Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Chemical Engineering) / Master of Biomedical Engineering

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) / Master of Biomedical Engineering at University of New South Wales is an integrated program that combines core chemical engineering training with advanced biomedical engineering study at postgraduate level. It is designed for students who want to work at the intersection of engineering, biology, healthcare innovation, and medical technologies.

Students develop strong chemical engineering foundations before progressing into specialised biomedical engineering areas such as medical devices, biomaterials, and biomedical systems design.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students begin with foundational engineering and science subjects such as Chemistry for Engineers, Engineering Mathematics 1A & 1B, and Introduction to Engineering Design and Innovation. This year builds essential problem-solving skills and introduces both chemical and biomedical engineering thinking.

Year 2

Year two develops core chemical engineering knowledge through subjects such as Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Materials Science for Engineers, alongside introductory life sciences relevant to biomedical applications. Students begin linking engineering principles with biological systems.

Year 3

Students progress into specialised chemical engineering subjects such as Reaction Engineering, Separation Processes, and Process Systems Analysis, while also exploring biomedical engineering fundamentals. This stage strengthens analytical and systems-based engineering capability.

Year 4

Year four transitions into advanced chemical engineering design and early postgraduate-level biomedical engineering study, including subjects such as Process Control Engineering and Biomedical Engineering Fundamentals. Students engage in design projects that integrate engineering with medical and biological systems.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete the Master of Biomedical Engineering coursework and capstone research project, focusing on areas such as biomedical device design, biomaterials, and clinical engineering applications. This year emphasises industry-ready biomedical innovation and advanced engineering research.

Focus Areas

Chemical engineering systems, biomedical engineering, biomaterials, medical devices, process engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, reaction engineering, systems design, biomedical innovation, engineering mathematics.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design and analyse complex chemical and biomedical systems, integrating engineering principles with biological and medical sciences. They develop advanced technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills applicable to healthcare technology, biomedical innovation, and engineering industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The chemical engineering component of this integrated degree is aligned with professional engineering accreditation pathways in Australia, supporting progression toward recognition as a professional engineer through appropriate postgraduate or competency-based routes.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

University of New South Wales is globally recognised as a leading university for engineering and medical-related innovation, consistently ranked among the world’s top institutions for engineering education, research impact, and graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At University of New South Wales, this integrated Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Master of Biomedical Engineering program is designed around intensive, hands-on learning that connects advanced engineering practice with biomedical innovation. Students gain practical experience from the early years through laboratories, design studios, and progressively more complex research and industry-style projects that reflect real engineering and healthcare challenges. The learning experience is highly applied, with strong emphasis on experimentation, simulation, and collaborative problem-solving:

Chemical Engineering Laboratories : Students conduct practical experiments in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, reaction engineering, and materials science to understand industrial-scale and biomedical-relevant systems.
Biomedical Engineering Teaching Labs : Dedicated facilities support learning in biomaterials, biomechanics, medical device prototyping, and physiological system analysis.
Industry-Standard Engineering Simulation Software : Students use professional modelling tools for chemical processes, biomedical systems simulation, and engineering design analysis.
Medical Technology and Prototyping Tools : Hands-on development of biomedical devices and systems using engineering design and fabrication technologies.
Integrated Engineering Design Projects : Group-based projects combine chemical engineering principles with biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems, tissue engineering concepts, and medical device design.
Clinical and Industry-Informed Learning Activities : Students engage with real-world biomedical engineering challenges informed by healthcare and industry needs.
Final-Year Master’s Research Project (Biomedical Engineering) : An advanced capstone experience where students complete independent or industry-linked research in biomedical innovation or engineering systems.
Engineering Innovation and Design Studios : Collaborative environments for brainstorming, prototyping, and testing engineering and biomedical solutions.
Research-Active Learning Environment : Students learn alongside academics involved in cutting-edge research in biomedical engineering, chemical systems, and materials science.
University Libraries and Digital Research Resources : Access to extensive engineering, biomedical science, and clinical research databases, journals, and technical standards.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration Opportunities : Students work across chemical engineering and biomedical engineering disciplines to solve complex healthcare and industrial problems.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the integrated Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Master of Biomedical Engineering at University of New South Wales are highly equipped for careers at the intersection of engineering, healthcare, and biotechnology innovation. They are prepared to contribute to the development of medical technologies, pharmaceutical systems, biomaterials, and advanced industrial processes that directly impact health and quality of life.

Typical roles include Biomedical Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Medical Device Engineer, Biomaterials Specialist, and Research & Development Engineer working across healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and advanced manufacturing sectors:

UNSW Engineering & Biomedical Career Development Services : Students receive tailored employability support including internship placements, career coaching, industry networking events, and technical interview preparation.
Strong Industry and Healthcare Sector Connections : UNSW maintains collaborations with engineering firms, hospitals, biomedical companies, and research institutes, enabling exposure to real clinical and industrial challenges.
High Graduate Employability Outcomes : UNSW engineering graduates are consistently recognised for strong employment outcomes in Australia and internationally due to their technical depth and applied experience.
Professional Engineering Accreditation Pathway : The Chemical Engineering component supports progression toward professional recognition as an accredited engineer in Australia, with biomedical engineering strengthening specialist career pathways.
Integrated Work-Ready Training : The program’s combination of chemical and biomedical engineering ensures graduates are prepared for multidisciplinary problem-solving in real-world environments.
Research and Innovation Leadership Environment : Students benefit from a research-intensive university environment with strengths in biomedical engineering, materials science, and chemical systems.
Global Career Opportunities : The qualification is internationally recognised, supporting mobility across healthcare, engineering, and technology sectors worldwide.
Advanced Interdisciplinary Skill Set : Graduates develop expertise in systems thinking, biomedical innovation, chemical process design, and engineering problem-solving.

Salary outcomes vary by role and industry, but graduates in biomedical and chemical engineering fields typically access strong earning potential, particularly in healthcare technology, pharmaceuticals, and advanced engineering sectors, with long-term growth driven by specialist technical expertise.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may pursue postgraduate study such as Master of Engineering Science, Master of Biomedical Engineering (advanced specialisation), Master of Public Health (for healthcare system pathways), or research degrees including Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and PhD programs in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, biomaterials, or medical technology innovation.