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 Master of Professional Engineering (Chemical)?
Chemical engineers develop processes to convert raw materials into valuable products. They design processes for producing medications and vaccines, food and beverages, cosmetics and textiles.
They’re also at the forefront of many exciting advances including development of biofuels, nanomaterials, pharmaceuticals and much more.
If you’re a chemical engineer looking to extend your skills, our Master of Professional Engineering (Chemical) is for you.
Combining advanced theory with countless opportunities to hone your skills in professional settings, you’ll graduate with everything you need to take your engineering career to the next level.
Overview
Our Master of Professional Engineering (Chemical) is designed to challenge and extend your skills, enabling you to take your chemical engineering career to the next level.
With our elective-driven degree structure, you can tailor your studies to your specific chemical engineering interests and career goals. Whether that’s metallurgical processes, upstream bioprocessing, food processing and safety, brewery engineering – or something else entirely – you’ll have plenty of options.
Core courses in engineering management and data analytics enable you to deepen and formalise your project management expertise.
Put your learning into practice through capstone design projects, a major research project and up to 450 hours of industry placement.
These experiences will ensure you’ll graduate with the advanced technical and professional skills to achieve your career goals.
Key features
Extend yourself with advanced courses in process dynamics and control, separation process engineering, reaction engineering and more.- Take specialised elective courses, aligned to your specific interests and career goals.
- Undertake up to 450 hours of professional experience, applying your skills in industry settings.
- Formalise your project management skillset through courses in engineering management and data analytics.
- Sharpen your research skills through capstone design and research projects.
- Complete your studies at a pace that suits you with our stackable qualifications.
What you'll learn
This degree is structured with both a foundation and extension year. Depending on your professional experience and educational qualifications, you may be eligible to receive credit for the first year of this degree and progress straight into second year.
The first year of this degree covers essential chemical engineering knowledge, with courses available in:
- Process dynamics and control
- Reaction engineering
- Separation process engineering.
You’ll also complete courses in engineering data analytics and engineering management.
You will also complete professional industry placement in the first year of this degree. Undertake up to 450 hours of placement in a relevant industry setting.
In second year, you’ll take advanced courses, tailored to your specific interests and career goals. Courses are available in a wide range of areas, such as:
- Brewery engineering
- Combustion and high temperature processes
- Data analytics for resources engineering
- Downstream bioprocessing
- Food processing and safety
- Metallurgical processes
- Principles of systems engineering
- Renewable energy systems
- Upstream bioprocessing
- Water and wastewater engineering.
In your final year, you’ll complete both a major research project and a capstone plant equipment design project.
Specialisations
The Master of Professional Engineering is also available with specialisations in the following:
- Civil
- Electrical
- Energy Resources
- Environmental and Water Resources Management
- Mechanical
- Mechatronic
- Mining
- Structural
- Telecommunications.
What courses you'll study
You're required to complete 96 units to complete your degree, across a mix of core courses, elective and work integrated learning. A list of indicative courses is provided below.
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Engineering data analytics | ENGI5006 | 6 |
|
|
Masters Engineering Research Project - Part A | ENGI6023 | 6 |
|
|
Masters Engineering Research Project - Part B | ENGI6024 | 6 |
|
|
Engineering Management | ENGI5003 | 6 |
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Masters Engineering Work Experience – Part 1 | ENGI5900 | 6 |
|
|
Masters Engineering Work Experience – Part 2 | ENGI5901 | 6 |
Complete exactly 36 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Brewery Engineering | ENGP6003 | 6 |
|
|
Combustion and High Temperature Processes | ENGP6008 | 6 |
|
|
Metallurgical Processes | ENGP6005 | 6 |
|
|
Upstream Bioprocessing | ENGP6006 | 6 |
|
|
Food Processing and Safety | FOOD5008 | 6 |
|
|
Downstream Bioprocessing | ENGP6007 | 6 |
|
|
Water and Wastewater Engineering | ENGP6015 | 6 |
|
|
Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilisation | ENGP6020 | 6 |
|
|
Data Analytics for Resources Engineering | ENGP6019 | 6 |
|
|
Renewable Energy Systems | ENGV5001 | 6 |
|
|
Industry 4.0 | ENGI5023 | 6 |
|
|
Principles of Systems Engineering | ENGP5004 | 6 |
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Reaction Engineering | ENGP5005 | 6 |
|
|
Separation Process Engineering | ENGP5002 | 6 |
|
|
Process Dynamics and Control | ENGP5001 | 6 |
|
|
Plant Equipment Design (Masters Capstone) | ENGP6004 | 6 |
Career outcomes
Chemical engineers design innovative industrial processes to transform raw materials into the products we use every day. This unique expertise makes chemical engineers highly sought-after in a wide range of industry sectors – from pharmaceuticals, electronics and water treatment to food processing, construction and energy.
You could develop processes that enable production of personalised medicines, tailored to an individual patient’s genetic profile. Maybe you’ll pioneer new and innovative methods for recycling waste materials to create valuable products, reducing our dependence on landfill. Or perhaps you’ll undertake breakthrough work in environmental remediation, utilising nanomaterials to help break down pollutants and toxic substances in air and water.
No matter your area of interest, career paths are available in a wide range of sectors including:
- 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 and 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.
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.
