Bachelor’s of Engineering (Honours)(Chemical Engineering) and Science

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The University of Western Australia Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) and Bachelor of Science is a 5-year double degree that combines advanced engineering expertise with deep scientific knowledge, preparing students to solve complex global challenges in energy, environment, health, and technology. Delivered at UWA’s Crawley campus on Noongar land in Perth, the program is ideal for students who want a strong foundation in both chemical engineering and scientific disciplines such as chemistry, physics, environmental science, or data-driven research, leading to highly versatile career pathways in industry and innovation.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build essential foundations in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering principles while also beginning their chosen science major. Core units such as Engineering Computation, Chemistry – Structure and Reactivity, and introductory science units help students develop analytical thinking, laboratory skills, and scientific reasoning required for both engineering and science pathways.

Year 2

Second year focuses on core chemical engineering concepts alongside deeper scientific training in the selected science discipline. Students study units such as Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Chemical Process Analysis, while also undertaking science subjects like biology, environmental science, or advanced chemistry to strengthen interdisciplinary understanding.

Year 3

By third year, students progress into advanced engineering systems and scientific modelling. Chemical engineering units such as Heat and Mass Transfer and Chemical Reaction Engineering are paired with higher-level science subjects, allowing students to connect theoretical science with industrial engineering applications and research-based problem solving.

Year 4

Fourth year emphasises specialised chemical engineering design, experimental science, and applied research. Students complete advanced units such as Process Systems Engineering and Process Design and Safety, alongside upper-level science electives that develop expertise in areas like materials science, environmental systems, or computational modelling.

Year 5

In the final year, students undertake honours-level engineering research combined with advanced science investigation. The capstone experience allows students to integrate engineering design with scientific research methods to solve complex real-world challenges in sustainability, energy systems, biotechnology, and industrial innovation.

Focus Areas

Chemical process engineering, scientific research, environmental science, renewable energy, materials science, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, data-driven science, sustainability, industrial innovation, interdisciplinary problem solving

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced engineering and scientific knowledge, design and optimise chemical processes, conduct independent scientific and engineering research, apply interdisciplinary problem-solving skills, analyse complex systems, and integrate science with engineering innovation for real-world applications

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The engineering component of the program is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international professional recognition and eligibility for professional engineer status, while the science component supports pathways into research and scientific industries.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Western Australia is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) and is internationally recognised for excellence in science, engineering, and research. It consistently performs strongly in global rankings such as the QS World University Rankings, reflecting high graduate employability and strong industry and research reputation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in The University of Western Australia’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) and Bachelor of Science develop hands-on, industry-ready skills through a strong mix of engineering laboratories, scientific research training, computational modelling, and interdisciplinary project work. The program is designed so students actively apply both engineering and science knowledge to real-world challenges in areas such as energy systems, environmental solutions, materials development, and industrial innovation. Learning takes place at UWA’s Crawley campus on Noongar land, supported by advanced facilities, research institutes, and modern digital tools that reflect real engineering and scientific workplaces:

Chemical Engineering Teaching Laboratories: Students gain practical experience in fluid flow, heat transfer, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, and process control using industry-standard laboratory equipment.
Science Research Laboratories: Science units provide access to specialist labs for chemistry, environmental science, physics, and materials research, supporting experimental and analytical skill development.
Engineering and Science Computational Tools: Students use professional software such as MATLAB, simulation platforms, and data analysis tools to model engineering systems and analyse scientific data.
Process Design and Simulation Learning: Chemical engineering students work with process modelling and simulation tools used in industry to design and optimise chemical processes.
Group Design and Research Projects: Collaborative projects are embedded across both degrees, allowing students to solve real engineering and scientific problems in teams, often focused on sustainability and innovation.
Honours Research Project: In the final year, students complete an independent research project that integrates chemical engineering and science, often linked to real industry or research challenges.
UWA Science and Engineering Library Resources: Students have access to extensive academic journals, engineering databases, scientific publications, and dedicated study spaces supporting research and coursework.
Centre for Energy and Natural Resources and other UWA research institutes: Students may engage with interdisciplinary research environments focused on energy, sustainability, and resource innovation.
Field and Industry Exposure Opportunities: Science and engineering units may include field-based learning and industry engagement activities related to environmental systems, resource engineering, and applied science contexts.
Collaborative Learning Spaces at Crawley Campus: Modern study environments support teamwork, technical workshops, scientific discussion, and engineering design development in a professional-style setting.
Interdisciplinary Learning Integration: Students regularly combine engineering design thinking with scientific investigation methods, preparing them for complex, multi-disciplinary problem solving in industry and research careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of The University of Western Australia’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) and Bachelor of Science are equipped with a powerful combination of engineering capability and scientific expertise, making them highly sought after across energy, mining, environmental consulting, advanced manufacturing, and research industries. This dual qualification prepares students for versatile and high-impact careers where both technical engineering and scientific analysis are essential. Common career pathways include Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Environmental Scientist, and Energy or Sustainability Consultant:

UWA Careers and Employability Support: Students benefit from the university’s dedicated Careers Centre, which provides one-on-one career counselling, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events, internship guidance, and graduate recruitment support tailored to engineering and science students.
Industry Placements and Practical Experience: Students can access vacation work, internships, and industry-linked project opportunities with organisations across Western Australia’s major sectors, including mining, energy, resources, environmental science, and industrial processing.
Strong Industry Connections: UWA maintains partnerships with leading organisations in the resources, energy, engineering, environmental, and scientific research sectors, helping students gain real-world experience and graduate employment pathways.
Professional Accreditation Value: The engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, enabling graduates to pursue professional engineer status and international recognition through global engineering accreditation agreements.
Research and Innovation Pathways: Students engage with world-class research environments across engineering and science disciplines, gaining exposure to innovation in sustainability, energy systems, materials science, and environmental technologies.
Graduate Employability Outcomes: UWA graduates are recognised for strong technical and analytical skills, with many securing roles in engineering consulting firms, resource companies, environmental agencies, and scientific research organisations.
Median Salary: Engineering and science graduates in Australia commonly achieve competitive early-career salaries, with median starting salaries typically ranging from AUD $80,000–$95,000, particularly in chemical engineering, energy, mining, and industrial science sectors.
Global Career Opportunities: The combination of engineering and science training enables graduates to work internationally in multinational corporations, research institutions, environmental organisations, and advanced technology industries.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this dual degree, graduates can pursue advanced study in both engineering and science fields. Options include a Master of Professional Engineering, Master of Environmental Science, Master of Renewable Energy, or research-focused degrees such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in chemical engineering, materials science, environmental systems, biotechnology, or energy innovation. The dual qualification also provides a strong foundation for careers in academic research, scientific leadership, and advanced engineering innovation roles.