Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours)

Many everyday items involve chemical engineering during some stage of their production – electronic devices, food and beverage, petrol, paper, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, to name just a few. As a chemical engineer, you'll invent, develop and design processes that convert raw materials into useful products with minimal environmental impact.

As populations grow and resources and energy reserves decline, the demand for chemical engineers increases. Whether you focus on developing future energy solutions, controlling pollution or protecting our environment, your future as a chemical engineer is bright.

Level One

• The common first year lays a foundation in the basic sciences of mathematics, physics and chemistry and introduces the disciplines available to you for further study. You'll learn to apply your developing math and science knowledge to real-life problems and begin to understand the interaction between engineering and society.

Level Two

• In level two units, you'll gain the necessary background in the chemical engineering fundamentals, covering topics such as material and energy balance, mass transfer, heat transfer, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. These units give you a glimpse of how chemical processes work by combining the knowledge of science and engineering.

Level Three

• When you proceed to level three, you'll be exposed to core topics in chemical engineering such as separation processes, reaction engineering, process design, process control and more. You will develop knowledge and skills in developing chemical processes through a mix of workshops, case studies and hands-on experience in laboratory and simulation practice classes.

Level Four

• In level four units, you'll be given the opportunity to undertake a substantial individual or group project to integrate and demonstrate your knowledge in chemical engineering. You'll undertake an independent full-year research project in an area of personal interest. Level four units aim to develop your core professional skills, including design of chemical equipment and processes, process safety, environmental impact and economic evaluation. 

Quality education

• Monash University is ranked #43 in the world for chemical engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024) and rated Tier 5 (Excellent) in D-Setara Engineering by the Ministry of Education Malaysia.

Professional recognition

• This degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and the Engineering Accreditation Council Malaysia. It is also recognised by the Washington Accord, which means that our graduates can work in any other signatory country without the need to requalify.

The common first year

• The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) has a common first year, allowing you to experience a range of disciplines before deciding on a specialisation. You'll develop your foundational skills for engineering before deciding which of the six specialisations to pursue in your second year.

Future-focused

• Monash is the first in Malaysia and Australia to introduce fourth industrial revolution concepts and practices in the undergraduate curriculum for chemical engineering. You'll be empowered to address global challenges with a degree that responds to changing food, energy, environment and water needs.

Pilot plant experience

• Our in-house pilot plant gives you the opportunity to design and develop new chemical processes in a learning environment that mimics the industry setting. You'll be able to hone your design skills and acquire hands-on experience to enhance your employability.

Gain work experience

• Work experience amplifies your learning and hones your hands-on skills. As part of your course, you'll complete a 12-week work placement after your third year. Our students have interned with companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, Gamuda, IBM and more.

Kick-start your professional development

• The Student Leaders Network program gives you the opportunity to engage with industry professionals through workshops, industry site visits, networking evenings, and a leadership summit over the course of a year. You'll develop critical leadership, teamwork and communication skills.

Join an engineering student club

• Our student-run clubs lets you learn new skills and engage with industry to broaden your networks. You’ll get hands on with real-world projects and competitions as you work in multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative products or drive positive change.

Try your hand at research

• Apply for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program to experience a genuine research environment. You’ll learn from leading researchers and acquire knowledge and skills that’ll prepare you for your final year project and higher degree studies.

Volunteer with Engineers Without Borders

• The Monash University Malaysia student chapter is involved in a wide range of projects benefiting local communities. Our students have helped to install a micro hydro generator for a school in Budok Aru, constructed a workshop for a shelter home, renovated refugee schools, and more.
• As a chemical engineer, you can work in a range of industries including the biotechnology, chemical, energy, environmental, food, mineral, nanotechnology, oil, paper, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries.

In these industries you'd most likely work in one of the following roles:

• Process engineer: Working with a team of people in operations, maintenance and business strategy, you'll solve production problems, develop new products, reduce energy usage and the carbon footprint, increase plant safety and efficiency, and oversee plant upgrades and expansions.
• Design engineer: You'll design new plants for clients, as well as extensions to existing plants. You might design a distillation column today, be sizing a heat exchanger tomorrow, work on safety and environmental protections, or work out how to control each unit of the plant to ensure smooth and reliable operation.
• Research and development engineer: You'll work in a laboratory or a company, and develop new ways to do chemical engineering. You might develop new products or you might work on new catalysts to increase reaction efficiency.