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

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The UNSW Sydney Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Product Engineering) / Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) is a future-focused dual degree that combines advanced chemical engineering with cutting-edge computing and software systems, preparing graduates to work at the intersection of industrial processes, digital technologies, and intelligent systems design. It suits students who are equally interested in engineering innovation and computer science, particularly those aiming to build solutions in automation, data-driven engineering, and digital transformation of industry.

The program is delivered at UNSW’s Kensington Campus in Sydney, Australia, where students study across world-class engineering laboratories, computer science labs, innovation hubs, and interdisciplinary research environments connected to global industry partners.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in mathematics, programming, chemistry, and engineering principles. Core studies typically include Engineering Design and Innovation, Chemistry for Engineers, Programming Fundamentals, and Mathematics 1A. This year develops core problem-solving skills across both engineering systems and computational thinking.

Year 2

Year 2 introduces core chemical engineering and computer science foundations. Engineering subjects include Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Process Engineering Fundamentals, while computing subjects focus on Data Structures and Algorithms. Students begin learning how software systems and engineering processes interact in real-world applications.

Year 3

In Year 3, students progress into advanced chemical engineering and computer science topics. Engineering units include Heat and Mass Transfer, Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Process Systems Engineering, while computer science studies include Database Systems, Software Engineering, and Operating Systems. This year builds strong capability in both industrial systems and digital technologies.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on advanced engineering design and computing applications. Students study Process Control, Process Plant Design, Engineering Project Management, alongside advanced computing subjects such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or Advanced Software Design. Learning becomes highly applied, integrating engineering systems with intelligent computing solutions.

Year 5

The final year focuses on honours-level engineering research and advanced computing integration. Students complete a Chemical Engineering Capstone Project or Thesis alongside a major Computer Science Research or Software Development Project. This stage develops leadership, innovation, and the ability to design complex digital-industrial systems.

Focus Areas

Chemical product engineering, process systems, computational engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, data systems, automation, industrial digitalisation, and sustainable manufacturing systems.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to design and optimise chemical engineering systems while also building advanced software solutions, enabling them to solve complex industrial and technological problems using both engineering and computing approaches. Students gain strong analytical, programming, systems design, and interdisciplinary innovation skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Product Engineering) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition through the Washington Accord.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

UNSW Sydney is globally recognised for excellence in engineering and computer science, consistently ranked among the world’s top universities for technology, engineering, and computing disciplines with strong graduate employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UNSW Sydney, students build real-world engineering and computing capability through hands-on laboratory work, industry-linked design projects, and advanced digital simulation environments. Learning is heavily practice-based, meaning you won’t just study theory—you’ll apply it in engineering pilot plants, computing labs, and interdisciplinary project studios where chemical processes and software systems are designed, tested, and optimised together.

This program is strongly supported by UNSW’s industry-connected learning model, where students complete structured practical training, capstone design projects, and collaborative work with real engineering and tech challenges:

Engineering laboratories & pilot facilities: Hands-on training in chemical engineering labs, including process simulation and experimental systems used for fluid flow, reaction engineering, and separation processes
Computer science & programming labs: Work in dedicated computing environments using languages and tools such as Python, Java, C++, Git, and Linux-based systems for software development and systems engineering
Process simulation & modelling tools: Industry-standard platforms such as MATLAB and chemical process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen-style modelling environments) used for designing and optimising chemical systems
Capstone & group design projects: Final-year multidisciplinary projects combining chemical engineering systems with software solutions, often based on real industry case studies
Industrial Training (Work Integrated Learning): Structured professional experience placement designed to connect students with engineering and technology workplaces before graduation
Research and innovation facilities: Access to UNSW engineering research centres and interdisciplinary labs supporting sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and digital engineering innovation
Kensington Campus learning hubs: Study and collaboration spaces designed for engineering and computing students, supporting team-based problem solving and prototyping

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from UNSW Sydney this dual degree are highly sought after because they combine advanced chemical engineering capability with strong software and computational problem-solving skills. You’ll be prepared to work across traditional engineering industries as well as emerging tech-driven sectors like automation, data engineering, and digital manufacturing.

Typical graduate roles include: process engineer, software engineer, data/automation engineer, and product development engineer working in energy, resources, advanced manufacturing, or technology companies.

Progression is strongly supported by industry-connected learning and career development pathways:

UNSW Careers & Employment Services: Provides one-on-one career coaching, CV/interview support, internship matching, and access to the Jobs Board with engineering and tech employers
Employment outcomes & salary (Australia-wide engineering/CS benchmark): Median starting salaries typically range from A$85,000–A$100,000+ depending on role, with software and data roles often exceeding this range early in career progression
Industry partnerships: UNSW maintains strong links with major engineering, energy, and technology employers such as engineering consultancies, global tech firms, and Australian industry leaders through industry projects and internships
Professional accreditation value: The engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia (Washington Accord), ensuring international recognition and global mobility
Graduation outcomes: Graduates transition into technical engineering roles, software development positions, and hybrid digital-industrial roles combining coding, systems design, and process optimisation

Further Academic Progression:

After graduation, students can continue into specialised postgraduate study such as a Master of Engineering Science, Master of Data Science, Master of Artificial Intelligence, or research-focused Honours/MPhil/PhD pathways at UNSW Sydney, particularly in chemical systems modelling, sustainable engineering, or advanced computing.