Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering(Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The University of Queensland’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering (Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering) is an integrated five-year program that combines advanced chemical engineering expertise with specialised metallurgical and minerals processing knowledge. The program is ideal for students interested in sustainable resource extraction, minerals processing, materials production, industrial processing systems, energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing who want to graduate with both an honours qualification and a professionally accredited master’s degree.

Students develop strong foundations in engineering science before progressing into advanced studies in chemical processing, extractive metallurgy, minerals engineering, process optimisation, sustainability, and industrial innovation. The program is delivered primarily at UQ’s St Lucia campus in Brisbane, Australia, home to world-class engineering laboratories, minerals research facilities, and internationally recognised mining and metallurgical engineering expertise.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The first year builds core engineering and scientific foundations through mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering design. Students commonly study units such as Engineering Modelling and Problem Solving, Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, and Calculus & Linear Algebra, while also developing teamwork and communication skills through engineering project work. This foundation prepares students for advanced chemical and metallurgical engineering studies in later years.

Year 2

In second year, students begin developing core chemical and metallurgical engineering capabilities involving industrial systems, process calculations, and materials engineering principles. Subjects such as Fluid and Particle Mechanics, Material and Energy Balances, and Engineering Chemistry introduce students to industrial operations, process systems, and engineering analysis. Practical laboratory activities strengthen technical and experimental engineering skills.

Year 3

Third year focuses on advanced chemical processing and metallurgical engineering applications. Students study units including Heat and Mass Transfer, Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Minerals Processing, learning how raw materials are processed, refined, and optimised for industrial production. Students also participate in engineering design projects and computational modelling activities linked to mining and industrial processing systems.

Year 4

Students progress into honours-level engineering and specialised metallurgical studies during fourth year. Units such as Process Control and Dynamics, Extractive Metallurgy, and Sustainable Energy Engineering develop expertise in metals extraction, process optimisation, industrial sustainability, and resource efficiency. Research-oriented coursework and technical projects further strengthen engineering problem-solving and innovation capability.

Year 5 – Master of Engineering

The final year delivers advanced postgraduate engineering training and professional specialisation. Students complete advanced electives, industry-focused engineering design projects, and a substantial research thesis in areas such as minerals processing, extractive metallurgy, sustainable resource engineering, advanced materials, or industrial systems optimisation. By graduation, students are prepared for specialist engineering, leadership, and research-focused careers across global resources and processing industries.

Focus Areas

Chemical engineering, metallurgical engineering, minerals processing, extractive metallurgy, sustainable resource engineering, industrial processing systems, advanced materials, process optimisation, energy systems, mining technologies, materials engineering, industrial sustainability

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced knowledge of chemical and metallurgical engineering systems; apply thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and extractive metallurgy principles; design and optimise industrial and minerals processing systems; evaluate sustainability and resource efficiency; conduct advanced engineering research; analyse complex industrial operations; communicate technical findings professionally; integrate innovation and engineering problem-solving into industrial practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised internationally under the Washington Accord, supporting global engineering career mobility and professional recognition. The integrated master’s qualification also strengthens preparation for advanced engineering practice, technical leadership, and research-intensive careers in the resources and industrial sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Queensland is internationally recognised for excellence in engineering, mining, metallurgy, sustainability research, and graduate employability. UQ consistently performs strongly in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings and is highly regarded by employers for producing graduates with advanced technical expertise and industry-ready engineering capability across mining, minerals, and industrial processing sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering (Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering) at the University of Queensland provides students with extensive practical training through advanced chemical engineering laboratories, minerals processing facilities, metallurgical research environments, and industry-focused engineering projects. Students develop hands-on expertise in extractive metallurgy, industrial processing, sustainable resource engineering, materials production, and process optimisation while working in research-intensive and industry-connected learning environments.

The integrated honours and master’s structure allows students to progressively strengthen their technical, analytical, and professional engineering capabilities through laboratory experimentation, computational modelling, engineering design projects, and advanced research training. Through specialised facilities, collaborative industry engagement, and exposure to world-class mining and metallurgy research, students graduate with strong practical and innovation-focused engineering skills:

