Sustainable engineering

‘The skills I have learnt in sustainable and chemical engineering helped me land a position at Aurecon where I’ve been working on an advisory team for the last year. I’ve loved getting to understand the sustainable chemical industry through my studies. One of my favourite projects involved researching the advancements in green hydrogen synthesis for green ammonia production.’

Jonah Anderson, CS Energy Indigenous Scholarship recipient
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Sustainable Process)

Supporting women in STEM

'Coming from a small mining town, I didn’t think engineering was for me. I really had to step outside the box to study engineering and make the move to Brisbane. It was quite daunting to make such a big change, but coming to QUT, I’ve felt so supported by a community of incredible women I study with.'

Amy Jones
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Sustainable Process)/Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)

Environmental impact

'One of my favourite assignments was a collaborative effort to construct a green bridge across the Brisbane River connecting Bulimba and Teneriffe. We proposed sustainable solutions for those communities to reduce city congestion and encourage public transport, walking and cycling. This task deepened my understanding of the general structural and electromechanical processes in engineering, and made me consider government policies and sustainability assessment frameworks in how I approach engineering. These skills will be pivotal for me in my future years as a chemical and sustainable processes engineer.’

Anjana Kurian
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Sustainable Process)

Industry-based courses

‘I’ve really enjoyed my subjects with a strong industry focus. In my third year, we looked at emerging sustainable processes that could be implemented to minimise the environmental footprint of operations in a metals refining facility. I have found this mode of learning to be rewarding and engaging and a great opportunity to set me up for leading this kind of work in my future career.’

Finlay McLanachan
Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical and Sustainable Process)

Sustainable learning

‘I’m inspired by my lecturer Dr Graeme Millar whose chemical process industry experience has helped solidify my career goals. One of my favourite assignments was a report on the potential uses of green methanol as a sustainable replacement fuel. As a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, I am grateful for QUT’s Oodgeroo Unit, which has helped me gain an internship and make industry connections with Honeywell and Arrow Energy. These relationships are pivotal for my career as I finish up my degree.’

Ross Towers

Make an impact

‘Studying Chemical and Sustainable Process Engineering allows you to lay the groundwork for an engineering degree that will set you up to make a difference. Whether it’s converting impaired water resources to safe drinking water, developing sustainable materials from mining waste, optimising industrial processes to reduce pollution, you will graduate with the knowledge and skills which allow you to create sustainable engineering solutions that do not compromise our natural environment. And that’s exactly what the world needs.’

Professor Graeme Millar
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Sustainable engineering

‘The skills I have learnt in sustainable and chemical engineering helped me land a position at Aurecon where I’ve been working on an advisory team for the last year. I’ve loved getting to understand the sustainable chemical industry through my studies. One of my favourite projects involved researching the advancements in green hydrogen synthesis for green ammonia production.’

Jonah Anderson, CS Energy Indigenous Scholarship recipient
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Sustainable Process)

Supporting women in STEM

'Coming from a small mining town, I didn’t think engineering was for me. I really had to step outside the box to study engineering and make the move to Brisbane. It was quite daunting to make such a big change, but coming to QUT, I’ve felt so supported by a community of incredible women I study with.'

Amy Jones
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Sustainable Process)/Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)

Environmental impact

'One of my favourite assignments was a collaborative effort to construct a green bridge across the Brisbane River connecting Bulimba and Teneriffe. We proposed sustainable solutions for those communities to reduce city congestion and encourage public transport, walking and cycling. This task deepened my understanding of the general structural and electromechanical processes in engineering, and made me consider government policies and sustainability assessment frameworks in how I approach engineering. These skills will be pivotal for me in my future years as a chemical and sustainable processes engineer.’

Anjana Kurian
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Sustainable Process)

Industry-based courses

‘I’ve really enjoyed my subjects with a strong industry focus. In my third year, we looked at emerging sustainable processes that could be implemented to minimise the environmental footprint of operations in a metals refining facility. I have found this mode of learning to be rewarding and engaging and a great opportunity to set me up for leading this kind of work in my future career.’

