Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Process)

A process engineer develops and optimises industrial processes to make the huge range of products on which modern society depends. This includes oil and gas, water, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, paper and sugar. Chemical process engineers have an understanding of the chemistry and physics required for these processes, the related equipment and how to integrate many individual operations into an integrated factory.

Chemical process engineers typically work in either large consulting firms in head offices where the design occurs, or onsite in factories. In Australia, process engineering is the destination career for chemical engineering graduates.

Sample companies include:

• Energy, oil and gas production (Shell, Caltex, BP, Origin Energy, Santos)
• Liquefied natural gas (Woodside, Santos, Shell)
• Food and beverage (Parmalaat, Arnotts, Coca Cola, large wineries, Carlton and United Breweries, Bundaberg Distillery, Schweppes, XXXX, Mars, Nestle, Cadbury)
• Meat processing (Teys Australia, JBS Australia, John Dee)
• Sugar production (Wilmar, Maryborough Sugar Limited, Mackay Sugar)
• Minerals processing (BHP, Rio Tinto)
• Pharmaceuticals (Bayer)
• Industrial chemicals (Orica, BASF)
• Water treatment (SA Water, Urban Utilities, United Water)
• Biofuels (Wilmar, Manildra)
• Paper industry (Amcor, Visy)
• Personal care products such as toilet paper, soap, shampoo, detergents, cleaning chemicals, nappies and feminine hygiene (Unilever, Kimberly Clark, Johnson & Johnson)
• Consulting firms (Hatch, Worley Parsons, Beca, GPA Engineering)

Sample jobs include:

• Process engineer
• Chemical engineer
• Consulting engineer
• Process technologist
• Industrial engineer
• Operations engineer
• Production manager
• Factory manager

Your engineering degree features common units in the first year that combine broad foundation principles with a wide range of major choices, giving you flexibility and options before you choose your career specialisation.

You can commence this course online in 2021 if you are unable to enter Australia due to travel restrictions, however you may not be able to enrol with a full-time study load as some units may not be available.

In addition, you may choose to commence your studies by undertaking eligible Minor units. (Engineering units with hands-on practicals are only offered on campus.)

You will need to complete the course on campus, once travel to Brisbane is possible.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is embedded in the curriculum and it is a core component for all engineering students. WIL allows you to graduate with a portfolio of professional skills that provides evidence of your professional competencies.

You are required to undertake 60 days of approved work experience in the engineering environment as part of your work integrated learning.

All graduates are eligible for an Engineers Australia (EA) membership. EA is a signatory to the Washington Accord, which permits graduates to work in various countries across the world. This course is recognised internationally in the engineering profession, giving QUT graduates more career opportunities overseas.

Chemical Process Engineering is a relatively new degree and we are currently in the process of seeking accreditation by the Institution of Chemical Engineers to provide additional international recognition.

• Consultant
• Project Manager