Advanced Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Laboratories : Students work in specialised laboratories involving thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, minerals processing, and extractive metallurgy systems.
Minerals Processing and Metallurgical Facilities : The program provides practical experience with equipment and systems used for mineral separation, flotation, comminution, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and industrial materials processing.
Pilot-Scale Processing Systems : Students gain hands-on exposure to pilot-scale industrial operations and process optimisation activities linked to mining, resource recovery, and sustainable materials production.
Engineering Design and Industry Projects : Collaborative engineering projects allow students to solve real-world industrial challenges involving mining systems, process efficiency, sustainability, materials engineering, and resource optimisation.
Master’s Research Thesis : Final-year students complete a substantial engineering research thesis, developing advanced expertise in technical investigation, industrial systems analysis, engineering experimentation, and professional research methodologies.
Process Simulation and Metallurgical Modelling Software : Students use industry-relevant simulation and computational engineering tools for process modelling, flowsheet analysis, systems optimisation, and industrial engineering evaluation.
Sustainable Resource Engineering Exposure : Students engage with sustainability-focused initiatives involving energy efficiency, resource recovery, environmental management, and sustainable mining technologies.
Collaborative Group Projects : Team-based learning activities help students strengthen communication, leadership, project management, and multidisciplinary engineering problem-solving capabilities.
Engineering Workshops and Innovation Spaces : Students have access to collaborative maker spaces, engineering workshops, and innovation hubs that support technical experimentation, prototype development, and engineering design activities.
Laboratory-Based Technical Training : Practical laboratory sessions strengthen expertise in materials testing, industrial measurements, process monitoring, engineering calculations, data analysis, and technical reporting.
Libraries and Digital Engineering Resources : Students benefit from access to UQ’s engineering databases, mining and metallurgy journals, technical software platforms, collaborative learning spaces, and digital research resources.
Mining and Metallurgical Research Environment : UQ maintains strong research capability in mining, minerals processing, sustainable resource engineering, and advanced materials, helping students connect academic learning with contemporary industry practices.
Industry-Relevant Learning Environment : The program maintains strong engagement with mining, metals, manufacturing, energy, and industrial processing sectors, helping students develop skills aligned with global engineering and resource industries.
Applied Industrial Learning Opportunities : Students may participate in industry-focused case studies, engineering investigations, and applied technical projects connected to real operational and processing challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering (Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering) from the University of Queensland are highly prepared for advanced careers across mining, minerals processing, metallurgy, energy, manufacturing, and industrial processing industries. The integrated honours and master’s qualification gives graduates strong technical engineering expertise, advanced research capability, and leadership potential, helping them stand out in both operational and innovation-driven engineering environments. Typical graduate career outcomes include Metallurgical Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Minerals Processing Engineer, Resource Engineer, Sustainability Engineer, and Industrial Operations Specialist.

The combination of professional accreditation, advanced metallurgical training, research-focused learning, and industry-connected engineering experience provides graduates with strong employability outcomes and long-term professional value:

Career Development and Employability Services : Students receive support through UQ’s Student Employability Centre, including career coaching, internship guidance, employer networking events, graduate recruitment preparation, resume development workshops, and interview training.
Mining and Resources Industry Engagement : Students participate in engineering projects and technical learning activities connected to mining, minerals processing, extractive metallurgy, advanced materials, manufacturing, and sustainable resource industries.
Industry Partnerships : UQ maintains strong relationships with organisations across mining, metals, energy, industrial processing, and manufacturing sectors, helping students align practical learning with current industry requirements.
Advanced Research and Innovation Exposure : The integrated master’s and engineering thesis components prepare graduates for specialist engineering, technical consulting, operational leadership, and research-intensive careers involving industrial systems and resource engineering.
Sustainable Resource Engineering Focus : Graduates develop expertise in sustainability, energy efficiency, resource optimisation, environmental management, and responsible industrial processing, which are increasingly valued across global engineering industries.
Graduate Employability Reputation : The University of Queensland is internationally recognised for excellence in engineering, mining, metallurgy, sustainability research, and strong graduate employability outcomes across engineering and technology disciplines.
Median Salary : Graduates from advanced chemical and metallurgical engineering disciplines at UQ commonly achieve median full-time graduate salaries ranging from AUD $85,000–$120,000+, depending on technical specialisation, operational responsibilities, site experience, and industry sector.
Global Accreditation Value : The program is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord, supporting international engineering recognition and global professional mobility.
Industry-Ready Graduation Outcomes : Through advanced laboratories, pilot-scale processing systems, engineering design projects, metallurgical research experiences, and postgraduate technical training, graduates develop highly practical and industry-relevant engineering capabilities.
Leadership and Technical Specialisation Preparation : Graduates leave with strong analytical, technical, multidisciplinary problem-solving, and engineering leadership skills suited to both specialist engineering and management-track career pathways.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this integrated program, graduates may continue into higher research pathways such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Minerals Processing, Sustainable Resource Engineering, Advanced Materials, Energy Systems, or Industrial Manufacturing. Graduates may also pursue specialised professional certifications, research fellowships, or interdisciplinary study connected to mining innovation, decarbonisation technologies, advanced materials engineering, extractive metallurgy, and sustainable industrial systems.