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University of New South Wales (UNSW)

  • 34% international / 66% domestic

Master of Engineering Science (Chemical Engineering)

  • Masters (Coursework)

The Master of Engineering Science (Chemical Engineering) is a two-year full-time, postgraduate degree that gives you advanced technical, process design and project management skills.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Duration
1 - 2 years full-time
Study Mode
In person
Domestic Fees
$9,000 per year / $112,500 total

About this course

Overview

The Master of Engineering Science (Chemical Engineering) is a two-year full-time, postgraduate degree that gives you advanced technical, process design and project management skills. Make the most of our leading facilities in the UNSW School of Engineering as you focus on the following areas:

  • Environmental engineering
  • Water treatment
  • Design
  • Process systems
  • Heat transfer
  • Fluid mechanics

Flexible learning is a keystone of the program, allowing you to broaden your career prospects through cross-training, re-training and specialisation. This program is the perfect next step if you're a chemical engineering graduate, with graduates in food science and engineering or biomedical engineering also considered.

*Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Why study this degree at UNSW?

UNSW Engineering achieved a top ERA research excellence ranking in 2019, adding to our status as Australia's largest and longest standing engineering faculty. Our selection of engineering degrees is all encompassing, allowing you to find the perfect degree for you.

The UNSW School of Chemical Engineering is consistently ranked as one of the top chemical engineering schools in the nation, renowned for offering some of the best research training.

When you choose a degree in chemical engineering as part of a Master of Engineering Science, you'll explore efficient process design and look at robust, objective analyses of chemical plants, industrial processes and general operations in the chemical industry. Your studies will include extensive coverage of current business and environmental issues in the chemical and food industry.

Program Code
8338
CRICOS Code
084282A
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
96
Indicative Enrolments
2,383
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements

There are two entry points into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depending on your cognate background. This provides a structured and supportive option for students with a non-cognate background, while enabling students with cognate backgrounds earlier flexibility in their course selection. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UOC), and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.

Students with a cognate background:

Entry into the Master's program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*

Students with a non-cognate background:

Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.

Entry into the pathway requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline.

A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*

Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after passing 18 UOC of foundational courses. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with a cognate background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with non-cognate backgrounds must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.

*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average

Cognate disciplines

  • Food technology
  • Biotechnology
  • Wine Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Applied Chemistry
  • Chemical Technology
  • Materials Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Applied Chemical Technology
  • Functional Materials
  • Polymer Technology
  • Biomolecular Engineering
  • Bioengineering
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Engineering
  • Oil and Gas Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical Technology
  • Chemical Engineering

Cognate disciplines (cont.)
  • Chemical Process Engineering
  • Polymer Engineering
  • Polymer Materials Engineering
  • Food Engineering
  • Bioprocess Engineering
  • Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
  • Chemical and Materials Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering and Nanotechnology
  • Pulp and Paper Engineering
  • Petrochemical Engineering
  • Food Process Engineering
  • Food Science and Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical Engineering
  • Biopharmaceutical Engineering
  • Mineral Process Engineering
  • Process Engineering
  • Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
  • Biochemical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering and Technology

Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)

UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.

  • A 4 year Bachelor Degree with Honours (AQF Level 8

    , opens in a new window
    equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.

    Cognate disciplines

    • Chemical Engineering
    • Chemical Process Engineering
    • Polymer Engineering
    • Polymer Materials Engineering
    • Food Engineering
    • Bioprocess Engineering
    • Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
    • Chemical and Materials Engineering
    • Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering and Nanotechnology
    • Pulp and Paper Engineering
    • Petrochemical Engineering
    • Food Process Engineering
    • Food Science and Engineering
    • Pharmaceutical Engineering
    • Biopharmaceutical Engineering
    • Mineral Process Engineering
    • Process Engineering
    • Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
    • Biochemical Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering and Technology

  • A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7

    , opens in a new window
    equivalent) from any institution in a Cognate discipline.

