Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering)(Honours)/Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

RMIT University

Program Overview

The RMIT Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours) / Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences is a 5-year dual degree that combines advanced chemical engineering knowledge with specialised pharmaceutical science training, preparing graduates to work at the intersection of process engineering, drug development, manufacturing, and biotechnology. Delivered at RMIT’s City Campus (Melbourne) with access to its broader Bundoora campus facilities, this program is ideal for students who want to contribute to the design, production, and optimisation of pharmaceutical products and large-scale chemical processes in global healthcare and industrial sectors.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students develop strong foundations in chemistry, mathematics, biology, and engineering principles while being introduced to pharmaceutical science concepts. Core units such as Chemistry for Engineers, Engineering Mathematics, and introductory pharmaceutical science subjects help students understand both chemical systems and biological processes relevant to drug development.

Year 2

Second year focuses on core chemical engineering principles alongside foundational pharmaceutical sciences. Students study subjects such as Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Material and Energy Balances, while also exploring pharmaceutical units related to drug formulation principles and biological systems, building an integrated understanding of engineering and medicine-related sciences.

Year 3

By third year, students move into advanced engineering systems and pharmaceutical applications, learning how industrial-scale chemical processes are used in drug manufacturing. Subjects such as Heat and Mass Transfer, Reaction Engineering, and pharmaceutical science modules in pharmacology and drug delivery systems develop technical and applied expertise.

Year 4

Fourth year focuses on advanced process design, pharmaceutical manufacturing systems, and research-informed learning. Students complete units such as Process Control and Design, Pharmaceutical Formulation and Manufacturing, and industry-focused engineering electives that explore large-scale production, quality control, and regulatory considerations.

Year 5

In the final year, students undertake an honours-level engineering and pharmaceutical research project, integrating both disciplines to solve real-world challenges in drug development, process optimisation, and healthcare manufacturing systems. The capstone experience prepares graduates for professional roles in pharmaceutical engineering, biotechnology, and advanced chemical industries.

Focus Areas

Chemical process engineering, pharmaceutical manufacturing, drug formulation, biotechnology, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, process control systems, biomedical engineering applications, industrial pharmacy, sustainability in manufacturing

Learning Outcomes

Develop integrated chemical engineering and pharmaceutical science expertise, design and optimise pharmaceutical production systems, apply principles of drug formulation and process engineering, solve complex biomedical and industrial problems, and work effectively in multidisciplinary healthcare and engineering environments

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The chemical engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, enabling professional engineer recognition and international career mobility. The pharmaceutical sciences component aligns with industry standards in pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, and healthcare product development.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

RMIT University is internationally recognised for industry-connected learning and strong graduate employability, consistently ranking in the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education Rankings for engineering, science, and health-related disciplines. The university is well known for its applied learning model and strong industry engagement.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At RMIT, this double degree is built around learning by doing, where you actively apply engineering science and pharmaceutical knowledge through real-world projects, advanced laboratories, and industry-connected experiences. You’ll work with modern engineering software, pharmaceutical simulation tools, and hands-on lab equipment while also collaborating on multidisciplinary projects that reflect real industry challenges. The program is strongly practice-based, so you graduate with both technical depth and professional readiness:

Work Integrated Learning (Industry Experience) : Optional industry placement giving real experience in engineering or pharmaceutical organisations, helping you apply theory in professional environments.
Industry-style design projects : Engineering design-and-build challenges where students develop solutions for chemical processes and pharmaceutical applications.
Engineering software tools : Use of industry-standard tools such as CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks), process modelling systems, and digital engineering platforms for design and simulation.
Chemical engineering laboratories : Hands-on experimentation in thermodynamics, reaction engineering, fluid flow, heat transfer, and process design.
Pharmaceutical science laboratories : Practical training in biochemistry, pharmacology, drug formulation, and pharmaceutical testing methods.
Interdisciplinary group projects : Collaborative assignments combining engineering and pharmaceutical science students to simulate real R&D and industry teamwork.
Engineers Without Borders Challenge : Humanitarian engineering project focused on solving real global challenges through sustainable design thinking.
Capstone research project : Final-year independent project solving complex engineering or pharmaceutical problems using research, modelling, and innovation.
Digital learning platforms (Canvas & simulation tools) : Online systems for coursework delivery, virtual labs, technical resources, and project collaboration.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of RMIT’s Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours) / Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences are uniquely positioned at the intersection of engineering, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, making them highly valuable in global healthcare and industrial manufacturing sectors. This dual qualification prepares graduates for careers in drug development, pharmaceutical production, process engineering, and biotechnology innovation. Common roles include Chemical Engineer, Pharmaceutical Process Engineer, Formulation Scientist, and Bioprocess Engineer:

RMIT Careers and Employability Services: Students receive personalised career support through resume workshops, interview preparation, employer networking events, and access to graduate recruitment programs across engineering and pharmaceutical industries.
Industry-Integrated Learning (Work-Integrated Learning): The program includes practical industry engagement through internships, project-based learning, and professional placements with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and chemical manufacturing organisations.
Strong Industry Partnerships: RMIT maintains collaborations with industry across pharmaceuticals, healthcare manufacturing, chemical processing, biotechnology, and advanced materials sectors, enabling real-world learning and employment pathways.
Professional Accreditation Value: The engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, providing international recognition and eligibility for professional engineer status through global accreditation agreements.
Pharmaceutical Industry Alignment: The pharmaceutical sciences component aligns with industry standards in drug development, formulation, regulatory processes, and large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: RMIT graduates are highly regarded for their practical, industry-ready skills, with strong employment outcomes in engineering, pharmaceutical production, biotechnology, and healthcare industries.
Median Salary: Graduates in chemical engineering and pharmaceutical-related engineering fields in Australia typically earn a median starting salary of approximately AUD $85,000–$105,000, with higher earning potential in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Global Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers with multinational pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, healthcare manufacturers, and chemical process industries worldwide.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this dual degree, graduates may pursue advanced study such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Biotechnology, Master of Pharmaceutical Science, or Master of Medical Physics depending on career direction. Students can also progress into a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Biotechnology, focusing on drug development, bioprocess engineering, advanced therapeutics, or industrial pharmaceutical innovation.