Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Science(Chemistry)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Swinburne is a 5-year double degree that combines hands-on engineering skills with in-depth chemistry knowledge. It’s perfect for students who enjoy solving real-world problems, designing solutions, and exploring the science behind materials and processes.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year sets a solid foundation in both engineering and chemistry. You’ll dive into Humanitarian Engineering Design Project and Engineering Materials while also exploring Introduction to Chemistry and Chemistry 1. This combination gives you the essential skills to think like an engineer and a scientist from day one.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll build on that foundation with more specialised subjects. Engineering units like Calculus and Applications and Linear Algebra and Applications sharpen your problem-solving skills, while chemistry courses such as Analytical and Forensic Chemistry and Spectroscopy and Instrumentation develop your lab and analytical expertise. You’ll start connecting theory to practical applications in both fields.

Year 3:
Year three introduces more advanced topics and applied learning. In engineering, you’ll work on projects that challenge your creativity, while chemistry units like Investigative Organic Chemistry and Advanced Analytical Chemistry give you a deeper understanding of chemical structures and reactions. This is where you start seeing how chemistry supports engineering innovations.

Year 4:
The fourth year is all about applying your knowledge in real-world contexts. Engineering capstone projects allow you to design and test solutions, while chemistry units such as Inorganic Chemistry and Surface and Colloid Chemistry explore materials at interfaces — essential for industries like coatings, nanotechnology, and materials science.

Year 5:
In your final year, you’ll consolidate your skills through advanced projects. You’ll tackle Computational and Advanced Organic Chemistry while leading engineering design projects, giving you hands-on experience in both experimental and computational methods. By the end, you’ll be ready for a career in industry, research, or further study.

Focus areas

Engineering fundamentals, chemistry (analytical, organic, inorganic), materials science, laboratory techniques, process design, problem solving, project-based learning.

Learning outcomes

You’ll graduate with practical engineering design skills, strong chemistry knowledge, the ability to conduct rigorous lab research, and the confidence to apply modern tools to solve real-world problems.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, giving your degree international recognition, while the chemistry side aligns with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) standards.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Swinburne is highly regarded for graduate employability and research quality, with strong national and international recognition in engineering and science, and excellent graduate outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swinburne, this double degree is all about learning by doing. From day one, you’ll get hands-on experience in both engineering and chemistry, working in real laboratories, collaborating on projects, and tackling challenges just like professionals do. The program is designed so you build practical skills, gain confidence, and develop a portfolio of experience that makes you job-ready:

Industry-linked projects: Every semester, you’ll work on real-world projects connected to current engineering and science challenges, giving you the chance to apply your learning outside the classroom.
Hands-on chemistry labs: You’ll practice safe chemical handling, run experiments, analyse data, and produce technical reports — all essential skills for research or industry roles.
Engineering workshops and design labs: Access to modern workshops and collaborative design spaces allows you to work with professional tools and methods used in the field.
Internships and placements: You can undertake industry placements or internships, building professional connections and experience while earning credit for your degree.
Advanced research facilities: Swinburne offers state-of-the-art chemistry and engineering labs, including characterisation labs, advanced manufacturing spaces, and biotechnology facilities for real-world problem solving.
Libraries and study spaces: The campus libraries are fully equipped with print and digital resources, collaborative spaces, and expert support to help you succeed in both coursework and research projects.

These experiences make sure that by the time you graduate, you’re not just theoretically knowledgeable — you’re ready to step straight into professional roles in engineering, chemistry, or interdisciplinary careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this double degree leave Swinburne with a powerful mix of engineering and chemistry skills that employers love, ready to take on careers where problem-solving and technical know-how go hand in hand. You could become a chemical engineer, materials engineer, product development scientist, or research and process engineer — roles where your unique combination of skills really makes you stand out:

Tailored career support: Swinburne’s Careers & Employability team helps you every step of the way, with one-on-one career guidance, resume and interview coaching, workshops, and networking events that connect you with employers in engineering and science.
Strong employability: Many Swinburne graduates move straight into professional roles after finishing their degrees, with starting salaries reflecting the real-world skills and industry experience you gain during your studies.
Industry connections: The university has strong partnerships with engineering firms, research centres, and technology companies, giving you access to internships, project collaborations, and work placements that often lead directly to job offers.
Accredited and recognised: Your engineering degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, giving it national and international recognition, while your chemistry training aligns with professional standards, making your qualification highly respected in both fields.
Flexible career pathways: Whether you want to work in energy, advanced manufacturing, environmental technology, or chemical research, this degree prepares you for a wide range of exciting and in-demand roles.

Further Academic Progression:

After graduating, you can continue your studies to specialise even further. Many students pursue a Master of Engineering for advanced technical leadership, a Master of Science (Chemistry) for research-focused roles, or an Honours year/PhD if they’re interested in academic or industry research. These pathways help you develop deeper expertise and open doors to higher-level, specialised careers.