Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The The University of Western Australia Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) is a professionally accredited 4-year degree designed for students who want to solve global challenges in energy, sustainability, resources, food production, and advanced manufacturing through innovative engineering solutions. Delivered primarily at UWA’s Crawley campus on Noongar land in Perth, with access to world-class research and industry facilities, the program equips students with strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills for careers across chemical processing, renewable energy, environmental engineering, and industrial innovation.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students develop strong foundations in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and engineering design while learning how engineers solve complex real-world problems. Core units such as Engineering Computation, Chemistry – Structure and Reactivity, and Applied Mathematics introduce students to scientific modelling, technical analysis, and engineering thinking essential for chemical engineering studies.

Year 2

Second year focuses on the core principles of chemical engineering systems, industrial processes, and material balances. Students study subjects including Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Chemical Process Analysis, gaining practical understanding of energy systems, transport processes, and industrial operations.

Year 3

By third year, students move into advanced chemical engineering design and process optimisation. Units such as Heat and Mass Transfer, Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Process Systems Engineering help students develop skills in process control, sustainable production systems, and industrial plant design.

Year 4

In the final year, students complete specialised electives, industry-focused design projects, and honours-level research work. Courses including Process Design and Safety, advanced engineering project units, and professional engineering practice subjects prepare graduates to manage complex engineering systems, sustainability challenges, and industrial innovation projects.

Focus Areas

Chemical process engineering, renewable energy, sustainable manufacturing, process systems design, industrial safety, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, environmental sustainability, advanced materials, resource engineering

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced chemical engineering knowledge, design and optimise industrial processes, apply sustainable engineering solutions, analyse complex engineering systems, manage process safety and operational efficiency, and solve real-world industrial and environmental challenges

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by Engineers Australia, allowing graduates to pursue professional engineer recognition and international career opportunities through global engineering accreditation agreements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Western Australia is recognised internationally for engineering, science, and research excellence, and is a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities. UWA performs strongly in global rankings including the QS World University Rankings and is well regarded for graduate employability and strong industry engagement across engineering and resources sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Western Australia, chemical engineering students develop practical skills through hands-on laboratory work, collaborative projects, and industry-connected learning. Throughout the program, students apply engineering theory to real industrial challenges such as energy production, mineral processing, and chemical manufacturing. Learning takes place within the School of Engineering’s modern teaching and research facilities, where students gain experience using professional tools, experimental equipment, and digital technologies used in the chemical engineering industry.

These practical experiences are supported through facilities and opportunities such as:

Engineering laboratories within the School of Engineering, where students perform experiments related to fluid systems, chemical reactions, and industrial process operations.
Research laboratories and facilities focused on areas such as renewable energy systems, combustion science, mineral processing, and chemical processing technologies.
Collaborative engineering design projects, where students work in teams to analyse and design chemical processes and solve real engineering challenges.
Work Integrated Learning opportunities, allowing students to gain professional experience through internships or industry placements during their studies.
Research and industry projects, giving students the chance to work alongside academic researchers and industry partners.
Industry connections with companies such as Chevron, TechnipFMC, Alfa Laval, South32, and Tianqi Lithium, exposing students to sectors like energy, mining, and advanced manufacturing.
Access to UWA’s engineering libraries and digital learning spaces, supporting research, technical study, and group project collaboration.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of The University of Western Australia’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) are well prepared for careers across energy, mining, renewable resources, manufacturing, environmental management, and advanced process industries. The program develops strong technical expertise, industry problem-solving skills, and professional engineering capability, enabling graduates to work in both Australian and international engineering sectors. Common career pathways include Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Energy Engineer, and Environmental or Sustainability Engineer:

UWA Careers Centre Support: Students have access to the university’s dedicated Careers Centre, which provides career consultations, resume and interview preparation, employer networking sessions, internship guidance, and graduate employability workshops.
Industry Placement and Internship Opportunities: UWA engineering students can participate in vacation work programs, industry projects, internships, and professional networking opportunities connected to Western Australia’s major engineering and resources industries.
Strong Industry Connections: The university maintains partnerships and engagement with organisations across mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, process manufacturing, and environmental engineering sectors, helping students build industry experience and employment pathways.
Engineering Design and Research Experience: Through honours-level research projects and practical engineering design work, students graduate with experience in solving real industrial challenges involving sustainability, process efficiency, and operational safety.
Professional Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting eligibility for professional engineer status and international recognition through global engineering accreditation agreements.
Graduate Employability Outcomes: UWA engineering graduates are recognised for strong technical capability and practical training, with graduates employed across engineering consulting firms, multinational energy companies, manufacturing industries, and government organisations.
Median Salary: Chemical engineering graduates in Australia commonly achieve highly competitive graduate salaries, with median early-career earnings often ranging from AUD $80,000–$95,000, particularly in energy, mining, process engineering, and industrial operations sectors.
Global Career Opportunities: The internationally recognised engineering qualification allows graduates to pursue opportunities in multinational corporations, sustainable energy industries, advanced manufacturing, and large-scale industrial projects worldwide.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this honours degree, graduates may continue into specialised postgraduate study or advanced research pathways. Students can pursue programs such as a Master of Professional Engineering, Master of Renewable and Future Energy, Master of Environmental Engineering, or research-focused degrees including a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in chemical engineering, sustainable process systems, advanced materials, biotechnology, or energy technologies. The honours qualification also provides strong preparation for research and academic careers in engineering innovation and industrial science.