Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours)

In the final year of your studies you'll undertake a major project that is either industry-based or simulates an industrial situation. Combining and further developing the key theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for your field - as defined by Engineers Australia - you’ll work with industry leaders to solve a project challenge.

Before graduating from this program, you are strongly encouraged to complete a minimum 12 weeks of engineering industry experience. This allows you to gain first-hand experience in an engineering practice environment under the supervision of a practising professional engineer. The nature and timing of this engineering experience can take a range of forms.

Opportunities exist for an overseas work placement of between six and 12 months (this satisfies the work experience requirement). These placements are normally taken during a one-year break in the middle or at the end of the third year of the degree.

As an RMIT engineering student, you’ll have opportunities to engage with industry from the beginning of your degree.

Through work placements, industry projects, internships, seminars and events, you’ll be in contact with industry every step of the way.

You’ll have the chance to do 12 weeks’ work experience, research projects in collaboration with industry and the opportunity to work overseas with leading organisations.

At RMIT, there is a range of global opportunities for students.

Through partner organisations in Europe, Asia and the United States, the RMIT International Industry Experience and Research Program (RIIERP) offers workplace training and academic research placements of between six and 12 months.

You can spend one or two semesters in universities in Canada, the USA, Mexico, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, China and Korea.

Year 1

Your skills in chemistry and mathematics are furthered. You are introduced to the fundamentals of chemical engineering (mass and energy balance) and the design of chemical processes.

All engineering students will also study an Introduction to Engineering course, incorporating a humanitarian-focused Engineers Without Borders Challenge. You’ll have the opportunity to extend this aspect of your studies by completing an Engineers Without Borders elective, enabling you to experience humanitarian engineering first-hand.

Year 2

You will develop your knowledge of core chemical engineering areas such as fluid flow, reaction engineering, biochemical engineering, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.

Year 3

You’ll hone your skills in environmental, safety and economic analysis of processes, design of process equipment, and control schemes.

Year 4

Your core chemical engineering skills are consolidated and applied in a major process design project. In third and fourth years you’ll specialise in environmental, metallurgical or petroleum engineering.

Your final-year (capstone) project will develop and reinforce the skills and knowledge you need - as defined by Engineers Australia - to commence your professional engineering career.

You’ll also complete a work-integrated learning (industry experience) elective in Year 2, 3 or 4.

This program is fully accredited by Engineers Australia. Graduates of the program are eligible for graduate membership of Engineers Australia. Full membership as a professional engineer may be obtained after an appropriate period of professional practice.

Australia is one of 15 countries that are signatories to the International Engineering Alliance, also known as the Washington Accord, for professional engineers. The qualification of graduates from this degree is recognised in all countries that are signatories to the Accord.

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), based in the UK, is the primary international professional society for the chemical engineer. The Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours) degree is accredited by IChemE, UK, at the MEng level.