Finlay McLanachan
Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical and Sustainable Process)

Sustainable learning

‘I’m inspired by my lecturer Dr Graeme Millar whose chemical process industry experience has helped solidify my career goals. One of my favourite assignments was a report on the potential uses of green methanol as a sustainable replacement fuel. As a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, I am grateful for QUT’s Oodgeroo Unit, which has helped me gain an internship and make industry connections with Honeywell and Arrow Energy. These relationships are pivotal for my career as I finish up my degree.’

Ross Towers

Make an impact

‘Studying Chemical and Sustainable Process Engineering allows you to lay the groundwork for an engineering degree that will set you up to make a difference. Whether it’s converting impaired water resources to safe drinking water, developing sustainable materials from mining waste, optimising industrial processes to reduce pollution, you will graduate with the knowledge and skills which allow you to create sustainable engineering solutions that do not compromise our natural environment. And that’s exactly what the world needs.’

Professor Graeme Millar


Sustainable engineering

‘The skills I have learnt in sustainable and chemical engineering helped me land a position at Aurecon where I’ve been working on an advisory team for the last year. I’ve loved getting to understand the sustainable chemical industry through my studies. One of my favourite projects involved researching the advancements in green hydrogen synthesis for green ammonia production.’

Jonah Anderson, CS Energy Indigenous Scholarship recipient
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Sustainable Process)

Environmental impact

'One of my favourite assignments was a collaborative effort to construct a green bridge across the Brisbane River connecting Bulimba and Teneriffe. We proposed sustainable solutions for those communities to reduce city congestion and encourage public transport, walking and cycling. This task deepened my understanding of the general structural and electromechanical processes in engineering, and made me consider government policies and sustainability assessment frameworks in how I approach engineering. These skills will be pivotal for me in my future years as a chemical and sustainable processes engineer.’

Anjana Kurian
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Sustainable Process)

Industry-based courses

‘I’ve really enjoyed my subjects with a strong industry focus. In my third year, we looked at emerging sustainable processes that could be implemented to minimise the environmental footprint of operations in a metals refining facility. I have found this mode of learning to be rewarding and engaging and a great opportunity to set me up for leading this kind of work in my future career.’

Finlay McLanachan
Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical and Sustainable Process)


Make an impact

‘Studying Chemical and Sustainable Process Engineering allows you to lay the groundwork for an engineering degree that will set you up to make a difference. Whether it’s converting impaired water resources to safe drinking water, developing sustainable materials from mining waste, optimising industrial processes to reduce pollution, you will graduate with the knowledge and skills which allow you to create sustainable engineering solutions that do not compromise our natural environment. And that’s exactly what the world needs.’

Professor Graeme Millar

Highlights

  • The job growth for chemical engineers is on the rise as industries adapt to new technologies and sustainability challenges (Employment Outlook, National Skills Commission). 
  • Play an essential role in the manufacturing industry and address challenges such as creating sustainable energy, supplying safe drinking water and creating high-value products. 
  • Combine engineering, chemistry, circular economy and business principles to design sustainable processes to turn raw materials into useful products. 
  • Gain hands-on experience with site visits, work integrated learning, research projects and assessments aligned with real industrial scenarios.
  • In your final year project, you'll take part in workshop-style classes where you will collaboratively produce green chemical engineering solutions for real-world industries such as water desalination plants and paper companies. 
  • Learn emerging sustainable processes and how they can be applied to minimise environmental impacts. 
  • Graduate eligible for Engineers Australia (EA) membership and with a highly regarded and internationally-recognised qualification.

Highlights

  • Prepare for a career in sustainable engineering, one of the top 25 emerging fields in Australia (National Skills Commission, 2021).
  • Develop, design and optimise industrial processes for the manufacture of a huge range of outputs including energy, chemicals, materials, foods, bioproducts and consumer goods.
  • Combine engineering, chemistry, circular economy and business principles to design sustainable processes to turn raw materials into useful products.
  • Gain hands-on experience with site visits, work integrated learning, research projects and assessments aligned with real industrial scenarios.
  • Graduate eligible for Engineers Australia (EA) membership and with a highly regarded and internationally-recognised qualification.

Why choose this course?

You’ll graduate with a qualification in chemical and process engineering, which are highly recognised by industry. 

