Master of Engineering (Chemical)

This program investigates the invention, design and implementation of chemical processes through which raw materials are converted into valuable products.

The Master of Engineering (Chemical) program is designed to provide students with a formal qualification in engineering at the masters level. Chemical engineers invent, design and implement processes through which raw materials are converted into valuable products, such as petrol, power, ceramics, plastics, food additives and pharmaceuticals. The program promotes development of practical, laboratory-based skills, combined with expertise in computing and simulation. Students develop their expertise under the guidance of staff known internationally for their research in areas such nanotechnology, bioremediation and solvent extraction. Students have the opportunity to complete an industry project in conjunction with a relevant industry partner.

Career Outcomes

Career opportunities in the field are extensive and exist in petrochemical, mining, food, pharmaceutical or chemical industries, as well as biological waste treatment and bioremediation. Our graduates are employed in a diverse range of industries, for companies including: Exxon Mobil, BP, PETRONAS, Schlumberger, Nyrstar, BHP Billiton, Anglo Coal, Worley Parsons, Uhde Shedden, Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB), Production Services Network (PSN), GHD, URS Corporation, ENSR Australia, CSL Limited, Mars and Unilever.

Dual accreditation with Engineers Australia (provisional) and EUR-ACE® allows graduates of the Master of Engineering, or the Master of Spatial Information Science, to practice as professional engineers virtually anywhere in the world. For more information see our accreditation page.

Mode
Coursework
Duration
2–3 years full-time
Available part-time.
Entry
Semester 1, Semester 2
Fees
Local CSP: $7756 per annum
International: $30,848 per annum

Further Fees Information

Detailed information about fees and funding support including local and international fee brochures, scholarships, loans and grants, youth allowance, austudy and abstudy, currency converters, the cost of living in Melbourne and financial aid, is available at:

Domestic Students

International Students

 

Entry Requirements

Prior Qualification Entry Requirements
University of Melbourne Engineering Pathways
  • One of the following undergraduate degrees with a Chemical Systems major or sequence:
    • Commerce
    • Science
  • An average of 65% in the final two years.
Undergraduate Engineering Degree
  • An undergraduate degree including:
    • the equivalent of 25 points (2 subjects) of first year mathematics, specifically Calculus 2 and Linear Algebra (or equivalent), and
    • the equivalent of 25 points (2 subjects) of first year chemistry (or equivalent).
  • An average of 65% in the final two years.

Note: Students with a Bachelor of Engineering who seek to specialise in the same field of engineering in which they majored, are likely to receive 100 points (one year) of credit, possibly more. Exact credit can only be determined on application.

Undergraduate Degree with Limited or No Engineering Study

(Including University of Melbourne Non-pathway Degrees)

Undergraduate Degree with Limited or No Engineering Study

(Including University of Melbourne Non-pathway Degrees)

  • An undergraduate degree including:
    • the equivalent of 25 points (2 subjects) of first year mathematics, specifically Calculus 2 and Linear Algebra (or equivalent), and
    • the equivalent of 25 points (2 subjects) of first year chemistry (or equivalent).
  • An average of 65% in the final two years.

Students who have graduated from an institution other than the University of Melbourne must supply official engineering syllabus or subject descriptions from their institution with their application.

English Language Requirements

All students studying at the University of Melbourne must satisfy the University’s english language entry requirements. For graduate entry, Engineering offers an alternative.

Engineering English Language Entry Requirements


Credit for Prior Studies

The Master of Engineering is a 300 point or 3 year program. The first 100 points (1 year) is made up of foundation study tailored to students from non-engineering backgrounds. Many students who enter the program will have some prior study in engineering, which will allow them to receive credit for up to the first year of the program, reducing the program to 2 years.

Students who have studied at an institution other than the University of Melbourne must supply engineering syllabus item details from their previous institution of study, along with an original or certified copy of their academic transcript, to enable credit to be assessed at the time of application.

Application for Advanced Standing Form [PDF 190KB]

Course Structure

These course plans are examples only and provided as an indicative guide. They will vary according to a student’s undergraduate degree and the time of commencement.

Master of Engineering (Chemical) Sample Course Plan

Preliminary year: required only for students entering from non-Engineering backgrounds.
Graduates from corresponding University of Melbourne New Generation degree pathways enter at second year.

Year 1 (Prelim) Sem 1 Engineering Communication Chemical Process Analysis 1 Engineering Mathematics Reactions and Synthesis
Sem 2 Chemical Process Analysis 2 Transport Processes Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics Process Dynamics and Control
Usual entry point for applicants with 100 points advanced standing.
Year 2 Sem 1 Reactor Engineering Heat and Mass Transport Processes Bioprocessing Engineering Chemical Engineering Management
Sem 2 Advanced Thermo and Reactor Engineering Process Engineering Case Studies Project Elective
Year 3 Sem 1 Advanced Heat and Mass Transport Processes Particle Mechanics and Processing Process Equipment Design Process Engineering
Sem 2 Chemical Engineering Design Project Chemical Engineering Elective

Chemical Engineering electives are chosen from a prescribed list.

For further information on course structures, subjects and electives:

University Handbook listing


Further Information

If you have a question which isn’t answered by the links below, please use the ‘Enquire Now’ form.

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How to Apply


Fees


Scholarships



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Stephanie Lynch

Stephanie Lynch

Stephanie Lynch recently completed her Bachelor of Science, majoring in Chemical Systems, and is now undertaking a Master of Engineering (Chemical).

She complemented her studies with a busy schedule of extracurricular activities: working with other students on social justice initiatives as part of the Student Ambassador Leadership Program (SALP) and also serving as chair of the Chemical Engineering Students Society.

In high school I always wanted to do medicine, but after studying subjects like chemistry, and really enjoying maths, I realised that applying my science skills would be really interesting. With chemical engineering it looked like there were so many different options in different fields.

Plus there does seem to be a push towards the development of renewable energy. There is the opportunity to work in roles where you’re making plants more efficient and using less energy. Chemical Engineers definitely could play a part in helping the planet.