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Overview
Meeting world demand
World economies are strongly based on adding value to raw materials through processing, so engineers who specialise in this area are in demand.
Level
- Undergraduate, NZQF Level 8
Campus
- Manawatū
Duration
- 4 year(s) full-time. Available part-time.
International
- Available for international students studying in NZ
Chemical and bioprocess engineering is the industrial processing of raw materials to higher value products through combinations of physical, chemical or biochemical action. These processes can be very diverse. Chemical and bioprocess engineers design, optimise and operate these processes.
Examples include:
- fermentation of sugars to alcohol
- production of pharmaceutical products
- extraction of high value compounds
- composting of organic waste
- conversion of milk solids to dairy ingredients
- conversion of wood into paper
- production of fuels from waste streams.
A focus on innovative approaches
The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering) will equip you with core chemical engineering skills for more traditional industries (oil, gas). But there is also a focus on innovative approaches such as nanotechnologies, biocatalysts, and clean processing techniques.
What will I learn?
The first year of study builds a solid platform of science principles with an engineering context, in common with the other engineering majors.
In the second year you will build further on these fundamental sciences. You’ll also learn about their application to chemical and bioprocess engineering systems.
In your third year, your study will extend from the study of engineering and chemical principles to processing applications. These may include bio-separations and reactor technologies.
In the fourth year, you will design a major innovative production process to integrate the various engineering and science skills you’ve learned in earlier years of study.
Follow your interests
You can focus on particular processing industry sectors such as biotechnology, chemical processing, environmental engineering and renewable energy.
Careers and further study
Careers
Chemical and bioprocess engineering is a fascinating career, where you can be involved in the design of a whole process. You can help optimise existing processes or operate the process itself.
You can work in a diverse range of industries including chemical processing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, dairy, meat and food processing and environmental engineering. Jobs can include process engineers, waste water engineers, energy development engineers and many others.
What will my career look like?
You’ll typically begin your career in a technical role in the processing industry. The business and management skills that are an integral part of your learning during the Massey engineering degree will stand you in good stead.
The wide scope of employment options and the central role process engineers play in the New Zealand industry means chemical and bioprocess engineering graduates are sought after in industry and well paid.
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Entry requirements
University admission
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Programme admission
Required
There are no specific entry requirements for this programme, outside of university admission regulations. However please refer to the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours entry requirements to find out more about recommended preparation and prior learning.
English language requirements
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
If you do not have the entry requirements
There are some alternative ways to help you enter the engineering programme:
Certificate in Science and Technology
This one-semester pathway programme is if you need extra preparation in mathematics (160.105 Methods of Mathematics), physics (124.100 Introductory Physics) or chemistry (123.103 Chemistry for Modern Sciences). These courses can be taken separately (depending on your background) or as part of the CertScTech qualification.
Please note you must have achieved 16 Credits in NCEA Level 2 Mathematics (or equivalent) before you can enrol into 124.100 Introductory Physics or 160.105 Methods of Mathematics. To find out if you have what it takes, or what you need to do the introductory courses we recommend that you attempt the relevant quiz. Once you have completed the test/s, please contact the relevant course coordinator enquire through this page to discuss your suitability for this course or an alternative pathway.
Diploma in Science and Technology
This two-semester pathway is if you need extra preparation in mathematics, physics or chemistry.This is suitable if you wish to study a wide range of courses and keep your options open to change to another programme.
You can also choose subjects from: biology, programming, statistics, food, accounting, marketing, finance and management.
Summer Compact Courses (at Auckland Campus only)
If you need extra preparation in mathematics, physics or chemistry, we have ‘compact’ courses over the summer that may help.
These courses are an intensive learning experience. You are advised to only take two introductory subjects. Tuition in each course takes six weeks and attendance is required during January and early February. These courses can be taken as a Certificate of Proficiency and can be put towards another qualification such as the BSc, BInfSc and BBus.
If you prefer to study at a slower pace, equivalent preparatory courses are available via Distance Learning mode:
- 123.103 Chemistry for Modern Sciences
- 124.100 Introductory Physics
- 160.105 Methods of Mathematics.
If you are currently completing Year 13 you should apply for discretionary entrance if you intend to study these courses before your NCEA Level 3 results (or equivalent) become available in January. See Massey University entry requirements for more information.
English language and foundation courses
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
- English Language Proficiency
- Foundation Certificate in Academic English
- Foundation Certificate in Advanced Academic English
- Full Foundation - Certificate in Foundation Studies
Summer School
If you need to do a course before you start your programme, there may be options for you in Summer School.
Courses and planning
Credit summary
480 credits
- Part One compulsory courses – 120 credits
- Part Two compulsory courses – 120 credits
- Part Three compulsory courses – 120 credits
- Part Four compulsory courses – 60 credits
- Part Four project courses – 60 credits
- 800 hours of practical work experience
This is a parts-based qualification. This means there are regulations around your completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two and so forth.
