Chemical Engineering - Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical Engineering at the University of Queensland prepares students to design and improve processes that turn raw materials into everyday products such as fuels, medicines, food, and sustainable materials. It’s a great choice for students who enjoy chemistry, maths, and problem-solving, and want to work on real-world challenges in energy, manufacturing, and environmental sustainability.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
The first year builds a strong foundation in engineering and science. Students take courses like ENGG1100 Engineering Design, ENGG1300 Introduction to Electrical Systems, and MATH1051 Calculus & Linear Algebra I, developing analytical thinking and learning how engineers approach real problems.

Year 2
In the second year, students begin focusing on core chemical engineering concepts. Courses such as CHEE2000 Chemical Process Analysis, CHEE2010 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, and CHEE2020 Transport Phenomena introduce how energy, heat, and materials move through industrial processes.

Year 3
The third year explores more advanced chemical engineering systems and industrial applications. Through subjects like CHEE3006 Chemical Reaction Engineering and CHEE3100 Separation Processes, students learn how reactions are controlled and how valuable products are separated and refined.

Year 4
The final year focuses on applying everything learned to real engineering challenges. Students complete advanced study such as CHEE4100 Process Systems Engineering and work on a major chemical engineering design project, gaining practical experience in designing complex industrial processes.

Focus Areas

Process engineering, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, transport phenomena, separation processes, sustainable chemical production, process systems design.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to design and optimise chemical processes, analyse complex engineering systems, apply thermodynamics and transport principles, and work collaboratively to solve real industrial and environmental challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by Engineers Australia, meeting the academic requirements for professional engineering recognition.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

University of Queensland is globally recognised for engineering and research excellence, with strong industry connections that help graduates access a wide range of career opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At The University of Queensland, the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical Engineering is designed around practical problem-solving, industry engagement, and laboratory-intensive learning. Students gain real engineering experience through pilot-scale processing equipment, design studios, advanced simulation software, and industry-connected projects that reflect the challenges faced in energy, minerals, biotechnology, food processing, and sustainable manufacturing industries. From the early years of the degree, students apply theory in professional engineering environments and collaborative project settings:

Experiential Learning (laboratories, engineering software, design projects, and industry engagement):

UQ Chemical Engineering Laboratories : Hands-on laboratory training in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, reaction engineering, and process control using industrial-style equipment and pilot-scale systems.
Process Simulation & Engineering Software : Students use professional engineering tools such as MATLAB, Aspen Plus, and process modelling software for process simulation, optimisation, and plant design analysis.
Design & Research Project Courses : Team-based engineering design projects allow students to solve real industrial problems involving sustainability, energy efficiency, and process optimisation.
Engineering Professional Practice : The program includes practical professional engineering experiences and industry exposure that help students develop workplace-ready technical and communication skills.
UQ Engineering Design Studios & Collaborative Spaces : Students work in dedicated engineering learning environments designed for project development, teamwork, and prototyping activities.
Research Facilities & Institutes : Access to research-active environments linked with UQ engineering research centres focused on energy, minerals processing, biotechnology, and sustainable technologies.
Industry Engagement & Networking : Students interact with industry professionals through seminars, guest lectures, engineering events, and employer engagement activities connected to the engineering faculty.
Advanced Digital Learning Resources : Access to specialist engineering databases, modelling tools, scientific journals, and technical standards through UQ Library services.
Capstone Engineering Thesis/Project : Final-year students complete a substantial engineering research or design project addressing real-world engineering and industrial challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Chemical Engineering Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at The University of Queensland are highly sought after across industries that rely on large-scale process design, sustainability, energy systems, and advanced manufacturing. The degree prepares students for professional roles such as Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Energy Engineer, and Production or Sustainability Engineer, with opportunities across mining, resources, food processing, biotechnology, and environmental sectors.

Career progression & industry outcomes:

UQ employability services: Students benefit from UQ’s dedicated employability support through career development workshops, engineering employer networking events, internship guidance, resume and interview coaching, and access to industry recruitment programs.
Employment outcomes & salary outlook: UQ engineering graduates consistently achieve strong graduate employment outcomes in national surveys, with chemical engineering graduates entering competitive industries with strong starting salaries and long-term career progression opportunities in Australia and internationally.
Industry partnerships & real-world exposure: The program is supported by strong industry engagement with sectors including energy, minerals, manufacturing, and biotechnology, providing students with industry-connected projects, professional networking opportunities, and engineering workplace exposure.
Professional accreditation value: The degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition under global engineering accords and supporting professional engineering registration pathways worldwide.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates develop advanced skills in process design, systems optimisation, sustainability, and industrial problem-solving, enabling them to contribute to major engineering and infrastructure projects across diverse industries.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, students can continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Engineering Science, Master of Sustainable Energy, or research degrees (MPhil/PhD). These pathways allow further specialisation in areas such as energy systems, biotechnology, environmental engineering, advanced manufacturing, and process innovation.