduation.
University–Industry Partnerships : The University of Newcastle maintains strong links with organisations across engineering, mining, manufacturing, energy, environmental systems, and technology sectors, supporting collaborative projects and graduate employment pathways.
Professional Accreditation Advantage : The Chemical Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting international professional recognition through the Washington Accord and strengthening long-term engineering career mobility.
High-Demand Quantitative Skill Set : The integration of mathematics with engineering prepares graduates for industries increasingly reliant on systems modelling, automation, predictive analytics, optimisation, and process efficiency.
Graduate Salary Outlook (Australia – indicative) : Graduates entering chemical engineering, modelling, and technical analytics roles commonly begin with salaries around AUD $70,000–$100,000+ per year, with strong long-term growth opportunities in engineering leadership, technical consulting, and advanced analytics.
Graduate Outcomes : Graduates are recognised for strong computational thinking, analytical capability, engineering problem-solving skills, and adaptability across industrial and research-focused sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, graduates may continue into advanced study such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Data Science, Master of Applied Mathematics, Master of Sustainable Energy, or PhD research programs. These pathways can support careers in advanced research, industrial innovation, computational modelling, technical consulting, academia, or specialised engineering and analytics leadership roles.