Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Chemical & Sustainable Process Major / Bioprocess Eng)/Master of Advanced Manufacturing

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Queensland University of Technology

Program Overview

This integrated degree combines chemical and sustainable process engineering with bioprocess engineering and an advanced master’s in manufacturing, preparing students to design next-generation industrial systems across biotech, energy, and advanced production sectors. It is ideal for students who want to work in high-impact industries such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, renewable energy, biotechnology, and smart manufacturing.

Campus: Gardens Point Campus, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Curriculum Structure

First Year

In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in engineering principles, chemistry, biology basics, and mathematics. Core units typically include Engineering Mathematics, Introduction to Engineering Practice, and Chemical Engineering Fundamentals, alongside science subjects such as General Chemistry and Biological Systems Foundations. This year focuses on developing analytical thinking, lab skills, and an introduction to both chemical and biological engineering systems.

Second Year

The second year develops core technical knowledge in chemical, sustainable, and biological process systems. Students study units such as Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals, and Process Engineering Principles. This stage helps students understand how chemical and biological systems are designed, controlled, and optimised in industrial environments.

Third Year

In the third year, students move into advanced engineering and bioprocess applications. Engineering units include Reaction Engineering, Separation Processes, and Process Control, while bioprocess-focused subjects explore Bioreactor Design, Industrial Biotechnology, and Fermentation Technology. Students begin integrating sustainability and manufacturing concepts into process design projects.

Fourth Year

The fourth year focuses on advanced chemical, biological, and sustainable manufacturing systems. Students study Sustainable Process Design, Advanced Bioprocess Engineering, and Industrial Systems Engineering, while also beginning master’s-level coursework in advanced manufacturing. This year emphasises optimisation of large-scale production systems and environmentally responsible engineering design.

Fifth Year

In the final year, students complete advanced master’s-level studies in Advanced Manufacturing Systems, Smart Production Technologies, and Industry 4.0 Applications, alongside a major capstone project. The project integrates chemical, biological, and manufacturing engineering to solve real-world industrial challenges in biotechnology or sustainable production systems.

Focus Areas:

Chemical process engineering, bioprocess engineering, sustainable manufacturing, industrial biotechnology, advanced manufacturing systems, process optimisation, renewable production systems, biochemical engineering, and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop the ability to design and optimise chemical and biological production systems, apply sustainable engineering principles, manage advanced manufacturing processes, and contribute to innovation in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, energy, and smart industrial systems.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Engineering (Honours) component is aligned with Engineers Australia accreditation standards, supporting professional recognition. The Master of Advanced Manufacturing enhances industry relevance through applied, research-informed learning in modern manufacturing systems and emerging technologies.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Queensland University of Technology is internationally recognised for strong graduate employability, applied STEM education, and industry-connected learning. It consistently performs well in QS World University Rankings for employer reputation and practical, industry-focused graduate outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At QUT, experiential learning is central to this program, with students continuously applying chemical, biological, and manufacturing engineering concepts in real laboratory and industry-style environments. You’ll gain hands-on experience in process design, bioprocess systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies using modern engineering facilities and digital simulation tools. The program is strongly industry-oriented, ensuring students build practical skills through research-linked projects, teamwork, and exposure to real production systems in biotechnology and manufacturing sectors:

Chemical and bioprocess engineering laboratories: practical training in reaction systems, fermentation processes, bioreactor design, fluid mechanics, and process optimisation
QUT Science and Engineering Centre (SEC): modern collaborative STEM facility supporting engineering design, bioprocess experimentation, and manufacturing innovation projects
Advanced Manufacturing research and learning environments: exposure to Industry 4.0 systems, smart manufacturing technologies, automation, and digital production methods
Process modelling and simulation software tools: industry-standard platforms used for chemical process design, bioprocess simulation, and manufacturing system optimisation
Central Analytical Research Facility (CARF): advanced instrumentation for chemical analysis, materials testing, and biotechnology research applications
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): structured internships and industry placements with biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturing organisations, and energy sectors
Capstone integrated engineering projects: final-year projects combining chemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, and advanced manufacturing solutions for real-world challenges
Interdisciplinary group projects: collaborative learning across engineering, biotechnology, and manufacturing disciplines to simulate real industrial teamwork
QUT Library (Gardens Point): access to engineering journals, biotechnology research databases, manufacturing standards, and scientific publications
Industry-linked applied research projects: collaboration with industry partners focusing on sustainable production, biomanufacturing, and advanced industrial systems

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program are prepared for high-impact careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable industrial systems, where they design and optimise chemical and biological production processes. You can move into specialised roles such as Bioprocess Engineer, Process Engineer, Manufacturing Systems Engineer, and Industrial Biotechnology Specialist, working across emerging clean-tech and high-tech production industries:

QUT Career and Employability Services: personalised career coaching, interview preparation, CV development, and access to industry recruitment events and employer networking sessions
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): structured internships and placements with biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, advanced manufacturing firms, and engineering organisations
Graduate employment outcomes & salary range: engineering and biotechnology graduates in Australia typically achieve strong employment outcomes, with starting salaries often around AUD 70,000–100,000+, depending on role, industry, and specialisation
Industry partnerships: QUT collaborates with organisations in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, energy, and advanced manufacturing, supporting applied research projects, internships, and graduate pathways
Professional accreditation value: the Engineering (Honours) qualification is aligned with Engineers Australia accreditation standards, ensuring long-term professional recognition and global career mobility
Future-ready manufacturing expertise: graduates are highly valued for skills in Industry 4.0 systems, sustainable production, and biomanufacturing innovation

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this program, graduates can pursue advanced qualifications such as a Master of Engineering (Bioprocess, Chemical, or Sustainable Engineering specialisations) or research-focused postgraduate study. Those aiming for innovation or academic careers can also progress to Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or PhD pathways, focusing on areas like advanced biomanufacturing, sustainable industrial systems, or next-generation chemical and biological engineering technologies.