Bachelors of Engineering (Honours)(Chemical Engineering) / Information Technology

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The The University of Queensland Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) / Information Technology is a future-focused 5-year dual degree that combines advanced chemical engineering expertise with cutting-edge digital and computing skills. Delivered across the St Lucia, Gatton, Herston, and Dutton Park campuses, this program is ideal for students who are interested in process engineering, sustainability, automation, data systems, and emerging technologies shaping modern industries such as energy, manufacturing, biotechnology, and digital engineering.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build strong foundations in engineering science, mathematics, chemistry, and computing while developing programming and analytical problem-solving skills. Core subjects such as Engineering Modelling and Problem Solving, Process Principles, and introductory IT courses in programming and software fundamentals introduce students to both industrial engineering systems and digital technologies.

Year 2

Second year focuses on core chemical engineering concepts alongside deeper information technology studies. Students complete courses including Fluid and Particle Mechanics, Energy and Mass Flows, and IT subjects related to databases, software development, or computer systems, helping them understand how digital technologies support industrial operations and engineering processes.

Year 3

By third year, students begin advanced engineering design and process analysis while strengthening technical computing capability. Subjects such as Thermodynamics, Process Equipment and Control Systems, and advanced IT studies in data management, networking, or systems development prepare students to work with automation, industrial software, and intelligent engineering systems.

Year 4

Fourth year introduces specialised applications in process optimisation, digital systems integration, and industry-focused engineering projects. Students engage in collaborative design work, advanced chemical engineering electives, and IT studies involving cybersecurity, software engineering, data analytics, or machine learning technologies relevant to modern industrial environments.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete an honours research project that combines engineering innovation with advanced digital problem-solving. The capstone experience allows students to apply chemical engineering and information technology knowledge to complex real-world challenges involving sustainability, automation, industrial efficiency, and emerging technologies.

Focus Areas

Chemical process engineering, digital engineering systems, industrial automation, data analytics, software development, process optimisation, sustainability, artificial intelligence applications, systems integration, renewable energy technologies

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced chemical engineering and computing knowledge, design and optimise industrial systems, apply digital technologies to engineering challenges, analyse complex engineering data, develop software and technical solutions, and integrate sustainability with modern engineering innovation

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The engineering component of the program is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting professional engineer recognition and international career mobility. The Information Technology studies also provide strong preparation for careers in software systems, digital engineering, and technology-driven industries.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Queensland is internationally recognised for excellence in engineering, technology, and graduate employability. UQ consistently ranks among the world’s leading universities in global rankings such as the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education Rankings, with strong industry engagement and research impact across engineering and digital innovation sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in The University of Queensland’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) / Information Technology gain extensive practical experience through advanced engineering laboratories, digital technology training, collaborative design projects, and industry-connected learning opportunities. The program combines chemical engineering with modern computing and information systems, allowing students to develop skills in process engineering, automation, data analytics, software systems, and industrial technologies used across energy, manufacturing, biotechnology, and sustainable engineering sectors. Through hands-on experimentation, digital simulation, and interdisciplinary project work, students learn how engineering and technology work together in real industrial environments:

Chemical Engineering Pilot Laboratories: Students work with industrial-style process equipment in laboratories focused on fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, and process control systems.
Advanced Process Simulation Software: Students gain experience using professional engineering software such as Aspen Plus, MATLAB, and modelling platforms for process simulation, optimisation, and systems analysis.
Programming and Software Development Tools: The Information Technology component provides training in programming environments, database systems, software engineering tools, and computing technologies used in digital industries and engineering operations.
Automation and Control Systems Learning: Students explore industrial automation technologies, digital control systems, and process monitoring tools relevant to smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 environments.
Engineering and IT Group Projects: Collaborative projects throughout the degree allow students to solve real-world engineering and technology challenges involving sustainability, industrial efficiency, process optimisation, and digital innovation.
Honours Research Project: In the final year, students complete a major research or design project that integrates chemical engineering with advanced digital technologies, data systems, or industrial computing applications.
Advanced Computing Laboratories: Students access modern computer laboratories equipped for software development, simulation, data analytics, systems modelling, and engineering computation.
Industry Engagement Opportunities: UQ supports internships, industry placements, employer networking events, and engineering career development opportunities through strong partnerships across engineering and technology sectors.
Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN): Students may engage with interdisciplinary research involving biotechnology, nanotechnology, sustainable processing, artificial intelligence applications, and advanced materials research.
Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI): Students gain exposure to research and innovation in clean energy technologies, sustainable industrial systems, resource management, and environmental engineering.
Engineering Learning Spaces and Innovation Hubs: UQ provides collaborative learning environments that support teamwork, technical workshops, project-based learning, coding activities, and engineering innovation challenges.
UQ Libraries and Digital Research Resources: Students have access to extensive engineering journals, IT databases, scientific publications, software resources, and collaborative study facilities across UQ campuses.
Industry-Relevant Digital Skills: Students develop capabilities in systems integration, engineering data analysis, process automation, software problem-solving, and digital communication technologies increasingly valued in modern engineering industries.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of The University of Queensland’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) / Information Technology are highly sought after in industries that combine engineering expertise with advanced digital and computing capabilities. The dual qualification prepares students for careers in process engineering, automation, software systems, industrial data analysis, sustainable manufacturing, and emerging Industry 4.0 technologies. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as Chemical Engineer, Process Automation Engineer, Data and Systems Engineer, and Industrial Technology Consultant:

UQ Careers and Employability Service: Students receive dedicated employability support through career consultations, resume and interview workshops, networking opportunities, internship guidance, and employer engagement programs designed to strengthen graduate outcomes.
Industry Placement and Internship Opportunities: UQ engineering and IT students can participate in vacation work, internships, and industry-linked projects with organisations across engineering, technology, manufacturing, resources, biotechnology, and digital innovation sectors.
Industry-Relevant Digital Engineering Skills: The combination of chemical engineering and IT provides graduates with expertise in automation systems, process simulation, data analytics, industrial software, and systems integration, which are increasingly valued across global industries.
University–Industry Partnerships: UQ maintains strong connections with industry partners involved in energy, mining, manufacturing, biotechnology, advanced materials, sustainability, and digital technologies, creating pathways for collaborative projects and graduate employment.
Research and Innovation Exposure: Students benefit from links to leading research institutes including the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) and the Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI), supporting future careers in research, innovation, and technology-driven industries.
Professional Accreditation Value: The engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting eligibility for professional engineer recognition and international engineering mobility through global accreditation agreements.
Graduate Employability Reputation: The University of Queensland is internationally recognised for engineering, technology, and graduate employability, with strong employer reputation and industry engagement across technical and research-focused sectors.
Median Salary: Engineering and information technology graduates in Australia commonly achieve competitive graduate outcomes, with median early-career salaries typically ranging from AUD $80,000–$95,000, particularly in engineering technology, process automation, software systems, and industrial analytics roles.
Global Career Opportunities: Graduates are well prepared for careers with multinational engineering firms, technology companies, industrial automation organisations, sustainability-focused industries, consulting firms, and digitally integrated manufacturing sectors worldwide.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this dual degree, graduates may continue into advanced postgraduate study in engineering, information technology, or interdisciplinary innovation fields. Potential pathways include a Master of Engineering, Master of Data Science, Master of Cyber Security, Master of Software Engineering, or research-focused programs such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in chemical engineering, artificial intelligence, industrial automation, renewable energy systems, biotechnology, or advanced computing technologies. The honours qualification also provides strong preparation for academic research and specialised technical leadership careers.