You’ll apply your chemistry, maths and physics knowledge to the energy, mining, materials and manufacturing sectors of the economy. Throughout your study you'll have access to opportunities for site visits, work integrated learning and research projects.  

Step into your first job with confidence backed by strong project management and leadership skills, ready to approach complex and multidisciplinary challenges. 

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.

Explore this course

What to expect

You’ll learn from experienced professional engineers and scientists that will activate your learning with hands-on experiments, modelling and analysis.

In your final year project, you'll take part in workshop-style classes where you will collaboratively produce 'green chemical engineering’ solutions for real-world industries such as water desalination plants and paper companies.

Work Integrated Learning

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 complete 60 days (equivalent to 450 hours) of approved work experience in the engineering environment as part of your work integrated learning. 

Careers and outcomes

Careers and outcomes

An engineer who specialises in chemical and sustainable process develops and optimises industrial processes to make the huge range of products on which modern society depends.   

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. 

Possible careers

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

Details and units

Engineering (Honours)

Your QUT Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree consists of 32 units (384 credit points) arranged as follows:

(a)   Core units (96 credit points) consisting of:

60 credit points of First Year units:

  • Three core engineering units (36 credit points)
  • An introductory unit in engineering mathematics (12 credit points), chosen from a list of two units depending on the student's mathematical preparedness
  • Engineering Mathematics and Statistics (12 credit points)

       And 36 credit points of Honours units:

  • Research Methods (12 credit points)
  • Project (24 credit points)

(b)  A Major (216 credit points) consisting of:

  • Eleven bachelor-level major units in the major (132 credit points)
  • Five advanced Honours-level units in the major (60 credit points)
  • Two Discipline Extension Units (24 credit points)

(c)   Complementary Studies (48 credit points) consisting of:

  • An Engineering Minor (a 4-unit sets of 48 credit points) from the options for your chosen Major

(d)  Four QUT You units (24 credit points) of your choice.

Engineering (Honours)

Your QUT Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree consists of 32 units (384 credit points) arranged as follows:

(a)   Core units (96 credit points) consisting of:

60 credit points of First Year units:

  • Three core engineering units (36 credit points)
  • An introductory unit in engineering mathematics (12 credit points), chosen from a list of two units depending on the student's mathematical preparedness
  • Engineering Mathematics and Statistics (12 credit points)

       And 36 credit points of Honours units:

  • Research Methods (12 credit points)
  • Project (24 credit points)

(b)  A Major (216 credit points) consisting of:

  • Eleven bachelor-level major units in the major (132 credit points)
  • Five advanced Honours-level units in the major (60 credit points)
  • Two Discipline Extension Units (24 credit points)

(c)   Complementary Studies (48 credit points) consisting of:

  • An Engineering Minor (a 4-unit sets of 48 credit points) from the options for your chosen Major

(d)  Four QUT You units (24 credit points) of your choice.

Requirements

ATAR/selection rank threshold
82.00

These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2025.

Don't have a ATAR/selection rank?

Find out other ways you can apply

Course code
EN01
QTAC code
412502
CRICOS code
084921G
Delivery
  • Gardens Point
Delivery
  • Gardens Point
Duration
4 years full-time
8 years part-time
Duration
4 years full-time
Entry
February and July
Entry
February and July
Deferment

You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.

Assumed knowledge

Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we strongly encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:

  • English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)
  • Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)

More about assumed knowledge

 

Year 12 early offer scheme

If you're a current Queensland Year 12 student, you may be eligible to receive an offer for this course on the last day of Queensland Year 12, before receiving your ATAR or selection rank.

Helping you to get into your course

If you dont think your ATAR or selection rank is high enough to get into this course, you can guarantee your entry with guaranteed advanced standing by upgrading through one the following programs which you can select as one of your QTAC preferences:

QUT College Diploma in Engineering

QUT College Diploma in Engineering graduates will automatically receive an offer to start the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) within three weeks after completion of the diploma. You will also automatically receive 1 year (96 credit points) credit transfer and be able to complete the degree in 3 years as a full-time student.

Find out more about the QUT College Diploma in Engineering

Dual TAFE-Qld Brisbane/QUT award

If you enrol in a QTAC offer in the following dual TAFE-Qld Brisbane/QUT award you will automatically receive a QUT conditional offer in June (semester 1 QTAC offer) or October (semester 2 QTAC offer) after your enrolment at TAFE-Qld Brisbane is confirmed.

