About offering
Chemical engineering uses chemistry, physics and mathematics to convert raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms. In this double degree, the chemical engineering component explores the development, design and operation of processes for the extraction, conversion and recovery of materials. Throughout your studies, you will specialise in either biosystems engineering, chemical engineering or oil and gas.
The chemistry component develops your knowledge in chemistry and a range of skills necessary for a career in a modern analytical or industrial laboratory. You will develop a sound foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects and undertake units in computer programming, mathematics and statistics along with a continuous study of analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis. Your learning will be largely based in our laboratories which are amongst the best equipped in Australia.
In your first year you will complete the Engineering Foundation Year (EFY). The EFY builds a solid base of the fundamental concepts common to all areas of engineering. The EFY was developed in partnership with industry to create a curriculum that is reflective of engineering practice.
To satisfy professional requirements, students must complete at least 12 weeks or equivalent of exposure to professional engineering practice. This requirement can be met by appropriate work experience or through a combination of technical and non-technical activities. Students must demonstrate that they have met these requirements by using a formal Log Book to record their professional experiences during the period of their degree study.
What you'll learn
- apply chemical and engineering principles to process engineering design and development, including sound risk management, environmental and occupational health and safety practice
- think critically and creatively to generate innovative and optimum solutions
- identify, evaluate and synthesise information from a range of sources to optimise process engineering design and development
- communicate effectively in ways appropriate to the discipline, audience and purpose
- use appropriate information, chemical and process technologies (recognising their advantages and limitations) in the design and development of sustainable process systems
- engage in continuous education, training and research, and take control of their own learning and development
- recognise and apply international standards and best practice in chemistry and process engineering
- demonstrate respect for cultural diversity
- be ‘career ready’ for the chemical and process engineering professions, demonstrate leadership qualities, and work ethically and professionally both within a team and independently
Why study Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering), Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)
- Strong and active Alumni provides excellent networking opportunities in the profession.
- Professionally accredited by both Engineers Australia and the Institution of Chemical Engineers UK.
- Practical course with hands-on experience and job-ready capabilities and substantial industry exposure through many industrial expert guest lecturers.
- Multicultural environment with a diversity of staff and students.
- Graduates are well regarded and sought after both locally and internationally.
- Extremely flexible engineering program offering job opportunities within chemical, petroleum, mineral, pharmaceutical, food and other processing industries in Australia and internationally.
- Research active staff provide students with state-of-the-art chemical engineering technological processes.
- Active participation of local process industries provides practical flavour to graduate students.
Student profile
View our student profile table to get an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students at Curtin University. This table provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and passed the census date in the most relevant recent intake period for which data are available. It includes those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.
Professional recognition
Upon graduation, you will be eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and for corporate membership of the Institution of Chemical Engineers and Engineers Australia.
Career information
- Progress Engineer
- Chemist
- Chemical Engineer
Admission criteria for Australian and New Zealand students
Australia / New Zealand students
International students
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are as outlined in the IELTS table below. Additional information on how you can meet the English requirement can be found on the English proficiency page.
| IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) | |
|---|---|
| Writing | 6.0 |
| Speaking | 6.0 |
| Reading | 6.0 |
| Listening | 6.0 |
| Overall band score | 6.5 |
What kind of applicant are you?
Applicants with recent secondary education
(within the past two years)
Completed your secondary education in Australia within the past two years? Learn how you can apply to Curtin.
Applicants with higher education study
Undertaken higher education study before? Find out how you can apply for a Curtin course and what credit you may be eligible for.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
Have you studied a VET course? Find out how you can get into Curtin using these qualifications.
Applicants with work and life experience
Spent time in the workforce, completed a pathway program or finished secondary education more than two years ago? See how you can apply to study at Curtin
Applicants with recent secondary education
(within the past two years)
Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, but also includes those who may have completed their senior secondary studies with a TAFE or other VET provider within the same time frame. This includes applicants whose secondary education was undertaken interstate or overseas.
-
Guaranteed ATAR: 80
This is the ATAR level at which an offer of admission is guaranteed, subject to any other non-ATAR criteria being met. - Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites):
Mathematics: Methods ATAR and Chemistry ATAR, and at least one of the following courses: Physics ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.
- Desirable WACE subjects: Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.
-
STAT entry: Not accepted.
