Chemical engineers play a critical role in transforming raw materials into useful products such as healthy foods, clean water, metals, medicines and sustainable energy.
Drawing on detailed process development, modelling and systems thinking, chemical engineers apply new approaches and big-picture thinking to reduce waste and energy consumption.
In this hands-on specialisation you'll explore topics including energy and mass flows, safety and sustainability, and the possibilities of interconnected systems.
You will benefit from the insights and expertise of world-leading researchers and highly-qualified academic staff. With practical projects, guest lecturers from industry, internships and placements with leading engineering companies, you will gain the knowledge, skills and industry connections needed to transition from university to the workplace.
Tailor your specialisation in chemical engineering with majors or minors that meet your interests and career goals. Chemical engineering offers these options:
Majors
- Biomedical engineering
- Bioprocess engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Materials engineering or
- Metallurgical engineering.
Minors
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Chemical engineer
- Petroleum engineer
- Production engineer
- Environmental engineer
- Service engineer
- Food process engineer
- Materials engineer
- Biopharmaceutical engineer
- Technical manager
- Water treatment engineer
Early-career salary
Chemical Engineer
payscale.com
Late-career salary
Chemical Engineer
payscale.com
“My interest in chemical engineering was sparked from my experiences in Fiji, after witnessing their living conditions. I wanted to study a course that would give me the knowledge and skills to develop technologies and practices that enrich the quality of life.”
Ruth ForrestGraduate, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical)/Master of Engineering
“I picked UQ because of its strong emphasis on student support services, especially for first year students. There were a lot of support options available like mentoring, academic advice and employability help.”
Karen ZhouGraduate, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical)
“I chose chemical engineering because I would love to be involved in the medicine or energy sectors. Chemical engineering develops a strong process-based mindset which I knew would help me see the key elements of large scale problems, wherever I ended up.”
Lilly Van GilstCurrent student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical)
“I chose to study chemical engineering because it's a very broad engineering discipline that will allow me to grow in different directions. I am also studying a Bachelor of Economics, majoring in Natural Resources and Environmental Economics, to further engage my interests in sustainability and the circular economy.”
Tara RyanCurrent student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical) / Bachelor of Economics (Natural Resources And Environmental Economics)
“I knew from grade 10 that UQ was where I wanted to study and the community I wanted to be a part of, but it wasn’t until halfway through grade 12 that I realised engineering was where my passion was.”
Kathleen CoxCurrent student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical)
“My interest in chemical engineering was sparked from my experiences in Fiji, after witnessing their living conditions. I wanted to study a course that would give me the knowledge and skills to develop technologies and practices that enrich the quality of life.”
Ruth ForrestGraduate, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical)/Master of Engineering
“I picked UQ because of its strong emphasis on student support services, especially for first year students. There were a lot of support options available like mentoring, academic advice and employability help.”
Karen ZhouGraduate, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical)
“I chose chemical engineering because I would love to be involved in the medicine or energy sectors. Chemical engineering develops a strong process-based mindset which I knew would help me see the key elements of large scale problems, wherever I ended up.”
Lilly Van GilstCurrent student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical)
“I chose to study chemical engineering because it's a very broad engineering discipline that will allow me to grow in different directions. I am also studying a Bachelor of Economics, majoring in Natural Resources and Environmental Economics, to further engage my interests in sustainability and the circular economy.”
Tara RyanCurrent student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical) / Bachelor of Economics (Natural Resources And Environmental Economics)
“I knew from grade 10 that UQ was where I wanted to study and the community I wanted to be a part of, but it wasn’t until halfway through grade 12 that I realised engineering was where my passion was.”
Kathleen CoxCurrent student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical)
Events
See all events
Stories
See all stories
UQ people
Science skills + business savvy = biotech success
Careers
What jobs can you do with a Bachelor of Science?
Stories
See all stories
UQ people
Meet Hazel from Kenya, studying Environmental Management in Australia
Careers
What can you do with a quantum technology degree?
How you'll learn
In 2023, we'll be teaching on campus, with online options (for most programs and plans) for students who can't attend in person. See the list of programs and plans you can't commence online.
Course delivery modes may change in future semesters.
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Overseas study
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study:
- Process Principles
- Engineering Investigation and Statistical Analysis
- Process Equipment and Control Systems
- Fluid and Particle Mechanics
Keep up to date
Sign up to get information about applying and studying at UQ.
We will use your information to keep you informed about UQ programs, news, events and scholarships. By submitting this form, you consent to the terms of UQ's privacy notice.