Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical)

#1 in Australia for Engineering and Technology*

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Engineering students working in makerspace

Chemical Engineering is a broad degree covering all stages of product creation, from chemistry through to economics.

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Award

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Commencing Terms

Term 1, Term 2, Term 3

Duration (Full Time)

4 Year(s)

Overview

This broad degree covers the steps in a product's creation, from chemistry through to economics. Chemical engineers design, create and optimise the systems and equipment used in chemical, industrial, biological and environmental processes, producing a range of materials, like fuels, fertilisers, foods, wine, polymers and pharmaceuticals.

Chemical Engineering bridges the study of the chemical and physical sciences with engineering. You'll learn how to design and develop chemical processes and equipment, optimise and control industrial operations, plan plant operations, tailor management strategies, work with nanoparticles, look into environmental effects and pollution control, and more. Management, critical analysis and economics are key components of your training.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

The latest 2023 QS World University Rankings awarded UNSW as the top engineering faculty in Australia and #49 in the world. UNSW is known for its graduate employability, UNSW placed in the AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Australia’s top employers prefer UNSW Engineering graduates over any other university and we’re ranked 29th in the world for employer reputation.

The School of Chemical Engineering was set up with industry in mind. We have close links to industry leaders and companies in the field of engineering to ensure our research and education are in line with industry requirements and real-world demand. We work hand in hand with Bluescope Steel, Sydney Water, Veolia and many other companies through sponsored projects, consulting and graduate recruitment.

All students undertake industrial training as part of our undergraduate degrees. This means that you’ll graduate with first-hand experience in a professional organisation. Industrial training will provide you with a range of networking opportunities and engineering experience in design, analysis, experimental and on-site activities.

When you study at UNSW Engineering you can take part in ChallEng, real-world, project-based learning initiatives. This award-winning program is made up of Vertically Integrated Projects, The Maker Games, Student Projects and Social Impact. You’ll connect with students, academics and industry to develop sought-after technical and professional skills for your future career as an Engineering professional.

Make a difference to disadvantaged communities through our Humanitarian Engineering projects, electives and minors on offer. Humanitarian Engineering works to provide disadvantaged individuals and communities with engineering solutions that improve lives and livelihoods. These solutions may provide essential services such as food, water, shelter, energy and information where they are unavailable.

At UNSW Engineering you’ll benefit from a diverse and welcoming community with plenty to keep you busy. UNSW Engineering boasts 16 student societies including a society for each school. Get involved in Queer Students in Stem, Women in Renewable Energy Society or Robogals. UNSW’s Women in Engineering (WIE) society runs social and industry events as well as programs designed to mentor and develop female engineers.

^*^{QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023}

Program Code

3707

CRICOS Code

056835E

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

425550

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

192

Indicative Enrolments

4,397

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Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank

2023 A Levels

2023 IB Diploma

2023 Lowest ATAR

81.6*

The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.

The 2022 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.

The 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2022 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

See more

Assumed knowledge

For Chemical Engineering: Mathematics Extension 1, Physics.

For Chemical Product Engineering: Chemistry, Mathematics Extension 1, Physics

Adjustment Factors

We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.

HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways

The Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS) is a possible alternative admission pathway for the admission of domestic undergraduate students to UNSW Faculty of Engineering degree programs, including the BSc Computer Science and the BSc Food Science (Hons), who do not meet the published Guaranteed Entry selection rank. Visit the FEAS page for more information.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International direct entry

I studied in:

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Program structure

In this four year degree you'll learn how to apply your knowledge in chemical engineering and chemistry to optimise complex chemical processes in environmental management, general industry and services like water delivery. You'll master the entire process, translating small scale, laboratory chemistry into large, industrial scale production.

During this degree you’ll study core subjects including:

Computing for Engineers
Chemical Reaction Engineering
Process Modelling and Analysis
Environment and Sustainability

Electives for this degree include:

Advanced Reaction Engineering
Collaboration and Innovation in Business
Grand Challenges for Engineering
Sustainable Energy
Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering
Entrepreneurial Engineering
International Humanitarian Response

During this degree you’ll complete a research thesis project with the support of leading researchers where you can explore an area of chemical engineering you’re passionate about. You’ll bring together engineering principles to innovatively solve problems such as the development of a specific design, process and/or the investigation of a hypothesis.

Chemical Engineering

Full program structure

Degree structures can vary depending on the number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.

In your first year you might study:

Two introductory courses in Mathematics
An introductory course in Physics,
and an introductory course in Computing

You may also study an introductory course related to your specialisation of choice. These courses equip you with the skills required for the rest of your Engineering degree.  

All students study ENGG1000 “Introduction to Engineering Design and Innovation”. In this course you’ll learn to think the way that engineers think, developing solutions with limited budget, time and resources. 

In your second year you’ll undertake:

Courses from your selected specialisations
Core courses to give you the fundamental knowledge in your area of interest

In your third and fourth year you’ll develop your knowledge further with a range of core and elective courses.  

During your degree you’ll be required to complete two General Education electives. These courses help you broaden your education by completing several courses from outside the engineering faculty strengthening your cross-disciplinary thinking, developing a flexible approach and enhancing your critical analysis skills. 

This degree also requires you to complete 60 days of industrial training, which gives you some on the job experience before graduating. This multidisciplinary educational approach connects students, academics and industry enabling you to develop the essential technical and professional skills, so you thrive in your future career. 

Go to the handbook

Download sample program

Future careers

You’ll graduate with an industry renowned and accredited qualification. The undergraduate degree in chemical engineering is valuable across a range of different industries such as design and construction, energy and fuels, government, law and mining.  

Chemical engineers are often known as “universal engineers” due to their skills in chemistry, physics, maths and economics. Our graduates have gone on to work for leading companies including Caltex/Shell, Seimens Water Systems, Orica and BOC.

As a chemical engineer, you could work in many different roles in a range of industries including:

Pharmaceuticals
Food and Beverage
Chemical Processing
Energy Generation and Storage
Environmental Services
Minerals
Petroleum
Water and Wastewater Treatment

Potential careers

Food and drink industry
Environmental management
Mining and minerals
Oil and gas
Paper and packaging
Pharmaceuticals
Water treatment and recycling

Accreditation

This degree is globally recognised and is accredited by Engineers Australia and acknowledged by the Washington Accord. This degree is also accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).

Part of this degree involves applying your skills through 60 days of approved industrial training in Australia or overseas. Your industrial training will give you a taste of a real-world professional engineering setting and the hands-on experience to become career-ready.

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to start your application?

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Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$6,880*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee

$48,100*

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$200,820*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

Featured scholarships

Women in Engineering Scholarships

UNSW provides a wide range of Women in Engineering scholarships to support high-achieving female students throughout their degree.

Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.

Engineering Rural Scholarship

The Faculty of Engineering Rural Scholarships Program aims to assist high achieving high school students from rural or isolated areas to study in the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW.

Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.

Explore Scholarships