The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) assesses competencies considered important for success at uni.
These tests are provided by the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) to help mature age candidates apply for certain courses.
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
Other admission options
Recipients of the John Curtin Undergraduate Scholarship will receive an early offer to study this course.
Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.
Lowest selection rank to which a recent Year 12 student offer was made (including the consideration of any equity or other adjustment factors)
View the lowest selection rank (incorporating ATAR plus any adjustments) of an applicant to which an offer of a place was made in the most relevant recent intake period, this includes any ATAR adjustments.
Selection rank adjustments (previously referred to as ATAR related adjustments)
Details of the types of adjustment factors (bonus points) commonly available to applicants can be found on our StepUp to Curtin webpage.
ATAR and selection rank profile for those offered places wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most recent intake period
View data on the ATAR and selection rank profile of offers made from the most relevant recent intake period.
Applicants with higher education study
Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This includes applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It also includes applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.
- Curtin offers a variety of bridging courses to help you meet the admission criteria for this course. Find out more about our bridging courses.
- Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites):
Mathematics: Methods ATAR and Chemistry ATAR, and at least one of the following courses: Physics ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.
- Desirable WACE subjects: Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
Curtin course switcher criteria
To switch into this course, you need to have:
- attained an ATAR of 80 and met the prerequisites; or
- if you have studied Maths Applications or equivalent:
- completed 75 credits within one semester, with a semester weighted average (SWA) of 70%; or
- completed 100 credits within one semester with an SWA of 65% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR and Chemistry ATAR; or
- if you have studied Maths Methods or equivalent:
- completed 75 credits within one semester with an SWA of 65%; or
- completed 100 credits within one semester with an SWA of 60% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR, and Physics ATAR and Chemistry ATAR.
The Maths Methods prerequisite can be met with:
- Maths Methods ATAR; or
- MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics or MATH1005 Pre-Calculus (12.5 credits); and
- MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus.
The Physics prerequisite can be met with:
- Physics ATAR; or
- PHYS1006 Foundations of Physics.
The Chemistry prerequisite can be met with:
- Chemistry ATAR; or
- CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry and CHEM1005 Introduction to Biological Chemistry.
Higher education course switcher criteria
To switch into this course from another higher education course, you need to have:
- attained an ATAR of 80 plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR, and Physics ATAR and Chemistry ATAR; or
- if you have studied Maths Applications or equivalent:
- completed 75 credits within one semester, with a semester weighted average (SWA) of 70%; or
- completed 100 credits within one semester, with an SWA of 65% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR, and Physics ATAR and Chemistry ATAR; or
- if you have studied Maths Methods or equivalent:
- completed 75 credits within one semester, with an SWA of 65%; or
- completed 100 credits within one semester, with an SWA of 60% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR, and Physics ATAR and Chemistry ATAR.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.
-
OR
Guaranteed ATAR: 80
This is the ATAR level at which an offer of admission is guaranteed, subject to any other non-ATAR criteria being met. - TAFE:
- TAFE Advanced Diploma of Engineering (2 years); or
- Curtin College Diploma of Engineering
AND
- satisfied the prerequisites: Maths Methods, and Physics/Chemistry.
The Maths Methods prerequisite can be met with:
- Maths Methods ATAR; or
- MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics or MATH1005 Pre-Calculus, and MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus.
The Physics prerequisite can be met with:
- Physics ATAR; or
- PHYS1006 Foundations of Physics.
The Chemistry prerequisite can be met with:
- ChemistryATAR; or
- CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry.
- Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites):
Mathematics: Methods ATAR and Chemistry ATAR, and at least one of the following courses: Physics ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.
- Desirable WACE subjects: Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.
-
STAT entry: Not accepted.
The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) assesses competencies considered important for success at uni.
These tests are provided by the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) to help mature age candidates apply for certain courses.
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
Applicants with work and life experience
Applicants with work and life experience are those who left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.
-
Guaranteed ATAR: 80
This is the ATAR level at which an offer of admission is guaranteed, subject to any other non-ATAR criteria being met. - Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites):
Mathematics: Methods ATAR and Chemistry ATAR, and at least one of the following courses: Physics ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.
- Desirable WACE subjects: Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.
-
STAT entry: Not accepted.
The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) assesses competencies considered important for success at uni.
