Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Chemical Engineering) / Science (Computer Science)

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) / Science (Computer Science) at University of New South Wales is a highly interdisciplinary double degree that combines chemical engineering systems with advanced computing and software science. It is designed for students who want to solve complex industrial, technological, and data-driven problems using both engineering principles and computational intelligence.

Students gain deep expertise in chemical engineering alongside strong foundations in algorithms, programming, and computer science, preparing them for careers in engineering innovation, software-driven industry solutions, and emerging technology fields.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students begin with foundational subjects such as Chemistry for Engineers, Engineering Mathematics 1A & 1B, and Programming Fundamentals in Computer Science. This year builds core scientific reasoning, mathematical skills, and introductory programming knowledge.

Year 2

Year two introduces core chemical engineering and computing concepts, including Data Structures and Algorithms, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Object-Oriented Programming. Students begin applying computational thinking to engineering problems.

Year 3

In the third year, students progress into Reaction Engineering, Separation Processes, Systems Programming, and Database Systems. This stage integrates chemical engineering systems with advanced computer science applications.

Year 4

Year four focuses on advanced engineering and computing integration through subjects such as Process Control Engineering, Software Engineering Design, and Machine Learning Fundamentals (Engineering Applications). Students work on increasingly complex interdisciplinary design projects.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete advanced electives and a major Engineering Honours Thesis or Capstone Project combined with computing-focused research. This year emphasises innovation at the intersection of chemical systems and computer science.

Focus Areas

Chemical engineering systems, computer science, programming, algorithms, data structures, process engineering, systems modelling, software engineering, machine learning applications, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, computational engineering.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design, analyse, and optimise chemical engineering systems while also developing computational and software-based solutions to complex engineering problems. They develop strong skills in programming, systems thinking, data analysis, and engineering design for technology-driven industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The chemical engineering component aligns with Australian engineering accreditation pathways, supporting progression toward professional recognition as an engineer through Engineers Australia requirements and further professional development.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

University of New South Wales is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities for engineering and computer science, recognised globally for research excellence, industry collaboration, and strong graduate employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

University of New South Wales’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) / Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) is built around the idea that you don’t just study engineering and computing — you work like an engineer and computer scientist from day one. Across both faculties, students move between advanced labs, industry-style design studios, and real research environments where theory is constantly tested against real-world problems. You’ll be coding, modelling processes, running simulations, and working in teams on multidisciplinary projects that mirror what happens in industry. UNSW also strongly integrates industry exposure through internships, capstone projects, and collaboration with external partners, helping you graduate with both technical depth and practical confidence.

Experiential learning at UNSW in this dual degree looks like:

Advanced Engineering Laboratories : Hands-on chemical engineering labs in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, reaction engineering, and process control where you operate real industrial-scale equipment and simulation systems.
Computer Science Workstations & Software Tools : Access to industry-standard development environments (e.g., Python, Java, C++, cloud computing platforms, AI/ML toolkits, and data systems used in modern software engineering workflows).
UNSW Engineering Design & Project Studios : Collaborative spaces where you work in teams on open-ended engineering problems, prototype solutions, and present designs like in professional engineering firms.
Research-Active Facilities & Institutes : Opportunities to engage with UNSW’s research culture through engineering and science institutes, where students can assist or contribute to real research projects alongside academics.
Industry-Focused Capstone Projects : Final-year integrated projects where you solve real problems for industry partners — often involving chemical process optimisation or software system design.
Internships & Industry Placements : Structured opportunities to gain work experience in engineering firms, technology companies, and research organisations, building employability before graduation.
High-Performance Computing & Data Systems : For computer science components, access to computing infrastructure for software development, AI modelling, simulation, and large-scale data analysis.
Group-Based Interdisciplinary Learning : Regular team projects combining chemical engineering + computer science thinking — for example, modelling industrial processes with software systems or automating engineering workflows.
Specialised University Libraries & Learning Hubs : Engineering and science-focused library collections, digital databases, and study spaces designed for technical research and collaborative learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the University of New South Wales Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) / Science (Computer Science) means stepping into two high-demand disciplines at once — giving you a strong edge in both engineering systems design and computational problem-solving. Graduates typically move into roles where engineering meets technology, such as process optimisation, software-driven engineering solutions, and data-informed industrial systems: common career paths include Chemical Process Engineer, Software Engineer, Data/Systems Analyst, and Automation/Control Engineer.

Career progression & industry outcomes:

University careers & employability support: UNSW Careers & Employability service provides one-on-one career coaching, employer networking events, resume/interview support, and access to global internship listings specifically for engineering and computer science students.
Employment outcomes & salary trends: UNSW engineering and computer science graduates consistently report strong full-time employment outcomes in national graduate surveys, with graduates in engineering and tech fields typically entering roles aligned with above-average starting salaries in Australia’s STEM sector (especially in software, energy, and industrial engineering sectors).
Industry partnerships & real-world pathways: Students benefit from UNSW’s strong connections with major engineering, energy, consulting, and technology organisations, supporting internships, capstone projects, and recruitment pipelines into industry.
Professional accreditation value: The Engineering Honours component is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting global recognition and professional engineering registration pathways; the computer science component is aligned with Australian Computer Society (ACS) standards, strengthening credibility in global tech careers.
Graduation outcomes: The dual degree structure equips graduates with hybrid capability — combining chemical engineering systems thinking with advanced computing and software development skills, making them highly adaptable across traditional engineering and emerging digital industries.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, students can continue into Honours research extensions, Master of Engineering, Master of Engineering Science, Master of Computer Science, or specialised postgraduate programs in areas such as data science, artificial intelligence, process engineering, or sustainable energy systems. For those pursuing academia or high-level research, progression into a PhD pathway is also available through UNSW’s research-intensive engineering and science faculties.