Master of Chemical Engineering (MC-CHEMENG)

Masters (Coursework)Year: 2025 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2025 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks

Overview

Award titleMaster of Chemical Engineering
Year & campus2025 — Parkville
CRICOS code106104M
Fees informationSubject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date
Study level & typeGraduate Coursework
AQF level 9
Credit points300 credit points
Duration36 months full-time or 72 months part-time

The Master of Chemical Engineering is an entry-to-practice degree that provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to enter the international workplace as chemical engineers. Graduates are skilled in chemical engineering principles and have the ability to apply these skills to complex, open-ended engineering tasks and problems. The degree provides sequential study in the chemical engineering discipline, building on a solid foundation in mathematics and chemistry. Within the degree, students acquire core skills in the areas of momentum, mass and heat transfer, reactor design and use of catalysts, separation processes, thermodynamics, process control and simulation, chemical engineering design, safety, sustainability, management, communication and teamwork. Students may also choose to undertake specialisations in areas including chemical engineering management, sustainability and environment, and materials and minerals engineering. The degree culminates in a capstone design experience. Students have the opportunity to participate in overseas study, industry-based internships and supervised research placements.

Distinction

Upon completion of the Master of Chemical Engineering, it is possible for a student to be awarded Master of Chemical Engineering with Distinction provided a student has achieved a high level of academic performance. Eligibility of the Distinction award is dependent on a calculated distinction score.

The distinction score will only take into account Level 9 subjects undertaken at the University of Melbourne. This means Study Abroad and Exchange subjects will not be considered. One 12.5 point subject with the lowest mark will be omitted in the calculation of the distinction score. All level 9 subjects with credit points of more than 12.5 points must be included in the calculations. Only marks from the first attempt at a subject will be used. The average mark will be weighted by the credit points of the subjects. A Master of Engineering with Distinction will be awarded if the score is 80 or above.

Hurdle Requirement

In order to achieve the Engineering Practice Hurdle requirement, students will need to document the attainment of professional skills at an adequate level. This may include the successful completion of any of the following:

  1. Skills Towards Employment Program (STEP)
  2. CHEN90028 Industry Project subject
  3. An agreed level of internship at an approved engineering form (without receiving University credit)

Completion of the degree will not be approved until this requirement has been met.

Links to further information

This course is available in My Course Planner

My Course Planner is an interactive web application that allows you to explore your study options and decide which subjects and major(s), minors and/or specialisations are right for you.

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

  • An undergraduate degree with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) or equivalent; and
  • At least 25 points of appropriate tertiary-level Mathematics, equivalent to MAST10006 Calculus 2 and MAST10007 Linear Algebra; and 
  • And at least 25 points of appropriate tertiary-level Chemistry equivalent to CHEM10003 Chemistry 1 and CHEM10004 Chemistry 2

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider;

  • Prior academic performance; and if relevant
  • Professional experience

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the University’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Note -

Applicants with the following may be awarded up to 100 points of credit:

  • Graduates of Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne who complete the Chemical Systems major with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) or equivalent;
  • A Bachelor of Engineering, or equivalent as recognised by the Melbourne School of Engineering, in a cognate discipline appropriate to the Master of Chemical Engineering into which entry is sought with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) or equivalent.

Available credit for other University of Melbourne graduates and graduates of other universities is normally evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but the Academic Board may approve standard credit arrangements for specified entry pathways.

Graduate Degree Packages for School Leavers

The University of Melbourne offers Graduate Degree Packages to high achieving school leavers, allowing them to secure places (Commonwealth Supported Places for domestic students or International fee places) in the Master of Chemical Engineering provided that they meet certain requirements.

For a Commonwealth Supported Place or an International Fee Place, the applicant must:

  • Complete an Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate (IB) in 2018 or later either:
    • In Australia; or
    • Outside Australia and be an Australian citizen;
  • Achieve an ATAR (or notional ATAR) of at least 93.00 to package the Master of Chemical Engineering with the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design or Bachelor of Science;
  • Apply for a University of Melbourne Graduate Degree Packages for commencement in the year following completion of Year 12 or IB via VTAC;
  • Enrol immediately or be granted deferral in the year following Year 12;
  • Successfully complete a Bachelor of Biomedicine, Commerce, Design or Science at the University of Melbourne including all the specified prerequisite subjects; and
  • Commence the Master of Environmental Engineering within 18 months of completing the undergraduate degree.