Courses for this specialisation
First Part
Auckland and Manawatū Campuses
| 123104 | Chemistry for Biological Systems | 15 |
| 123105 | Chemistry and the Physical World | 15 |
| 124104 | Physics 1A: Mechanics and Thermodynamics | 15 |
| 160101 | Calculus | 15 |
| 160102 | Algebra | 15 |
| 228115 | Engineering and Technology Principles | 15 |
| 247114 | Science and Sustainability for Engineering and Technology | 15 |
| 15 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 120101 | Plant Biology | 15 |
| 159100 | Programming for Engineering and Technology | 15 |
Second Part
Auckland and Manawatū Campuses
| 123201 | Chemical Energetics | 15 |
| 123271 | Molecules to Materials | 15 |
| 141212 | Food Technology 4: Manufacturing | 15 |
| 228211 | Engineering Practice 3: Product Development | 15 |
| 228271 | Engineering Mathematics 2 | 15 |
| 280201 | Industrial Microbiology | 15 |
| 280271 | Heat and Mass – Conservation and Transfer | 15 |
| 280272 | Fluid Flow and Particle Technology | 15 |
Third Part
Manawatū Campus
| 228312 | Engineering Practice 5: Process Engineering with Constraints | 30 |
| 228371 | Statistical Modelling for Engineers and Technologists | 15 |
| 280304 | Bioseparation and Purification Processes | 15 |
| 280341 | Environmental Technology | 15 |
| 280371 | Process Engineering Operations | 15 |
| 280372 | Reaction Technologies and Process Modelling | 15 |
15 credits from
| 123202 | Organic and Biological Chemistry | 15 |
| 228741 | Energy Systems | 15 |
| 236201 | Nanoscience | 15 |
| 280760 | Industrial Refrigeration | 15 |
Fourth Part
Manawatū Campus
| 228711 | Engineering Practice 6: Design Capstone Project | 30 |
| 228798 | Individual Research Project | 30 |
| 280702 | Process Control | 15 |
| 280721 | Process Improvement | 15 |
| 280771 | Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering | 15 |
15 credits from
| 141710 | Food Packaging Engineering and Legislation | 15 |
| 141723 | Industrial Systems Improvement | 15 |
| 228741 | Energy Systems | 15 |
| 228744 | Case Studies of Renewable Energy Systems | 15 |
| 228750 | Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development | 15 |
| 280760 | Industrial Refrigeration | 15 |
| 282758 | Simulation, Modelling and Optimisation | 15 |
| 287740 | Innovation Management | 15 |
Planning your programme
Planning overview
The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second etc.
You’ll take eight 15-credit courses a year, 60 credits per semester and 120 credits a year.
See the Bachelor of Engineering main page for more information on planning.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete some undergraduate and all postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the programme if you wish to continue your studies.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
If you complete this programme within the stated time limit, you will normally be able to graduate with a class of Honours.
Look for further information under ‘Student Progression’ in the regulations for this programme.
More information
- Read the regulations for this programme thoroughly
- Contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and finance
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
If you already know which courses you are going to take, you can use our fees calculator to get an estimate of your fees.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students will find their National Student Number on their student homepage.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student homepage login
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours fees
The BE(Hons) is a four year honours degree programme. Please note that fees will be charged according to the academic level of courses. This means that Years 1, 2 and 3 will be charged at the undergraduate course rate and Year 4 which is an honours year, will be charged at the postgraduate course rate.
A good fit if you:
- have keen interest in science and discovery
- want to learn how to design and implement chemical and bioprocess plants
- want to innovate processing techniques for a sustainable world.
Meet our students
“
You really can’t go wrong with engineering – it is a phenomenal degree that gives you wings and gateways to so many possibilities.
” Aden Fareh
“
I chose to study engineering at Massey because I enjoy solving problems. Engineering teaches you problem-solving skills and gives you the ability to find solutions for real-life problems that will result in improving efficiencies and productivity.
” Fatima Bashir
“
I wouldn't want to have studied anything else as the opportunities that are available to a qualified engineer are amazing. My advice for a high school student thinking about studying engineering is do it, the world needs you!
” Peter Brown
Accreditations and rankings
The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours programme is accredited by Engineering NZ, under the Washington Accord, allowing our graduates to work internationally.
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Regulations
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
Undergraduate programmes
Applying and enrolling
Applying for the programme
Check you are ready
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
Choose your programme and click on Apply now
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
Receive and accept an Admission Offer of Place
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
Enrolling in courses
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
- prerequisites (courses you have to do before the one you are enrolling in)
- corequisites (courses you have to do at the same time as the one you are enrolling in)
- restrictions (courses that you cannot enrol in if you are completing or have completed another identified similar course)
- location – for instance some distance-based courses still have an on-campus element, so double check that the way the course is taught is suitable for your situation.
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
What are courses and credits?
What are courses and credits?
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
- See the ‘Courses for this programme’ section for the list of courses.
- Courses search
Understanding course numbers
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
- sub-degree courses are '0' (i.e. xxx.0xx)
- undergraduate study begins at 100-level, (i.e. xxx.1xx)
- as you progress through 200- and 300-level courses this number changes to 2 and 3 respectively. The higher the number that starts the second three digits, the higher the level of study.
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
About electives
Electives are courses that are not compulsory. Certain guidelines are usually provided on courses you may take. Elective courses contribute to the programme, but not to your major or specialisation.
Workload and time management
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the programme or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Scholarships and awards
Scholarships related to this programme
- Ken and Elizabeth Powell Bursary
- McEwan Pacific Student Scholarship
- Professional Engineering Scholarship
- School of Food and Advanced Technology First Year Undergraduate Scholarship
- Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) New Zealand Section Scholarship
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.