Bachelor of Engineering Honours/Bachelor of Science(Chemistry)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

If you’re someone who enjoys solving real-world problems and is curious about how things work — whether it’s designing machines, developing materials, or understanding chemical reactions — this double degree at Edith Cowan University is made for you. Over five years, you’ll combine hands-on engineering projects with in-depth chemistry study, giving you practical skills and scientific knowledge that open doors to careers in research, industry, and technology.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year is all about laying a strong foundation. You’ll learn essential engineering skills through units like Engineering Drawing and Computer Aided Design and Introduction to Engineering, while your chemistry studies introduce you to the core concepts of your science major. Subjects like Electrical Engineering Fundamentals, Mathematics 1, and Introductory Statistics make sure you’re ready to tackle challenges in both disciplines.

Year 2
In the second year, you start applying what you’ve learned. Engineering units such as Materials and Manufacturing 1 and Engineering Innovation and Ethics give you insight into real-world design problems, while Programming Fundamentals and chemistry courses let you experiment and analyse scientific phenomena. You’ll also begin seeing how engineering and chemistry can work together in practical ways.

Year 3
Year three is where things get hands-on. Projects like Engineering Project or Engineering Honours Thesis 2 help you develop teamwork and problem-solving skills, while your science units take your chemistry knowledge deeper. This is the stage where you start thinking and working like a professional in both fields.

Years 4–5
The final years bring it all together. You’ll focus on advanced engineering concepts and in-depth chemistry studies, working on honours research, design projects, or capstone experiences that simulate real industry challenges. By the time you graduate, you’ll be confident and ready to step straight into your career.

Focus Areas

Engineering fundamentals, Chemistry, Materials Science, Design & Analysis, Project Management, Scientific Investigation

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the degree, you’ll be able to tackle complex engineering and chemistry problems, apply scientific and design principles, communicate effectively, collaborate in teams, and approach challenges with critical thinking and integrity.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This is an AQF Level 8 Bachelor Honours degree, and the engineering component is fully recognised by Engineers Australia, giving you strong professional credibility and options for global career opportunities.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

ECU is ranked among the top young universities in the world under 50 years old, and its high teaching quality and student satisfaction ratings ensure you’ll graduate well-prepared for the workforce.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At ECU, you won’t just learn engineering and chemistry from textbooks — you’ll be actively doing it. From your very first year, you’ll get hands-on experience in modern labs, work on real projects, and develop the skills employers are looking for. The program is designed so you can combine teamwork, problem-solving, and practical know-how, while also exploring research opportunities and connecting with industry:

Hands-on engineering labs: Use ECU’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the 3D Printer Makerspace, Advanced Manufacturing Lab, and Advanced Instrumentation and Measurement Lab, to practice designing, measuring, and building real-world solutions.
Chemistry and science labs: Access dedicated labs for chemistry and analytical work, where you’ll analyse materials, run experiments, and deepen your understanding of chemical processes.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Gain real industry experience through structured placements where you’ll work on meaningful projects and tasks relevant to your degree.
Team projects and industry connections: Collaborate on design projects and industry-linked work, building teamwork, communication, and professional networks along the way.
Research-focused environments: Explore cutting-edge topics in the Centre for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (CAMM), where students and researchers investigate innovations like 3D printing and advanced materials.
Modern campus facilities: Study at the Joondalup campus in a purpose-built science and engineering building that supports both learning and research.
Digital tools and library resources: Make use of ECU’s library, software tools, and academic skills workshops, which help you get the most from your hands-on learning and group projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this double degree gives you a powerful mix of skills in both engineering and chemistry, making you highly adaptable and ready for a range of careers. You could step straight into roles like Chemical Engineer, Design Engineer, Process Engineer, or Environmental Engineer, where your combined understanding of science and practical engineering will set you apart:

Career support at ECU: The Careers and Employability team helps you every step of the way — from personalised advice and resume checks to interview prep, job search guidance, and access to CareerHub, where employers post internships, placements, and graduate roles.
Hands-on industry experience: Many units include Work Integrated Learning (WIL), giving you real-world exposure and a chance to connect with employers while you’re still studying.
Networking and industry events: ECU hosts career fairs like the Get Connected Careers Fair, where you can meet professionals, explore internship opportunities, and start building your professional network early.
Graduate outcomes and earning potential: Engineering and science graduates from ECU are in high demand, with strong employment rates and competitive starting salaries, reflecting the value of your combined skills.
Accreditation and long-term credibility: This is an AQF Level 8 Bachelor Honours degree, and the engineering component is recognised by Engineers Australia, giving you professional credibility both in Australia and internationally.
Industry partnerships: ECU works closely with companies across engineering and science, meaning your learning and placements align with real workplace needs, helping you hit the ground running after graduation.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to go further, this degree sets you up perfectly for postgraduate study. You could pursue a Master of Engineering or Master of Engineering Management to specialise in your field, or a Master of Science or research-focused pathway if you’re drawn to laboratory work or academic research. For those aiming even higher, a PhD could let you lead projects, make discoveries, and become a recognised expert in chemistry or engineering.