    Cognate disciplines

    • Food technology
    • Biotechnology
    • Wine Engineering
    • Biomedical Engineering
    • Chemistry
    • Applied Chemistry
    • Chemical Technology
    • Materials Engineering
    • Materials Science
    • Applied Chemical Technology
    • Functional Materials
    • Polymer Technology
    • Biomolecular Engineering
    • Bioengineering
    • Petroleum Engineering
    • Environmental Engineering
    • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Engineering
    • Oil and Gas Engineering
    • Pharmaceutical Technology
    • Chemical Engineering

    Cognate disciplines (cont.)
    • Chemical Process Engineering
    • Polymer Engineering
    • Polymer Materials Engineering
    • Food Engineering
    • Bioprocess Engineering
    • Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
    • Chemical and Materials Engineering
    • Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering and Nanotechnology
    • Pulp and Paper Engineering
    • Petrochemical Engineering
    • Food Process Engineering
    • Food Science and Engineering
    • Pharmaceutical Engineering
    • Biopharmaceutical Engineering
    • Mineral Process Engineering
    • Process Engineering
    • Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
    • Biochemical Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering and Technology

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

There are two entry points into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depending on your cognate background. This provides a structured and supportive option for students with a non-cognate background, while enabling students with cognate backgrounds earlier flexibility in their course selection. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UOC), and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.

Students with a cognate background:

Entry into the Master's program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*

Students with a non-cognate background:

Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.

Entry into the pathway requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline.

A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*

Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after passing 18 UOC of foundational courses. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with a cognate background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with non-cognate backgrounds must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.

*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average

Cognate disciplines

  • Food technology
  • Biotechnology
  • Wine Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Applied Chemistry
  • Chemical Technology
  • Materials Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Applied Chemical Technology
  • Functional Materials
  • Polymer Technology
  • Biomolecular Engineering
  • Bioengineering
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Engineering
  • Oil and Gas Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical Technology
  • Chemical Engineering

Cognate disciplines (cont.)
  • Chemical Process Engineering
  • Polymer Engineering
  • Polymer Materials Engineering
  • Food Engineering
  • Bioprocess Engineering
  • Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
  • Chemical and Materials Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering and Nanotechnology
  • Pulp and Paper Engineering
  • Petrochemical Engineering
  • Food Process Engineering
  • Food Science and Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical Engineering
  • Biopharmaceutical Engineering
  • Mineral Process Engineering
  • Process Engineering
  • Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
  • Biochemical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering and Technology

Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)

UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.

  • A 4 year Bachelor Degree with Honours (AQF Level 8, opens in a new window equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.

    Cognate disciplines

    • Chemical Engineering
    • Chemical Process Engineering
    • Polymer Engineering
    • Polymer Materials Engineering
    • Food Engineering
    • Bioprocess Engineering
    • Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
    • Chemical and Materials Engineering
    • Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering and Nanotechnology
    • Pulp and Paper Engineering
    • Petrochemical Engineering
    • Food Process Engineering
    • Food Science and Engineering
    • Pharmaceutical Engineering
    • Biopharmaceutical Engineering
    • Mineral Process Engineering
    • Process Engineering
    • Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
    • Biochemical Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering and Technology

  • A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7, opens in a new window equivalent) from any institution in a Cognate discipline.

    Cognate disciplines

    • Food technology
    • Biotechnology
    • Wine Engineering
    • Biomedical Engineering
    • Chemistry
    • Applied Chemistry
    • Chemical Technology
    • Materials Engineering
    • Materials Science
    • Applied Chemical Technology
    • Functional Materials
    • Polymer Technology
    • Biomolecular Engineering
    • Bioengineering
    • Petroleum Engineering
    • Environmental Engineering
    • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Engineering
    • Oil and Gas Engineering
    • Pharmaceutical Technology
    • Chemical Engineering

    Cognate disciplines (cont.)
    • Chemical Process Engineering
    • Polymer Engineering
    • Polymer Materials Engineering
    • Food Engineering
    • Bioprocess Engineering
    • Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
    • Chemical and Materials Engineering
    • Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering and Nanotechnology
    • Pulp and Paper Engineering
    • Petrochemical Engineering
    • Food Process Engineering
    • Food Science and Engineering
    • Pharmaceutical Engineering
    • Biopharmaceutical Engineering
    • Mineral Process Engineering
    • Process Engineering
    • Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
    • Biochemical Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering and Technology

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Select from the options below *
Which applies to you? *

Study locations

Kensington

Career pathways

Future careers

As a Chemical Engineer, you'll design, create and optimise systems and equipment used in chemical, industrial, biological and environmental processes. Chemical engineering bridges the study of the chemical and physical sciences with engineering, allowing you to enter an array of industries including:

  • Alternative Energy
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemical Manufacturing
  • Nuclear Energy
  • Oil and Gas
  • Paper Manufacturing
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Petrochemicals
  • Sustainable Engineering
  • Water and Waste Management
  • Consultancy
  • Research and Development
  • Field Engineering
  • Design and Manufacturing Engineer
  • Environment and Conservation

UNSW Engineering graduates are some of the most sought-after professional engineers in Australia and abroad thanks to the reputation of our research and teaching.