Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Business

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

University of Newcastle

Program Overview

The University of Newcastle Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Business combines advanced engineering expertise with commercial and management knowledge, preparing students to lead technical projects, industrial operations, and innovation-focused organisations. This double degree is ideal for students who want to understand both the engineering and business sides of industries such as energy, manufacturing, sustainability, pharmaceuticals, and process engineering.

The program is delivered primarily at the Callaghan Campus in Newcastle, New South Wales, where students access engineering laboratories, collaborative business learning spaces, industry-connected facilities, and modern STEM environments.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build strong foundations in engineering science, mathematics, chemistry, and business principles. You’ll study introductory subjects such as Engineering Mathematics, Chemistry for Engineers, and Foundations of Management and Marketing, developing both technical and commercial understanding. This year introduces how engineering systems operate within broader business and industrial environments.

Year 2

Year 2 develops core technical engineering and business capabilities. Engineering studies typically include Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Heat and Mass Transfer, while business coursework may cover Accounting, Economics, and Organisational Behaviour. Students begin understanding how industrial performance, sustainability, and operational efficiency connect with strategic business decisions.

Year 3

In Year 3, learning becomes increasingly applied and industry-focused. Engineering subjects such as Chemical Reaction Engineering, Process Control, and Separation Processes are combined with business topics including Operations Management and Business Analytics. Students begin integrating engineering problem-solving with project planning and commercial analysis.

Year 4

This year focuses on advanced systems design and leadership capability. Students study areas such as Process Design, Plant Engineering, and Sustainable Engineering Systems, alongside higher-level business units related to strategy, leadership, or supply chain management. Collaborative projects reflect real engineering and industrial management challenges.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete honours-level engineering projects and advanced business studies. Capstone projects often involve solving complex industrial or sustainability problems while considering operational efficiency, financial performance, and organisational impact. Graduates leave with both professional engineering expertise and strong business management capability.

Focus Areas

Chemical process engineering, sustainable manufacturing, industrial management, operations strategy, process optimisation, engineering economics, energy systems, and business leadership.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to design and improve industrial chemical processes while also understanding management, finance, operations, and organisational strategy. You’ll gain strong technical, analytical, leadership, and decision-making skills suited to engineering and business-focused careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Chemical Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting international professional recognition through the Washington Accord.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

University of Newcastle is recognised for strong engineering education, industry engagement, and graduate employability outcomes. The university has a strong reputation for producing industry-ready STEM and business graduates with practical and leadership-oriented skills.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Business at University of Newcastle, practical experience is a core part of the journey — not something optional. Throughout the five years, you’ll apply your engineering and chemistry knowledge in laboratories, industry placements and real business environments. By the time you graduate, you won’t just understand chemical processes and commercial strategy — you’ll have already tested your skills in professional settings.

Here’s how the hands-on experience is built into this degree:

12-week compulsory industrial experience (engineering): As part of your accredited engineering training, you must complete at least 12 weeks of professional practice. This gives you the opportunity to work in real engineering environments — applying process design, chemical systems knowledge and teamwork skills while building industry connections.
Business Work Integrated Learning options: In the Business component, you can undertake structured industry placements or complete industry-led project units such as BUSN3002 Industry Placement or BUSN3004 Career-Ready Industry Led Project Lab, where you solve real challenges for partner organisations.
Specialised engineering laboratories: You’ll train in purpose-built teaching and research labs equipped for chemical and process engineering experiments, gaining practical skills in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, reaction engineering and process systems.
Greater Bank Finance Lab & Marketing Technology Lab: As part of your Business degree, you’ll use dedicated facilities that simulate real financial markets and marketing analytics environments, helping you understand the commercial side of engineering decisions.
Design-focused project work: Throughout the program, especially in senior years, you’ll complete integrated design projects where you apply chemistry, engineering and business knowledge to develop viable process solutions.
Career and internship support: The university’s career services team supports students with placement preparation, resume building, interview training and employer networking — helping you secure meaningful industry experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Newcastle Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Business are equipped with a powerful combination of technical engineering expertise and commercial leadership skills, making them highly attractive to employers across industrial, manufacturing, energy, and consulting sectors. The program prepares students to work not only as engineers, but also as future managers, operations leaders, and strategic decision-makers in technically focused industries.

Typical career pathways include chemical engineer, process engineer, operations manager, project engineer, business analyst, and sustainability consultant.

With strong professional and industry preparation:

Career & Employability Services : Students can access career coaching, interview preparation, networking events, internship support, employer engagement programs, and graduate recruitment services through the university’s employability initiatives.
Industry-Integrated Learning : Engineering design projects, business case studies, honours research, and collaborative assignments help students develop workplace-ready technical and leadership skills.
Industry Partnerships & Connections : The University of Newcastle has strong engagement with organisations across engineering, mining, manufacturing, energy, logistics, and industrial management sectors, supporting graduate employment and applied research opportunities.
Professional Accreditation Advantage : The Chemical Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting international professional recognition through the Washington Accord and enhancing long-term engineering career mobility.
Graduate Employment Outcomes : Graduates are recognised for strong analytical capability, leadership potential, and practical industry skills, supporting opportunities across both technical and managerial roles.
Salary Outlook (Australia – indicative) : Graduates entering chemical engineering and industrial management roles commonly begin with salaries around AUD $70,000–$100,000+ per year, with strong long-term progression into senior engineering, operations, and executive leadership positions.
Leadership & Management Potential : The addition of business studies strengthens capability in project management, operations strategy, entrepreneurship, and organisational leadership within technical industries.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, graduates may continue into advanced study such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Project Management, Master of Sustainable Energy, or PhD research programs. These pathways can lead to advanced technical specialisation, executive leadership roles, consulting careers, or research and innovation positions within engineering and industrial sectors.