Upon completion of the TAFE-Qld courses you will be able to enrol at QUT. You will also automatically receive

  • 1 year (96 credit points) credit transfer and be able to complete the degree in 3 years as a full-time student if you complete the advanced diploma
  • Up to 1.5 years (144 credit points) credit transfer and be able to complete the degree in 2.5 to 3 years as a full-time student if you complete the associate degree

More details will be provided in your QUT conditional offer letter.

Offer guarantee

If you achieve an ATAR or selection rank of 82.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

VET guarantee

If you have completed an AQF diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

Advanced standing

If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.

More about advanced standing

Deferment

You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.

More about deferring your offer

Adjustments to your ATAR/selection rank

Any adjustments you receive to your ATAR or selection rank will be applied to this course.

Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your ATAR or selection rank

Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2024

The figures listed in the tables below reflect the offers that were made to recent ATAR students. The entry thresholds box at the top of this page shows the lowest adjusted ATAR/selection rank required to receive an offer for all applicants for the most recent January QTAC offer round.

Excluding adjustments Including adjustments
Highest ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 99.55
Selection rank 99.95
Median ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 83.65
Selection rank 88.00
Lowest ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 71.50
Selection rank 80.00

You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.

Other admission options

If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for admission through our Centralised Assessment Selection Process (CASP).

I completed my studies outside of Australia

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this course.

If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.

Assumed knowledge
  • Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)

I completed secondary school in Australia

Assumed knowledge
  • Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)

More about assumed knowledge

ATAR/selection rank
82.00
Offer guarantee

If you completed secondary school in Australia and achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 82.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

VET guarantee

If you have completed an AQF diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

Minimum English language requirements

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.

Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.

If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.

We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.

English Test
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake
Overall 6.5
Listening 6
Reading 6
Writing 6
Speaking 6
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website.
Overall 176
Listening 169
Reading 169
Writing 169
Speaking 169
PTE Academic
Overall 58
Listening 50
Reading 50
Writing 50
Speaking 50
TOEFL iBT
Overall 79
Listening 16
Reading 16
Writing 21
Speaking 18
English Test Overall Listening Reading Writing Speaking
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake 6.5 6 6 6 6
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. 		176 169 169 169 169
PTE Academic 58 50 50 50 50
TOEFL iBT 79 16 16 21 18

We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.

When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.

Applying for this course

Applicants with recent secondary education

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Applicants with higher education study

Applicants with work and life experience

Find out more if you are an international applicant

Applying for this course

Applicants with recent secondary education

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Applicants with higher education study

Applicants with work and life experience

Find out more if you are an international applicant

Fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.

2026 fees

2026: Fee available from October

2026 fees

2026: Fee available from July

2025 fees

2025: CSP $8,200 per year full-time (96 credit points)

2025 fees

2025: $45,500 per year full-time (96 credit points)

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Find out more about undergraduate course fees

HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees

You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.

Find out more about government loans

Scholarships

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

Browse all scholarships

Women in Engineering Scholarship

A scholarship for future female undergraduate students who want to study engineering.

Scholarship eligibility
Women

International Merit Scholarship

A high achievement scholarship for future international undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

QUT Budding Entrepreneur Scholarship

A scholarship for innovative individuals who are engaged in their passion for entrepreneurial action.

Scholarship eligibility
Applications
Open Sunday 28 July 2024
Close Friday 10 January 2025

QUT Real World International Scholarship

A scholarship to cover tuition fees, with eligibility based on your prior academic achievements.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

You may also be eligible for

Centrelink payments

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Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Aerospace)

Duration
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Duration
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Delivery
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ATAR/Selection rank

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical)

Duration
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  • 8 years part-time
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Delivery
  • Gardens Point
Delivery
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Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
  • 4 years full-time
Delivery
  • Gardens Point
Delivery
  • Gardens Point
ATAR/Selection rank

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechatronics)

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
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Delivery
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ATAR/Selection rank

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Medical)

Duration
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Diploma in Engineering

Duration
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  • 16 months part-time
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Delivery
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