Applicants should refer to the University handbook for the additional entry requirements for the undergraduate degrees in the Graduate Degree Packages.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The Master of Chemical Engineering welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and degree policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the degree.

The Master of Chemical Engineering requires all students to enrol in subjects where they will require:
• the ability to comprehend complex science, technology and engineering related information;
• the ability to clearly and independently communicate a knowledge and application of science, technology and engineering principles and practices during assessment tasks; and,
• the ability to actively and safely contribute in laboratory, and fieldwork/excursion activities.

Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

There may be additional inherent academic requirements for some subjects, and these requirements are listed within the description of the requirements for each of these subjects.

Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the relevant Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this course, graduates will:

  • Have gained knowledge and practice in chemical engineering fields of material and energy balances, fluid mechanics, momentum, heat and mass transport, reaction engineering, separation processes, process dynamics and control, bioprocess engineering and process equipment design;
  • Have gained knowledge and practice in advanced chemical engineering topics which might include particles processing and handling, advanced thermodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, minerals processing, materials and carbon capture and storage;
  • Be able to apply their knowledge to analyse and design chemical engineering products, processes and processing facilities and procedures;
  • Have developed problem solving and trouble shooting skills that may be applied in professional practice;
  • Be able to demonstrate proficiency over established and emerging engineering methods and tools to solve practical engineering problems;
  • Understand the basic principles underlying the management of physical, human and financial resource;
  • Be able to undertake a piece of original research either within an industrial setting or in a laboratory, involving the collection of data, its objective analysis and interpretation;
  • Have effective verbal and written communication skills that enable them to make a meaningful contribution to the changes facing society;
  • Be conversant with important issues relevant to sectors influenced by chemical engineering, such as the sustainability of resources, the efficient operation of all processes, the rise of automation and intelligent processes, and privacy and security in the age of the internet, and
  • Know and epitomize professional ethical behaviour and responsibilities towards their profession and the community, including having positive and responsible approaches to sustainable development, process and personal safety, management of information and professional integrity.

Generic skills

Master of Chemical Engineering graduates are expected to have the following qualities and skills:

  • an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in chemical engineering;
  • an ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the chemical engineering discipline;
  • advanced skills and techniques applicable to chemical engineering;
  • well-developed problem-solving abilities, characterised by flexibility of approach;
  • advanced competencies in engineering professional expertise and scholarship;
  • a capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in oral and written forms of communications;
  • an advanced understanding of the international context and sensitivities of chemical engineering;
  • an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research;
  • a capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work;
  • a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship;
  • an appreciation of the ways in which advanced knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in the specialist area;
  • the capacity to value and participate in projects which require team-work;
  • an understanding of the significance and value of their knowledge to the wider community (including business and industry);
  • a capacity to engage where appropriate with issues in contemporary society; and,
  • advanced working skills in the application of computer systems and software and a receptiveness to the opportunities offered by new technologies.

Course structure

The Master of Chemical Engineering requires the successful completion of 300 credit points.

The Master of Chemical Engineering is a three year degree (full time). This degree has three specialisations.

To obtain the degree (no specialisation) students must complete:

  • 225 credit points of compulsory subjects
  • 75 credit points of Chemical Engineering selectives and Chemical Engineering electives including
    • 25 credit points of Year 3 Chemical Engineering selectives
    • A minimum of 50 credit points of Chemical Engineering electives

To obtain the degree with a specialisation in Materials and Minerals or Sustainability and Environment, students must complete:

  • 225 credit points of compulsory subjects
  • 75 credit points of core specialisation subjects, Chemical Engineering selectives and Chemical Engineering electives including
    • 37.5 credit points of core specialisation subjects
    • 25 credit points of Year 3 Chemical Engineering selectives
    • A minimum of 12.5 credit points of Chemical Engineering electives

To obtain the degree with a specialisation in Business, students must instead complete:

  • 212.5 credit points of compulsory subjects
  • 87.5 credit points of core specialisation subjects, Chemical Engineering selectives and Chemical Engineering electives including
    • 37.5 credit points of core specialisation subjects
    • 25 credit points of Year 3 Chemical Engineering selectives
    • A minimum of 25 credit points of Chemical Engineering electives

Note:

1. Students entering the course with advanced standing who plan on completing a specialisation may need to enrol in core specialisation subjects in their commencing semester. Please check and follow the structure outlined for your intended specialisation and seek course planning advice.

