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Study Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering field is incredibly rewarding, allowing you to make a real contribution to people’s everyday lives. Combining chemistry, maths, engineering and physics, see where your skills could take you by studying Chemical Engineering.
7.3%
Demand for chemical engineers is expected to grow 7.3% by 2026
More than 61% of Chemistry graduates find full-time employment after graduation
The average salary for chemical engineers in the US is USD$106,079 a year
20%
The top 20% of chemical engineers earn USD$172,700 a year
About Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering refers to the process of converting raw materials into products such as energy, clothes and food. Chemical engineers typically focus on the process, developing and designing processes that are followed to create products. This may involve improving existing processes or creating new ones altogether. All this must be done with resources, the environment and health and safety in mind.
Chemical Engineering differs from Chemistry in that it’s about finding practical applications for chemicals. While chemists work with materials on a small scale, typically in a lab, chemical engineers work in industrial and commercial settings to create products.
Is Chemical Engineering right for me?
Chemical Engineering calls to detail-oriented and inquisitive individuals. As a chemical engineer, you’ll likely be part of a team, working with other chemists and engineers to develop products. Chemical engineers often have to work on-site as well, which can mean dealing with adverse weather conditions and wearing protective equipment. At other times, you’ll find yourself working in a lab to test chemicals and their reactions.
If you love making a valuable contribution to people’s everyday lives, Chemical Engineering can be a great avenue to pursue.
Chemical Engineering study options and costs
Most professional chemical engineers have completed a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Engineering. The most common majors are Chemical Engineering and Industrial Chemistry. Completing an industry placement can add another year to your degree, boosting your employability when it’s time to graduate. An Honours year is another avenue to consider, equipping you with more specialised skills and knowledge.
As a rough idea, a Bachelor of Science costs around AUD$40,000 a year in Australia and roughly £30,000 a year in the UK. Many Chemical Engineering students also actively look for internships while they’re still at university, which can provide them with an opportunity to earn money and gain experience while studying.
Future outlook
Chemical Engineering graduates are highly sought-after, typically by government bodies, research facilities and private energy companies. Chemical engineers are also needed in sustainable energy, nanotechnology, mineral processes, bioengineering, pharmaceuticals and oil, which means the opportunity to make a difference and earn good money are truly endless! Overall, the demand for chemical engineers is expected to grow 7.3% in the next five years, which is greater than the average across all jobs.
Career pathways
Use your expertise or transferable skills to enter a range of different career paths related to Chemical Engineering.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers design processes to produce, transform and transport materials. Beginning by experimenting in a laboratory, chemical engineers then bring materials and chemicals to full scale production. Chemical engineers are sometimes also called process engineers or universal engineers.
Industrial Chemist
Industrial chemists work alongside chemical engineers to produce goods using chemical production technologies, methods, materials and processes. Industrial chemists are responsible for running, troubleshooting and improving the processes that are followed to produce chemicals and materials on a large scale.
Biochemist
Biochemists study the chemical and physical properties of living things, looking at cell development, growth, disease and more. Their objective is to understand how chemical reactions occur in the tissues, paying special attention to the effects of any medicines that are applied. In this way, biochemists are able to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people, animals and environments.
Energy Engineer
Energy engineers work on energy-related projects, devising new and improved ways to supply energy. They do this by identifying ways to reduce costs, researching methods to generate new energy, and taking steps to minimise carbon emissions and environmental impact. As an energy engineer, you’ll often work on-site, conducting inspections and energy surveys.
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear engineers are tasked with the important mission of monitoring nuclear facility operations to ensure all regulations and laws are adhered to. Typically stepping in during the construction process, nuclear engineers also research and develop the processes and tools used to generate maximum benefits from nuclear energy.
Top Chemical Engineering courses
![Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Chemical Engineering [Specialisation]](https://images1.content-gbl.com/commimg/myhotcourses/institution/profile/myhc_311044_320px.jpg)
Top Universities to study Chemical Engineering
Monash University Malaysia
Australia
Monash University
THE ranking: 57
Australia
The University of New South Wales
THE ranking: 70
Australia
The University of Queensland
THE ranking: 54
Australia
The University of Newcastle
THE ranking: 251
Australia
The University of Sydney
THE ranking: 58
Australia
James Cook University
THE ranking: 251
Australia
The University of Melbourne
THE ranking: 33
Australia
The University of Adelaide
THE ranking: 111
Australia
Queensland University of Technology
THE ranking: 193
Australia
The University of Western Australia
THE ranking: 132
Australia
Edith Cowan University
THE ranking: 401
Australia
Curtin University
THE ranking: 251
Australia
UNSW Global Pty Ltd Foundation Year
Australia
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Canada
Trent University
Canada
Durham College
Canada
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Canada
Laurentian University
Canada
Dalhousie University
THE ranking: 251
Canada
Toronto Metropolitan University
THE ranking: 801
Canada
Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology
Canada
Seneca College
Canada
Algoma University
Canada
Cambrian College
Canada
University of Waterloo
THE ranking: 201
Canada
Concordia University
THE ranking: 601
Canada
Lakehead University
THE ranking: 801
Canada
Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology
Canada
McMaster University
THE ranking: 80
Canada
Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
Canada
Queen's University
THE ranking: 251
Canada
University of Calgary
THE ranking: 201
Canada
University of British Columbia
THE ranking: 37
Canada
University of Alberta
THE ranking: 125
Canada
University of New Brunswick
THE ranking: 601
Canada
University of Ottawa
THE ranking: 162
Canada
University of Saskatchewan
THE ranking: 501
Canada
Western University
THE ranking: 201
Canada
University of Toronto
THE ranking: 18
Canada
Cape Breton University
Canada
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Canada
Lambton College
Canada
St. Clair College
Canada
The University of Waikato
THE ranking: 401
New Zealand
Massey University
THE ranking: 601
New Zealand
University of Canterbury
THE ranking: 501
New Zealand
The University of Auckland
THE ranking: 137
New Zealand
SAIT Polytechnic
Canada
New Brunswick Community College
Canada
Engineering Institute of Technology
Australia
Swinburne University of Technology - Sarawak Campus
Australia
RMIT University
THE ranking: 301
Australia
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