Engineering and Pharmaceutical Science

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Monash University

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by both how medicines are developed and the engineering behind producing them at scale, the Engineering and Pharmaceutical Science (5-year) double degree at Monash University is designed for you. This degree combines chemical engineering and pharmaceutical science, giving you the skills to design, develop, and manufacture medicines safely and efficiently — preparing you for a career where science meets real-world impact.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in both science and engineering. You’ll study units like Human Physiology, Medical Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry to understand how medicines work in the body, while also learning core engineering concepts and problem-solving skills.

Year 2
Your second year dives deeper into chemical engineering and pharmaceutical science. You’ll explore Advanced Engineering Mathematics, Mechanics of Fluids, and Chemical Thermodynamics, alongside pharmaceutical units that help you understand drug formulation and analysis. Practical exercises let you apply your learning to real-world scenarios.

Year 3
By year three, you’ll start integrating both disciplines. You’ll study Applied Pharmaceutical Science and formulation units, while advanced engineering courses teach you how to design and optimise processes for industrial use. Hands-on projects help you see how science and engineering come together in practice.

Year 4
In year four, you’ll focus on advanced engineering topics such as Process Design, Reaction Engineering, and Process Control. You’ll develop the ability to design safe and efficient industrial systems, gaining skills directly applicable to pharmaceutical manufacturing and chemical industries.

Year 5
Your final year brings everything together with capstone projects and professional placements. You’ll apply your knowledge from lab-scale formulations to full-scale process design, preparing you to confidently enter professional roles in engineering, pharmaceuticals, or related industries.

Focus areas

Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science, Process Design, Industrial Manufacturing, Product Development

Learning outcomes

Design and optimise industrial processes, develop and analyse pharmaceutical formulations, integrate science and engineering principles across projects, communicate effectively, and work confidently in multidisciplinary teams

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The engineering stream is accredited by Engineers Australia, while the pharmaceutical science training aligns with Monash’s world-class pharmacy programs, giving you the skills and experience needed for professional practice in both industries.

Reputation

Monash University is highly regarded globally — ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide, with its Pharmacy and Pharmacology subjects consistently ranked among the best internationally. This ensures your qualification is respected by employers and opens doors across engineering and pharmaceutical industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Monash University, the Engineering and Pharmaceutical Science double degree is designed so you’re learning by doing from day one. You won’t just sit in lectures — you’ll get hands-on experience in world-class labs, work with real industry equipment, and tackle projects that mirror the challenges of pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Along the way, you’ll gain professional skills, complete industry placements, and build confidence to step straight into a career after graduation:

Here’s how you’ll experience practical learning:

World-class labs and research facilities – Get hands-on with advanced chemical synthesis, biological analysis, and pharmaceutical formulation equipment, just like professional researchers at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Clayton engineering facilities – Learn in dynamic workshops, fabrication labs, and the Chemical Student Pilot Plant, where you’ll design, test, and optimise real-world processes.
Industry placements and professional development – Complete hundreds of hours of structured work experience through internships, vacation placements, or professional projects, helping you build your resume while still studying.
Professional practice units – Participate in Professional Practice (Industry Experience) units that give structured workplace exposure and credit towards your degree.
Student societies and networking – Join groups like the Engineering & Pharmaceutical Science Society to meet peers, alumni, and industry professionals, attend mentoring events, and get advice from people who’ve been where you want to go.
Cross-campus learning – Benefit from both the Parkville campus, nestled in the biomedical precinct, and the Clayton campus, giving you access to cutting-edge facilities across science and engineering.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Monash’s Engineering and Pharmaceutical Science double degree leave university ready to make an impact in both the pharmaceutical and engineering sectors. Many go on to work as Process Engineers, Pharmaceutical Development Scientists, Manufacturing Engineers, or Quality Assurance Specialists, applying their combined skills to develop, optimise, and manufacture life-changing medicines and processes. With a strong mix of scientific knowledge, engineering expertise, hands-on experience, and professional skills, you’ll be prepared for meaningful work in industry, research, and product development.

Here’s how Monash supports you along the way:

Tailored career support: The Careers, Employability and Employment team offers one-on-one career guidance, CV and interview workshops, employer networking events, and STEM-focused job boards to help you connect with opportunities early.
Strong employment prospects: Graduates from this double degree enjoy high employability, with many stepping into roles in pharmaceutical companies, chemical manufacturing, process design, or research soon after graduation. Starting salaries for engineering and STEM graduates are competitive, often around AUD 70,000+.
Industry connections: Through professional placements, internships, and faculty-run industry projects, you’ll gain exposure to employers, build your professional network, and experience real-world challenges before graduation.
Accreditation with value: The engineering component is accredited under international standards such as the Washington Accord, while the pharmaceutical science training reflects Monash’s world-class expertise, giving your degree strong recognition both in Australia and globally.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni work in pharmaceutical development, process engineering, quality assurance, product manufacturing, regulatory roles, and research, and many use this degree as a stepping stone toward leadership positions or further study.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, you can continue to advance professionally and academically. Many graduates pursue a Master of Chemical Engineering or Master of Engineering to specialise further, or a Master of Pharmaceutical Science if they want to deepen their expertise in drug development. Research-focused graduates may also undertake a PhD in engineering or pharmaceutical sciences, opening doors to leadership roles in research, academia, or high-level industry positions. These pathways give you flexibility to shape your career in engineering, pharmaceuticals, or both.