Major overview
Chemical or process engineering involves developing the best sequence of physical, chemical and biological processing steps, and the right operating conditions, to convert raw materials into higher value materials – safely, economically and on a large scale.
Hydrocarbon products and metals production are among the most recognised applications of chemical engineering, although the discipline encompasses diverse products that serve the changing needs of society.
These include the emerging hydrogen economy and battery technologies, as well as polymers, advanced materials, speciality chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
They also include consumer products such as food and beverages, paper, cosmetics, agrichemicals, cement and clean water.
This course gives you the flexibility to study specialisations, to either deepen your knowledge in the field of chemical engineering or broaden your expertise in other disciplines. See the full list of specialisations.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information on units and course structure, visit our .
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Double degrees
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Innovation
- Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Extractive Metallurgy)
Career outcomes
The discipline of chemical engineering is evolving rapidly to help address challenges related to sustainability, decarbonisation, water resources, agriculture, biotechnology and the energy transition.
Careers
- Chemical engineer
- Process engineer
- Production/operations engineer
- Risk and safety manager
Industries
- Minerals and energy
- Bioengineering and biotechnology
- Agrochemical
- Food processing
- Material processing
- Pharmaceutical
- Semiconductor
- Biomass and sugar refining
- Cement and limeÂ
- Industrial and fine chemicals
- Petrochemicals and polymersÂ
- Paper and board manufacturing
- Water and wastewater treatment
Professional accreditation and recognition
Curtin’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised internationally. This course is also accredited in Malaysia by the Board of Engineers Malaysia. In addition, graduates are eligible for membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).
All Chemical Engineering double degrees at Curtin are also accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers ().
Why study at Curtin?
Broad career options
Expand your learning by complementing your Chemical Engineering degree with a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Science (Chemistry or Extractive Metallurgy).
Qualify sooner
Start working as a professional engineering graduate in just four years.
Professional recognition
When you graduate, you fulfil the stage one competencies required by Engineers Australia to be a professional engineer.
Course and career advice
Get guidance on choosing your course and planning your career with advice written to support your next step
Life at Â鶹ֱ²¥: seven things you’ll love
Exams, assessments and big decisions about your future – high school is a lot. When you summit the mountain that is your final year of…
Your guide to choosing the right engineering major
If you’re passionate about problem-solving, innovation and making a positive impact on society, you might be considering a career as an engineer. But with so…
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this major either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Double degrees
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Innovation
- Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Extractive Metallurgy)
Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.