Master of Professional Engineering (Chemical Engineering)

3 Years On Campus Masters Program

Monash University

Program Overview

The Master of Professional Engineering (Chemical Engineering) at Monash University is designed for graduates with a non-engineering or unrelated engineering background who want to become qualified professional chemical engineers. Over three years, you will build a strong foundation in engineering principles before progressing to advanced chemical engineering topics, industry projects, and practical problem-solving skills that prepare you for a global engineering career.

Curriculum Structure

First Year:
The first year develops your engineering fundamentals through subjects that establish the scientific and technical knowledge required for professional practice. You will study units such as ENG1011 Engineering methods, ENG1005 Engineering mathematics, and CHM1011 Chemistry 1, gaining essential skills in mathematics, chemistry, engineering design, and problem-solving.

Second Year:
During the second year, you will focus on the core principles of chemical engineering and learn how chemical processes are designed, analysed, and operated. Subjects including CHE2164 Fluid mechanics, CHE2161 Heat and mass transfer, and CHE3166 Chemical reaction engineering develop your understanding of transport processes, thermodynamics, and reactor design while applying engineering theory to industrial systems.

Third Year:
The final year emphasises professional engineering practice, complex design projects, and industry readiness. Through units such as CHE4161 Process design, CHE4163 Process control, and the Engineering capstone project, you will integrate technical knowledge to solve real engineering challenges, manage projects, and develop solutions that meet industry, environmental, and sustainability requirements.

Focus areas:
Chemical process engineering, process design, reaction engineering, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, process control, sustainable engineering, plant design, engineering management, professional engineering practice.

Learning outcomes:
Develop advanced knowledge of chemical engineering principles, design safe and sustainable process systems, analyse complex engineering problems, apply professional engineering standards, manage engineering projects, communicate technical solutions effectively, and work collaboratively in multidisciplinary engineering environments.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The Master of Professional Engineering (Chemical Engineering) is provisionally accredited by Engineers Australia, and Monash University intends to seek full accreditation once the first cohort graduates. Upon accreditation, graduates are expected to be recognised under the Washington Accord, supporting international professional mobility.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Monash University is consistently ranked among the world's leading universities for engineering and technology, with strong industry partnerships, extensive research facilities, and excellent graduate employability. Its engineering programs are internationally recognised and prepare graduates for careers across the chemical, energy, environmental, pharmaceutical, food, and manufacturing sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Professional Engineering (Chemical Engineering) at Monash University is designed to immerse students in authentic engineering practice through project-based learning, advanced laboratory experiences, and industry engagement. Students develop practical chemical engineering skills by working in world-class engineering facilities, undertaking multidisciplinary design and research projects, and applying engineering principles to real industrial challenges. Throughout the course, students also complete Continuous Professional Development (CPD) activities and have opportunities to participate in the Industry Experience (IE) program, helping them graduate with both technical expertise and professional workplace experience.

Students strengthen their practical knowledge through the following opportunities and facilities:

Industry Experience Program (IE): Eligible students can complete an industry internship through ENG5008 Industry Experience or ENG5009 Industry Experience Extended, gaining professional workplace experience with industry or research organisations.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Students must complete 420 hours of CPD, which may include engineering employment, industry work experience, professional workshops, technical seminars, field trips, and career development activities.
Multidisciplinary Design Project: In the final year, students undertake a substantial team-based engineering design project, collaborating with peers to solve complex engineering problems while integrating technical and professional skills.
Research and Engineering Laboratories: Students access Monash's world-class Engineering precinct, including modern chemical engineering teaching and research laboratories equipped for process engineering, reaction engineering, materials characterisation, fluid mechanics, and sustainable engineering research.
Engineering Software and Digital Tools: Students utilise industry-standard computational and engineering analysis software appropriate to chemical engineering projects and laboratory work, supported by high-performance computing facilities and specialised engineering laboratories.
Industry Projects: Coursework integrates practical engineering case studies and applied projects that reflect contemporary industrial challenges in chemical process design, sustainability, manufacturing, and process optimisation.
Field Trips and Professional Activities: CPD activities include approved technical site visits, field trips, engineering conferences, employer presentations, and professional networking events, exposing students to real engineering environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Professional Engineering (Chemical Engineering) at Monash University are prepared to become accredited professional engineers with the technical expertise, practical experience, and leadership skills needed to solve complex engineering challenges across global industries. Through advanced coursework, industry-focused projects, Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and Work Integrated Learning opportunities, graduates are well positioned for careers in Australia and internationally. Typical career roles include: Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Production Engineer, Energy and Sustainability Engineer.

University employability services: Monash supports students through the Monash Talent career service, professional career workshops, employer networking events, resume and interview coaching, and the Industry Experience (IE) Program, which enables eligible students to complete graduate internships with Monash's partner organisations for academic credit.
Employment statistics and salary outcomes: According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey (QILT), 94% of Monash postgraduate engineering graduates secure employment within four months of graduation, while graduates with a master's qualification report an average 55% salary increase compared with their previous qualification level.
University–industry partnerships: Students can undertake Work Integrated Learning (WIL) through the Industry Experience Program, collaborating with Monash's network of industry and research partners on internships, engineering projects, and professional placements that provide valuable real-world experience.
Long-term accreditation value: The Chemical Engineering specialisation is fully accredited by Engineers Australia and meets Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies. The qualification is recognised under the Washington Accord, allowing graduates to pursue professional engineering careers across other Washington Accord signatory countries without requiring requalification.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates complete a globally recognised professional engineering qualification together with 420 hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD), including industry work experience and professional learning activities, ensuring they graduate with both technical competence and practical industry readiness.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, graduates can continue their academic journey by pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or other advanced research qualifications in Chemical Engineering or related engineering disciplines at Monash University or other leading universities worldwide. The internationally recognised accreditation and strong research foundation also provide an excellent pathway into specialised research, academic careers, innovation, and engineering leadership.