2. Students who commenced prior to 2025 can complete their degree following the course structure as per their year of entry/admission. Students in this group can also complete ENGR90051 as part of their Year 1 selective subject options.

Year 1:

  • 100 credit points of Year 1 compulsory subjects

Year 2:

  • 75 credit points of Year 2 compulsory subjects or 62.5 credit points of Year 2 compulsory subjects - Business specialisation

  • 25 credit points of electives - no specialisation or 25 credit points of core specialisation subjects or 37.5 credit points of core specialisation subjects - Business

Year 3:

  • 50 credit points of Year 3 compulsory subjects
  • 25 credit points of Year 3 Chemical Engineering selectives

  • 25 credit points of electives - no specialisation/Business or 25 credit points of core specialisation subjects and electives

Progression

The core subject lists are divided into specific year levels, reflecting the recommended order of completing the course. There is, however, some flexibility between Year 2 and 3 core subjects, depending on the requisites set between them. Check the individual Handbook entries of these subjects for more detail.

Engineering Practice Hurdle Requirement

Students enrolled in the Master of Chemical Engineering degree will need to satisfy the requirements of the Engineering Practice hurdle prior to being awarded the degree. Students will be introduced early in their degree to the online e-portfolio system as a way of documenting their attainment of graduate attributes which accord with University and professional accreditation standards. Students will keep a record of their stepwise attainment of these capabilities throughout their engineering studies at Melbourne. The artifacts recorded in the e-portfolio may include formal study elements, such as design reports, as well as reflections on extracurricular activities such as employment and volunteering activities.

Hurdle Requirement

In order to achieve the Engineering Practice Hurdle requirement, students will need to document the attainment of professional skills at an adequate level. This may include the successful completion of any of the following:

1. Skills Towards Employment Program (STEP)

2. CHEN90028 Industry Project subject

3. An agreed level of internship at an approved engineering form (without receiving University credit)

Completion of the degree will not be approved until this requirement has been met.

Subject Options

Year 1 compulsory subjects

Code Name Study period Credit Points
CHEN20012 Fundamentals of Chemical Engineering
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN30016 Momentum, Mass and Heat Transfer
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20029 Engineering Mathematics
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ENGR30002 Fluid Mechanics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN20010 Material and Energy Balances
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN20011 Digitisation in the Process Industries
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN30015 Safety and Sustainability Case Studies
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ENGR90051 Interdisciplinary Design for Engineers
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Note: Students who commenced prior to 2025 can complete their degree following the course structure as per their year of entry/admission. Students in this group can also complete ENGR90051 as part of their Year 1 selective subject options.

Year 2 compulsory subjects

Code Name Study period Credit Points
CHEN90042 Thermal and Separation Design
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90007 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN30001 Reactors and Catalysis
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90012 Design and Construction of Equipment
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90020 Chemical Engineering Management
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90031 Sustainable Bioprocessing
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Year 3 compulsory subjects

Code Name Study period Credit Points
CHEN90013 Process Engineering
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90032 Process Simulation and Control
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90022 Chemical Engineering Design Project
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 25

Year 3 Chemical Engineering selectives

Code Name Study period Credit Points
CHEN90028 Chemical Engineering Internship
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
 25
CHEN90023 Chemical Engineering Research Project
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 25

Chemical Engineering electives

Code Name Study period Credit Points
CHEN90010 Sustainable Minerals and Recycling
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90011 Wastewater and Environmental Remediation
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90018 Particle Technology
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90027 Future Fuels and Petroleum
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90031 Sustainable Bioprocessing
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ENGR90024 Computational Fluid Dynamics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90028 Chemical Engineering Internship
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
 25
CHEN90023 Chemical Engineering Research Project
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 25
CHEN90040 Sustainable Food Processing
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90041 Energy, Emissions and Pollution Control
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90043 High Performance Materials
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90038 Product Design and Analysis
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90039 Pharmaceutical & Biochemical Production
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90035 Downstream Bioprocessing
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEN90026 Chemical Engineering Minor Research Proj
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ENGR90034 Creating Innovative Engineering
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Compulsory specialisation subjects

Please see the compulsory specialisation subjects in the Specialisations page.

Majors, minors & specialisations

Master of Chemical Engineering- Specialisations

Name Credit Points
Business 37.5
Materials and Minerals 37.5
Sustainability and Environment 37.5

Last updated: 16 April 2025