Chemical Engineering

1st in Australia

National Taiwan University Ranking, 2020
10th in the world

National Taiwan University Ranking, 2020
4th in Australia

Chemical Engineering, QS Top Universities Ranking by Subject, 2020

Transforming the products we use everyday, at scale.

Chemicals are the building blocks of our modern life. Chemical engineers transform these tiny molecules into products and advanced technologies to solve today’s challenges. It’s no wonder that you can find them everywhere: in food and pharmaceutical manufacturers, water utilities and renewable energy providers.

The UNSW School of Chemical Engineering teaches students to look at the essence of the products we use every day, with the aim of reimagining and improving their manufacture and use. They learn to combine problem-solving with design-thinking to do everything from producing sustainable and nutritious food, engineering the next generation of medicine, to decarbonising industry by developing green energy technologies and solutions that scale.

We see the world as one big design challenge that can be solved on a microscopic level and universally implemented. Together, we create innovations that continue to transform modern life from the chemical up.

Future of food: what's on the menu in 2050

From insects to cultured meat, nothing is off the table when it comes to feeding the world’s population which is estimated to be 10 billion people in 30 years’ time.

Jun 01, 2023

Engineering Health and wellness School of Chemical Engineering Health Food

UNSW researchers elected Fellows of Australian Academy of Science

UNSW Professor David Keith and Scientia Professor Liming Dai have been recognised among the nation’s most distinguished scientists.

May 25, 2023

Engineering Science Science & Tech School of Chemical Engineering

I’m dreaming of a zinc Christmas?! Intricate ‘snowflakes’ created in liquid metal

Researchers, including those from UNSW Sydney, have synthesised complex symmetrical zinc crystals in liquid gallium which can potentially be used in a range of catalysis applications.

Dec 08, 2022

Engineering Science & Tech School of Chemical Engineering

Out of this world! How UNSW helped shape future astronaut Dr Meganne Christian

The sky has proven to not be the limit for the UNSW Engineering alumna, who is poised to become the first Australian woman in space.

Dec 01, 2022

Engineering Science & Tech School of Chemical Engineering

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Study areas

If you’re looking for a wide variety of career options, Chemical Engineering is a versatile area.

Food Technology

Have you thought about the large and complex global systems that govern our food. That’s where Food Science & Technology comes in.

Energy and Resources

Engineers have unique skills to identify sources of energy or resources that can be used in various ways to meet the needs of society.

Environmental and Sustainability

Environment and Sustainability Engineering is the type of engineering that seeks to undo past damage to the planet and work with the natural environment to create a better future for humanity.

Research & impact

Our research

We provide solutions that introduce better-performing materials, refine and improve manufacturing processes, and address the increasing importance of sustainability in our endeavours.

Research areas

We push the frontiers of such areas as advanced process systems engineering, biomaterials and medical devices, food and health, macromolecular and interfacial engineering, and sensor technology and advanced materials.

Research centres

Our research centres are internationally recognised for their multidisciplinary approach that brings together expertise from a range of fields. We're committed to solving some of the biggest, most challenging problems facing the world.