The Master of Chemical Engineering is a 2–3 year full-time degree (part-time available) depending on your prior study.

Course structure

First year

In your first year (or equivalent) you’ll complete foundation engineering subjects – tailored to students from a non-engineering background. If you’ve completed the Chemical Systems major in your bachelor degree, plus the required maths and science subjects, you’ll receive credit for these foundation engineering subjects and start in the second year.

Second and third year

In your second and third year (or equivalent), you’ll focus on your chosen engineering discipline. As a chemical engineering student, you’ll focus on the design and implementation of industrial-scale processes for converting raw waste materials into useful products. You’ll also apply your knowledge in diverse sectors from fuel to pharmaceuticals – gaining expertise in the computing and simulation of chemical processes.

You’ll undertake an industry, design or research project and gain the skills and knowledge to practice as a professional engineer.

Choose your specialisation

As a Master of Chemical Engineering student, you can pursue your career goals and interests through one of three specialisations, or you can choose not to specialise if you’d prefer.

Business

Study tailored business subjects developed in partnership with the Melbourne Business School, covering how economics, marketing and finance relate to engineering.

Materials and Minerals

Explore the technologies that underpin all aspects of society (including particle technology) in preparation for a career in materials production or mineral processing.

Sustainability and environment

Develop the chemical and biochemical engineering expertise to address environmental challenges and to produce the sustainable fuels, foods and chemicals of the future.

Industry, design and research subjects

Creating Innovative Engineering subject

Work on a real-world innovation challenge with an industry mentor through our Creating Innovative Engineering subject. You could also work on a dedicated chemical engineering investigative project within an industry partner in our subject Industry Project.

Chemical Engineering Research subject

Conduct research alongside our world-leading chemical engineering researchers in our Chemical Engineering Research Subject. Work on an industry partnered project, or pursue your own exploratory research. Take the opportunity to present the findings to the public at our annual engineering showcase, the Endeavour Engineering and IT Exhibition.

Chemical Engineering Design Project

From developing a feasibility study to creating a design report, build your advanced engineering design skills through our Chemical Engineering Design Project.

Handbook entries

Master of Chemical Engineering

Please note: the plans below are sample plans only - current students should refer to the Handbook to plan your course.