From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.
Why Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) (Honours)?
Advance in the energy resource sector.
In almost every facet of our lives, chemical engineers play a crucial role. They apply their expertise to produce life-saving medications and vaccines, nutritious food, clean drinking water and much more.
The energy resources field offers exciting opportunities for chemical engineers, with projects focused on critical areas including biofuel production, renewable energy development, energy storage and conversion.
Passionate about finding safe, sustainable ways to power our world? Want a career where you can apply your expertise to solve some of the biggest global challenges? Chemical engineering may be the right fit for you.
Overview
Discover the formula for a dynamic and interesting career with our Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) (Honours).
Learn how we can take raw materials from the world around us and determine how we might turn them into products for daily use. Drawing knowledge and skills from engineering, chemistry, and mathematics, you’ll explore the processes that create the products we rely on – from food to medicines, clean drinking water and alternative energy sources.
Combine your broad knowledge of chemical processes with specific expertise in energy systems and processes. Discover how to design and optimise the processes that drive both traditional and renewable energy technologies. Examine approaches to carbon capture, storage and utilisation. Explore how new materials are developed and their application in energy generation and distribution.
Apply your learning in real industry settings by completing up to 12 weeks of professional placement under the supervision of experienced engineers. Determine how results in the lab can be scaled up for commercial production by undertaking a major plant design and research project.
Emerge with the knowledge, expertise and qualifications necessary to practice as a chemical engineer.
Key features
Learn how to design, operate and optimise chemical processes to convert raw materials into products or energy.- Explore energy and resources-focused courses in areas like reservoir, production, drilling engineering and more.
- Hone your technical skillset in our purpose-built laboratories and workshops.
- Complete a major honours research project and plant design project.
- Apply your skills to real industry projects in up to 12 weeks of professional work experience.
What you'll learn
In the Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) (Honours), you will complete a range of core courses that provide a solid grounding in key chemical engineering concepts, theories, principles and methods.
Your first year has been designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to general engineering principles and skills. This ensures that, whatever your prior educational experiences, you’ll have every opportunity to excel in your engineering studies at Adelaide University.
In second and third year, you’ll start to take chemical and energy resources engineering-focused courses. These will help you bridge the gap and see how your chemical engineering expertise can be applied in the energy and resources sector. Courses include:
- Fluid and particle mechanics
- Formation evaluation, petrophysics and rock properties
- Plant equipment design
- Process dynamics and control
- Process engineering
- Process systems design
- Production engineering
- Reaction engineering
- Reservoir engineering
- Separation process engineering.
In your final years, you will also complete up to 12 weeks of work experience in industry under the supervision of a qualified engineer. Professional practice topics help you hone your professional skillset further, as you work with your peers to engineer a solution to a complex plant design problem. You will also complete a major industry research project.
You’ll be able to complete majority of first year common courses and second year courses at either our Adelaide City or Mawson Lakes Campus with some potential cross-campus study required. Throughout your degree, you’ll gain access to cutting-edge facilities across both campus locations to enhance your overall learning experience.
What courses you'll study
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 144 units from Core Courses, and
- 24 units from Work integrated learning, and
- Either:
- 24 units for one Major from Major, or
- 24 units for Electives
Complete exactly 144 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Engineering Programming
|
Course code
COMP1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Design and Prototyping
|
Course code
ENGI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Materials
|
Course code
ENGI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Physics
|
Course code
ENGI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Modelling 1
|
Course code
ENGI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Engineering Practice
|
Course code
ENGI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Process Engineering
|
Course code
ENGP1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Modelling 2
|
Course code
ENGI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Project Management
|
Course code
ENGI2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fluid and Particle Mechanics
|
Course code
ENGP2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Heat and Mass Transfer
|
Course code
ENGP2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Process Thermodynamics
|
Course code
ENGP2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Chemistry
|
Course code
ENGP2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Process Systems Design
|
Course code
ENGP2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Systems Engineering and Professional Practice
|
Course code
ENGI3006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Reaction Engineering
|
Course code
ENGP3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Process Dynamics and Control
|
Course code
ENGP3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Separation Process Engineering
|
Course code
ENGP3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemical Engineering Laboratory and Data Analysis
|
Course code
ENGP3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Plant Equipment Design
|
Course code
ENGP3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Chemical Engineering
|
Course code
ENGP4000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Plant Design Project A
|
Course code
ENGP4001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Plant Design Project B
|
Course code
ENGP4002
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 24 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Formation Evaluation, Petrophysics and Rock Properties
|
Course code
ENGC4014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Drilling Engineering and Well Completion
|
Course code
ENGP4014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Reservoir Engineering
|
Course code
ENGP4016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Production Engineering
|
Course code
ENGP4021
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 24 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Engineer Career Preparation
|
Course code
ENGI3900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Engineer Engagement with Professional Practice
|
Course code
ENGI3901
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Research Project Part A
|
Course code
ENGI4900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Research Project Part B
|
Course code
ENGI4901
|
Units
6
|
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Electrical Engineering Systems
|
Course code
ENGE1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Geology and Surveying
|
Course code
ENGI1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics
|
Course code
ENGM1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Engineering
|
Course code
ENGP2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmaceutical Production Processes
|
Course code
ENGP2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Brewery Engineering
|
Course code
ENGP4003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Combustion and High Temperature Processes
|
Course code
ENGP4004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Metallurgical Processes
|
Course code
ENGP4005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upstream Bioprocessing
|
Course code
ENGP4006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Downstream Bioprocessing
|
Course code
ENGP4007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Drilling Engineering and Well Completion
|
Course code
ENGP4014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Water and Wastewater Engineering
|
Course code
ENGP4015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage
|
Course code
ENGP4020
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Systems and Sustainability
|
Course code
ENGV3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Processing and Safety
|
Course code
FOOD4009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Good Manufacturing Practice, Validation and Regulation
|
Course code
SCIE4000
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Graduates of this degree will qualify to work as chemical engineers. The additional expertise gained through studying a major in energy and resources engineering also opens doors to further specialised career paths in the energy resources and mining sectors.
You could specialise in making environmentally friendly batteries, helping reduce our reliance on rare earth elements. Maybe you’ll pioneer new and innovative methods for recycling waste materials to create valuable products, minimising industrial waste. Or perhaps you’ll undertake breakthrough work in environmental remediation, utilising nanomaterials to help break down pollutants and toxic substances in air and water.
Whatever your area of interest, career paths are available in a wide range of sectors including:
- Aerospace and automotive
- Agriculture and agrochemicals
- Chemical manufacturing
- Consumer products
- Energy and fuels
- Environmental engineering
- Food and beverage
- Healthcare and medical devices
- Materials science and engineering
- Mining and minerals
- Petrochemicals
- Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
- Renewable resources
- Research and development
- Textiles and fibres
- Water and waste management.
Industry trends
Chemical engineers possess a unique skillset that enables them to solve complex problems and optimise processes – making them highly sought-after by a variety of industries. Additionally, rapid advancements in areas such as nanotechnology, biotechnology alongside increased interest in sustainability is also contributing to this demand. Projects focused on eco-friendly manufacturing processes, pollution control technology, biopharmaceuticals and process optimisation all rely on the expertise of chemical engineers to come to fruition.
The World Economic Forum (2023) suggests that as industries continue to rely on digital technologies for innovation and growth, demand for chemical engineers is only expected to increase.
Globally and in Australia, there is an engineering skills shortage – with demand for qualified engineers across all sectors continuing to outstrip supply (Engineers Australia, 2023).
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
How to apply
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
