Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Chemical)

A foundation for advanced engineering

Chemical engineers sustain and improve industries as diverse as food processing, petrochemicals, ceramics, petroleum refining, primary metals, plastics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, glass and specialty chemicals.

Our Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Chemical) is suited to engineering graduates and working engineers with relevant experience.

What will you do?

The program acts as a foundational year for the Master of Engineering (Chemical). It’s designed to upskill students for advanced studies and career opportunities. You will:

  • explore separation processes
  • build expertise in kinetic, reactor, simulation and concept design
  • study fluid and particle mechanics
  • develop skills for research, communication, critical thinking, business and management.

Note: If you’re currently enrolled in the master program and wish to exit with the graduate diploma, see the academic requirements for this degree.


  • Ranked #48 in the World for Computer Science and Engineering*
  • Taught by our research-active staff and industry experts
  • Gain credit towards the Master of Engineering (Chemical)

*ARWU, 2021

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed four-year Bachelor of Engineering degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline subject to assessment.

Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $41,000

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

Chemical engineering graduates can seek national and global careers, and may work in an office environment, the outdoors, an industrial plant or a combination of these. Some industries and careers that chemical engineers are involved in include:

  • biotechnology industries (e.g. biofuel production, production of nutrients from microalgae)
  • pharmaceutical industries (e.g. production of vaccines and antibiotics)
  • winemaking
  • food production (e.g. beer, milk, cheese)
  • petrochemicals (e.g. oil refining and natural gas processing)
  • industrial bulk chemicals industries (e.g. production of chlorine and explosives)
  • personal and home care products (e.g. production of detergents, soaps and cosmetics)
  • plastic and rubber products industries (e.g. production of polymers from raw materials such as oil or wood, production of items from polymers ranging from cling film to rainwater tanks to high performance products for building, automotive and aerospace applications)
  • mining and minerals processing (e.g. concentrating minerals, production of iron ore, steel, aluminium, uranium and similar from minerals)
  • environmental engineering (e.g. air pollution control, water and wastewater treatment, waste disposal, resource management)   
  • semiconductors and microelectronics (e.g. production of computer memory and central processing units, flat screen televisions)   
  • nanotechnology (e.g. production of nanoporous materials for catalysis, separations and energy storage)
  • management consulting (e.g. engineering business and financial management).
Many chemical engineers go on to manage companies, or start their own businesses.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Manufacturing Engineer, Mining Engineer, Biotechnology, Biotechnology Engineer, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Food Engineer, Winery Engineer

Degree Structure

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

 

Related Degrees

Further Study

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Wednesday, 31 May 2023