Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Join an industry with a range of career options and opportunities to make an impact.

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Students working on high tech lab equipment

What is Chemical Engineering?

Chemical engineering is the design, operation, and improvement of processes used to make everyday products. It involves developing chemical processes and equipment, optimising and controlling industrial operations and minimising environmental impact.

If you're looking for a wide variety of career options, Chemical Engineering is an incredibly versatile field. It plays a crucial role in numerous areas, including:

  • Health Technology Advancements: Chemical engineers contribute to the development of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, improving healthcare outcomes.
  • Clean Water Solutions: They design processes for water purification and treatment, ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water.
  • Climate Change Mitigation: Chemical engineers develop sustainable processes and technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

Why study Chemical Engineering?

Chemical engineers are sometimes called ‘universal engineers’ because they efficiently drive large-scale industrial manufacturing processes and are integral to both industry and science. By employing sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, you will learn to harness chemicals effectively and enhance outcomes. As a chemical engineer, you will develop and merge skills and principles in chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science and computing.

Why choose UNSW?

Join a program that is ranked #2 in Australia (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025) that'll make future employers take notice. Make connections with students through diverse clubs and societies on offer (think: ChemEng Society and Engineers!). Enjoy learning in $1 billion renovated state-of-the-art facilities with a practical, hands-on approach preparing you for the future.

What about careers?

The most employable graduates are often UNSW chemical engineering graduates. Our graduates thrive in a wide array of sectors such as sustainable energy production, water purification, government agencies and  consulting firms, to name a few examples. Graduates are equipped with the skills, knowledge and network to work for companies that produce food, plastics, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, metals or glass – there are endless possibilities. 

Career options include:

  • Energy Engineer 
  • Food/beverage Engineer 
  • Combustion Engineer  
  • Water Treatment Engineer  
  • Smelting Engineer 
  • Production Engineer 
  • Biochemical Engineer  
  • Petroleum Engineer 
  • Process Control Engineer  
  • Pharmaceutical Engineer 
  • Data/AI Engineer 

How can I study Chemical Engineering?

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