These tests are provided by the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) to help mature age candidates apply for certain courses.
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
Cut-off scores
Please note: The cut-off scores below are for 2018 only.
| Qualification | Score |
|---|---|
| GCE/STPM/HKALE (A-levels - best of three) | 8 |
| HKDSE | 18 |
| IB | 28 |
| Ontario Gr 12 (best of 6) | 70 |
| ATAR (including WACE/SACE/HCE/VCE) | 80 |
| WAUFP (CPS) | 59 |
| India (CBSE) | 70% |
| India (HSC) | 71% |
| Sri Lanka | 8 |
Minimum academic entry requirements
Essential course prerequisites
Mathematics (including calculus), chemistry and either physics or engineering studies. Further mathematics is desirable.
Bentley or Kalgoorlie campuses: this course may not be offered at all locations every year.
Bentley or Kalgoorlie campuses: this course may not be offered at all locations every year.
Other requirements and notes for this course
This course may not be offered at all locations every year.
In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.
Advanced standing / credit transfer / recognition of prior learning
Australia / New Zealand students
International students
Credit for recognised learning (CRL) is the term Curtin uses to describe advanced standing, academic credit or recognition of prior learning.
You may be entitled to credit for recognised learning for formal, non-formal or informal learning.
Formal learning is learning that takes place through a structured program of learning that leads to the full or partial achievement of an officially recognised qualification. Recognised institutions include, but are not limited to, RTO providers and universities. Non-formal learning is adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning or various kinds of work and life experience.
Credit can reduce the amount of study needed to complete a degree.
For further information, please visit our credit for recognised learning webpage or contact our CRL Office on crl@curtin.edu.au or 1300 222 888.
Credit for recognised learning (CRL) is the term Curtin uses to describe advanced standing, academic credit or recognition of prior learning.
You may be entitled to credit for recognised learning for formal, non-formal or informal learning.
Formal learning is learning that takes place through a structured program of learning that leads to the full or partial achievement of an officially recognised qualification. Recognised institutions include, but are not limited to, RTO providers and universities. Non-formal learning is adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning or various kinds of work and life experience.
Credit can reduce the amount of study needed to complete a degree.
For further information, please see our credit for previous study website or contact ci-enquiries@curtin.edu.au.
Fees and charges
Australia / New Zealand students
International students
Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees for 2019
| Student type | Cost | Commonwealth supported What is a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)? A CSP is subsidised by the Australian Government. They pay part of the course fees directly to Curtin and then the student pays the remainder (referred to as the “student contribution amount”). The student can defer this fee to their HECS-HELP loan. All Australian students studying an undergraduate degree are automatically awarded a Commonwealth supported place. A limited number of Commonwealth supported places are also available for some postgraduate courses. Learn more about CSPs and whether you’re eligible by visiting the Australian Government’s StudyAssist website. |
$9,370* |
|---|
Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.
*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 1000 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.
This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website
If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.
International student fees for 2019
| International onshore – fee paying | |
|---|---|
| Offer letter (100 credit) published fee | $18,100* |
| Indicative year 1 fee | $34,700* |
| Indicative essential incidental course fee | N/A |
The fees shown above apply to international students studying on-campus in Western Australia. The tuition fee is subject to an annual tuition fee increase of up to 5 per cent per annum. For information about fees at other locations please visit Curtin International’s offshore site.
Where you can study
For start dates, please view the academic calendar.
On Campus
Semester 2 and Semester 1
How to apply
Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice:
Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. Please view our application deadlines page for further information.
Apply nowNext steps
If you are successful in your application to study at Curtin, you will receive a letter of offer via email. You can either accept or defer your offer. To find out more about this process, view our enrolment web page.
You may also like to find out how you can obtain financial assistance or apply for a scholarship and prepare for Orientation Week (O-Week).
Where to get further information
- More about studying at Curtin
- Visit the WA Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) website
- Visit the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website
- Visit the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) website
- Our admission appeals and grievance process
Applicants applying for an undergraduate degree with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Find information on how you can apply to study at Curtin with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma if you are applying for an undergraduate degree.
Applicants with other international qualifications
Find information on what qualifications you can use to apply for a Curtin course.
The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information. View courses information disclaimer.
- Curtin course code: BB-CENCHM
- CRICOS code: 050336F
- This offering was last updated on: December 15, 2018