Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Newcastle

Program Overview

The University of Newcastle Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science combines advanced engineering knowledge with scientific research and analytical skills, preparing students to solve complex challenges in industries such as energy, environmental management, manufacturing, biotechnology, and advanced materials. This double degree is ideal for students who enjoy both applied engineering and scientific discovery, and want the flexibility to work across technical, research, and innovation-focused careers.

The program is delivered primarily at the Callaghan Campus in Newcastle, New South Wales, where students access engineering laboratories, scientific research facilities, collaborative STEM learning spaces, and advanced analytical equipment.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students develop strong foundations in engineering science, mathematics, chemistry, and scientific inquiry. You’ll study introductory subjects such as Engineering Mathematics, Chemistry for Engineers, and Foundations of Scientific Practice, building core analytical and technical skills. This year introduces how engineering and scientific principles work together to address industrial and environmental challenges.

Year 2

Year 2 strengthens technical understanding across both chemical engineering and science disciplines. Engineering studies typically include Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Heat and Mass Transfer, while science units may focus on areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, or environmental science depending on your chosen major. Laboratory work becomes increasingly important as students apply theoretical concepts to practical scientific and engineering problems.

Year 3

In Year 3, learning becomes more specialised and applied. Chemical engineering subjects such as Chemical Reaction Engineering, Process Control, and Separation Processes are combined with advanced science studies and analytical techniques. Students begin integrating scientific investigation with engineering process design and systems optimisation.

Year 4

This year focuses on advanced engineering systems, sustainability, and research-oriented learning. Students study areas such as Process Design, Plant Engineering, and Sustainable Engineering Systems, while science coursework may include specialised laboratory research or advanced scientific analysis. Collaborative projects and technical investigations prepare students for professional and research-based careers.

Year 5

The final year centres on honours-level engineering and scientific project work. Students complete major capstone and research projects involving process optimisation, environmental systems, materials analysis, or advanced scientific applications within engineering contexts. Graduates leave with both professional engineering capability and strong scientific research skills.

Focus Areas

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

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to design and improve chemical engineering systems while applying scientific analysis and research methods to solve complex technical problems. You’ll gain strong laboratory, analytical, and engineering design skills suited to both industry and research environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting professional engineering recognition nationally and internationally through the Washington Accord.

Reputation (Employability & Ranking)

University of Newcastle is recognised for strong STEM education, applied engineering research, and industry engagement. The university has a well-established reputation for producing graduates with practical technical skills and strong employability outcomes across engineering and science sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At University of Newcastle, the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science emphasizes hands-on, practical learning that integrates chemical engineering principles with scientific research. Students gain experience in laboratories, pilot-scale process facilities, and research environments at the Callaghan Campus in Newcastle, applying theory to real-world industrial, environmental, and scientific challenges. This approach ensures graduates leave with strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills across both disciplines:

Chemical Engineering Laboratories : Practical experimentation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, chemical reactions, separation processes, and sustainable engineering using industry-standard equipment.
Science Laboratories & Research Facilities : Advanced labs for chemistry, environmental science, and materials analysis, allowing students to conduct experiments and investigations relevant to engineering applications.
Process Simulation & Engineering Software : Use of simulation tools for process design, systems optimisation, and predictive modelling in chemical engineering and scientific contexts.
Scientific Computing & Data Analysis Tools : Training in data analysis, statistical software, and computational modelling to support engineering and research projects.
Interdisciplinary Group Projects : Collaborative projects that integrate engineering design and scientific research to solve complex problems.
Capstone & Honours Research Projects : Industry-linked or laboratory-based projects in the final year that combine engineering and scientific investigation for real-world applications.
Professional Engineering Practice Development : Opportunities to build technical communication, project management, and collaborative problem-solving skills through practical coursework.
Research Institutes & Innovation Centres : Access to the University’s research strengths, including energy, materials, and sustainable systems research facilities.
Libraries & STEM Digital Resources : Access to extensive scientific journals, technical databases, engineering standards, and digital tools supporting learning and research.
Industry Engagement & Field Exposure : Connections with local industry, field trips, and networking events that provide insight into professional practice and career pathways.

These experiences prepare students to graduate with practical engineering and scientific expertise, ready to contribute effectively in industry or research roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Newcastle Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science are equipped with a rare combination of engineering expertise and scientific research capability, making them highly adaptable across technical, industrial, and innovation-focused sectors. The program prepares students for careers in industries such as energy, environmental management, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, advanced materials, manufacturing, and scientific research.

Typical career pathways include chemical engineer, process engineer, environmental scientist, research engineer, production engineer, and sustainability specialist.

With strong technical and scientific preparation:

Career & Employability Services : Students have access to career coaching, resume and interview preparation, networking events, internship guidance, and graduate employment support through the university’s employability programs.
Industry-Connected Learning : Practical projects, honours research, and engineering design activities help students develop workplace-ready skills and professional industry exposure before graduation.
University–Industry Partnerships : The University of Newcastle maintains strong links with organisations across engineering, manufacturing, mining, energy, health, and environmental sectors, supporting collaborative research and graduate opportunities.
Professional Accreditation Value : The Chemical Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting international recognition through the Washington Accord and enhancing long-term professional mobility.
Research & Innovation Pathways : The integration of science and engineering prepares graduates for both applied industry roles and research-intensive careers involving sustainability, materials, energy systems, and advanced technologies.
Graduate Salary Outlook (Australia – indicative) : Graduates entering chemical engineering and technical scientific roles commonly begin with salaries around AUD $70,000–$95,000+ per year, with strong long-term progression into specialist and leadership positions.
Graduate Outcomes : University of Newcastle engineering and STEM graduates are recognised for strong practical capability, analytical skills, and industry readiness across technical sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, students can continue into advanced study such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Environmental Science, Master of Biotechnology, Master of Sustainable Energy, or PhD research programs. These pathways can lead to careers in advanced research, consulting, technical leadership, academia, and specialised engineering or scientific innovation sectors.