Bachelors of Engineering (Honours)(Chemical Engineering) / Design

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) and Design dual degree at The University of Queensland combines advanced chemical engineering knowledge with creative design thinking, preparing students to develop innovative industrial, environmental, and product-based solutions. This program is ideal for students who want to combine technical engineering problem-solving with user-centred design, sustainability, digital creativity, and innovation-driven industries.

Our campuses: St Lucia | Gatton | Herston | Dutton Park

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students establish strong foundations in engineering, mathematics, chemistry, and design thinking. Core studies typically include Engineering Modelling and Problem Solving, Calculus and Linear Algebra, and Introduction to Design, alongside foundational science and visual communication subjects. Students begin developing analytical, technical, and creative problem-solving skills.

Year 2

Year 2 introduces key chemical engineering systems while strengthening practical design capabilities. Students study engineering subjects such as Thermodynamics, Fluid and Particle Mechanics, and Material & Energy Balances, while design studies may include Design Studio Practice and Digital Design Methods. This year focuses on integrating engineering functionality with user-focused and sustainable design principles.

Year 3

In the third year, students move into advanced engineering and design applications. Engineering courses include Heat and Mass Transfer, Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Process Dynamics and Control, while design learning may involve Interaction Design, Visual Communication, or Design Research. Students begin applying creative design approaches to industrial systems and engineering challenges.

Year 4

The fourth year emphasises professional engineering design, sustainability, and interdisciplinary project work. Students undertake advanced engineering units such as Process Design and Safety, Separation Processes, and Sustainable Process Engineering, while design electives explore innovation, digital media, or human-centred design strategies. Collaborative project-based learning becomes a major focus.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete a substantial Engineering Honours Thesis and Design Project, integrating chemical engineering expertise with innovative design approaches to solve real-world industrial or environmental problems. This year strengthens leadership, research, communication, and systems-thinking capabilities.

Focus Areas:

Chemical process engineering, sustainable design, industrial innovation, process optimisation, human-centred design, systems engineering, digital design, and environmental technologies.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop expertise in chemical engineering systems and creative design methodologies, enabling them to design efficient, sustainable, and user-focused industrial solutions across engineering and innovation sectors.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Chemical Engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition and supporting pathways toward professional engineering registration globally.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

The University of Queensland is internationally recognised for excellence in engineering, innovation, and interdisciplinary education, with strong graduate employability outcomes and global research strengths across engineering and design-related industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At The University of Queensland, the Chemical Engineering and Design dual degree gives students hands-on experience in both industrial engineering systems and creative design environments. Students develop practical skills through laboratory experimentation, engineering design projects, digital prototyping, and collaborative studio-based learning where technical performance and user-centred innovation are combined. The program encourages students to solve real-world engineering and sustainability challenges using both analytical engineering methods and modern design thinking approaches:

Experiential Learning (engineering labs, design studios, digital tools, and industry-connected projects):

Chemical Engineering Laboratories : Practical training in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, reaction engineering, process control, and heat transfer using pilot-scale industrial systems and chemical processing equipment.
Design Studios & Creative Project Spaces : Studio-based learning environments where students develop visual communication, product concepts, user-centred design strategies, and innovative engineering solutions.
Engineering Simulation Software : Students use professional engineering tools such as MATLAB, Aspen Plus, and process modelling software for process simulation, optimisation, and systems analysis.
Digital Design & Prototyping Tools : Exposure to digital design platforms, modelling technologies, and visual communication tools used for concept development and engineering design presentation.
Collaborative Interdisciplinary Projects : Team-based projects combining chemical engineering systems with sustainable design, industrial innovation, and problem-solving methodologies.
Engineering Design Studios & Innovation Spaces : Dedicated collaborative workspaces where students prototype, develop, and present technical and creative solutions in project teams.
Industry Engagement & Professional Practice : Opportunities to participate in engineering industry seminars, networking events, design-focused workshops, and industry-connected learning experiences.
Research-Integrated Learning : Access to UQ’s research-active environments focused on sustainability, advanced manufacturing, process optimisation, and innovative engineering technologies.
UQ Library & Digital Research Resources : Access to engineering databases, design journals, technical standards, digital media resources, and scientific publications supporting both engineering and design learning.
Honours Thesis & Capstone Project : Final-year students complete a substantial engineering and design project integrating technical engineering expertise with creative innovation to address real industrial or environmental challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) and Design dual degree at The University of Queensland graduate with a unique combination of technical engineering expertise and creative design capability, making them highly valuable across innovation-driven industries. The program prepares students for careers such as Chemical Engineer, Process Design Engineer, Sustainability & Innovation Consultant, and Industrial Systems Designer, particularly in sectors focused on advanced manufacturing, clean energy, product development, and sustainable technologies.

Career progression & industry outcomes:

UQ employability services: Students receive support through UQ’s employability programs including career coaching, engineering employer networking events, internship preparation, graduate recruitment workshops, portfolio development support, and interview training.
Employment outcomes & median salary: UQ reports that chemical engineering graduates commonly enter industries with an average annual salary range of approximately AUD $95,000–$115,000, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, environmental engineering, and industrial processing.
Industry partnerships & practical exposure: Students benefit from UQ’s strong industry engagement through engineering projects, employer seminars, design innovation activities, and networking opportunities with organisations across engineering, sustainability, and technology sectors.
Professional accreditation value: The Chemical Engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting international recognition and pathways toward professional engineering registration globally.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates develop advanced capabilities in engineering systems, sustainable design, industrial optimisation, creative problem-solving, and innovation management, enabling them to work in both technical and interdisciplinary design-focused roles.
Global reputation & rankings: The University of Queensland is internationally recognised for engineering excellence and research innovation, with strong global rankings and graduate employability outcomes across engineering and technology disciplines.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, students may continue into postgraduate pathways such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Engineering Science, Master of Design, Master of Sustainable Energy, or research degrees (MPhil/PhD). These programs allow students to specialise further in areas such as advanced process engineering, industrial innovation, sustainable systems, digital design technologies, and engineering research.