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

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) at The University of Queensland is an integrated pathway that combines undergraduate engineering foundations with advanced postgraduate specialisation in chemical engineering. This accelerated program is ideal for students who want to build strong technical expertise, research capability, and professional leadership skills for careers in energy, manufacturing, sustainability, biotechnology, and industrial process engineering.

Our campuses: St Lucia | Gatton | Herston | Dutton Park

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students establish strong foundations in engineering, mathematics, chemistry, and computing. Core subjects typically include Engineering Modelling and Problem Solving, Calculus and Linear Algebra, and Introduction to Chemical Engineering, helping students develop analytical thinking and technical problem-solving capabilities essential for engineering practice.

Year 2

Year 2 introduces core chemical engineering systems and scientific principles. Students study subjects such as Thermodynamics, Fluid and Particle Mechanics, and Material & Energy Balances, while also strengthening their computational and systems-analysis skills. Learning focuses on understanding how industrial chemical processes are designed and operated.

Year 3

In the third year, students progress into advanced engineering topics including Heat and Mass Transfer, Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Process Dynamics and Control. Students begin applying engineering principles to more complex industrial systems, sustainability challenges, and optimisation problems through practical and project-based learning.

Year 4

The fourth year emphasises advanced process engineering and professional engineering design. Students undertake subjects such as Process Design and Safety, Separation Processes, and Sustainable Process Engineering, while participating in collaborative engineering projects and industry-focused problem-solving activities. This year strengthens leadership, systems integration, and technical communication skills.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete postgraduate-level Master of Engineering studies, including advanced technical electives and a substantial research or industry-based engineering project. Students further specialise in areas such as process systems engineering, sustainable technologies, energy systems, or advanced manufacturing while developing high-level research and professional expertise.

Focus Areas:

Chemical process engineering, sustainable engineering, industrial process optimisation, reaction engineering, energy systems, process safety, advanced manufacturing, and systems engineering.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop advanced expertise in chemical engineering analysis, industrial process design, research, and innovation, enabling them to solve complex engineering challenges across global industrial and technology sectors.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting international recognition and professional engineering registration pathways under global engineering accords.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

The University of Queensland is recognised globally for engineering excellence and research impact, with strong graduate employability outcomes and high international rankings in engineering and technology disciplines.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At The University of Queensland, the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) program is designed around industry-focused practical learning, advanced engineering research, and real-world process design experience. Students gain hands-on technical skills through laboratory experimentation, pilot-scale industrial systems, simulation software, collaborative engineering projects, and postgraduate-level research activities. The integrated honours and master’s structure allows students to progress from foundational engineering practice into advanced professional and research-oriented environments:

Experiential Learning (advanced engineering practice, laboratories, software tools, and research facilities):

Chemical Engineering Laboratories : Students complete extensive practical training in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, reaction engineering, and process control using pilot-scale industrial processing equipment and laboratory systems.
Advanced Process Simulation Software : Training in industry-standard engineering tools such as MATLAB, Aspen Plus, and computational process modelling software for plant simulation, systems optimisation, and industrial design analysis.
Engineering Design Projects : Team-based engineering projects focused on sustainability, industrial efficiency, process safety, and chemical plant design, helping students apply technical knowledge to real engineering challenges.
Research-Integrated Master’s Learning : Students engage with advanced engineering research environments connected to energy systems, advanced manufacturing, process optimisation, biotechnology, and sustainable technologies.
Engineering Design Studios & Collaborative Learning Spaces : Dedicated project and innovation spaces where students work in interdisciplinary teams to develop engineering solutions and technical presentations.
Industry Engagement Opportunities : Access to engineering seminars, professional networking events, employer presentations, technical workshops, and industry-connected projects with engineering organisations.
Postgraduate Research & Capstone Project : In the master’s component, students complete a substantial research or industry-focused engineering project addressing complex real-world engineering problems.
Digital Engineering & Computational Analysis : Students gain experience in systems modelling, numerical methods, engineering analytics, and data-driven industrial optimisation techniques.
UQ Library & Technical Research Resources : Access to engineering databases, scientific journals, technical standards, and specialised research collections supporting honours and postgraduate engineering study.
Innovation & Sustainability Focus : Practical learning activities emphasise sustainable engineering design, process safety, environmental responsibility, and emerging industrial technologies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) at The University of Queensland graduate with advanced technical expertise, research capability, and professional engineering leadership skills. The integrated honours and master’s qualification prepares students for high-level careers such as Chemical Engineer, Process Systems Engineer, Energy & Sustainability Consultant, and Engineering Project Manager, particularly across industries including energy, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, environmental engineering, and industrial processing.

Career progression & industry outcomes:

UQ employability services: Students benefit from UQ’s career development services including engineering employer networking events, internship and placement preparation, graduate recruitment programs, career mentoring, resume workshops, and interview coaching.
Employment outcomes & average salary: According to UQ course information, graduates in chemical engineering commonly enter industries offering average annual salaries of approximately AUD $95,000–$115,000, particularly in sectors such as energy, mining, manufacturing, and industrial operations.
Industry partnerships & practical exposure: UQ maintains strong connections with engineering and industrial organisations through collaborative research projects, industry seminars, professional networking events, and employer engagement opportunities.
Professional accreditation value: The Engineering (Honours) qualification is accredited by Engineers Australia, providing internationally recognised credentials and pathways toward Chartered Engineer status under global engineering accords.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in process engineering, industrial optimisation, sustainability, advanced systems analysis, and engineering leadership, enabling them to work in both technical and strategic roles globally.
Research & innovation reputation: The University of Queensland is internationally recognised for engineering research excellence and industry-focused innovation, supporting strong graduate employability outcomes in engineering and technology sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, students may continue into advanced research pathways such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or specialised research programs in chemical engineering, sustainable energy systems, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and industrial process optimisation. Graduates may also pursue executive and leadership-focused qualifications such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to combine technical engineering expertise with senior management capability.