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.
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
“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)
“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 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)
“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
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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
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, subjects are called 'courses'.
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