University: The University of Western Australia

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts, Chemical Engineering and Communication and Media Studies

School Subjects: Mathematics Methods, Mathematics Specialist, Chemistry, Physics, English, Modern History

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Hi, I’m a student at the University of Western Australia (UWA), where I’m studying Chemical Engineering (Honours) and Communication and Media Studies. In this blog, I’ll share my journey through these two diverse fields, give some insight into what studying them is really like, and provide some tips for prospective students navigating similar paths.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering is about designing and operating chemical plants and optimising production processes. A common misconception is that it’s purely about chemistry, but it’s much broader than that. Chemical engineers draw on principles of chemistry, physics and thermodynamics, mathematics, and economics to convert raw materials into useful products. This broad skill set opens doors to industries such as energy, metallurgy, oil and gas production, and mining, which are particularly prominent in Western Australia.

What attracted me to Chemical Engineering was its potential to contribute to the renewable and alternative energy sectors. I’ve always had a keen interest in maths and chemistry, and the opportunity to be a part of the global energy transition made the field especially appealing to me. The renewable energy landscape in WA is still developing, but the role of chemical engineering—alongside electrical engineering—is crucial in various renewable energy projects.

Communication and Media Studies

Communication and Media Studies is often misunderstood. Many people assume it’s focused on business communication, but it’s about how media creates meaning and impacts society. The degree is quite broad, with potential careers in journalism, social media, public relations, and photography. When paired with a technical degree like engineering, it opens career opportunities in areas such as science communication or science journalism.

General Advice and Tips

1. Don’t underestimate the power of networking and skill development

Be sure to create a LinkedIn profile, attend networking events, and get involved in clubs to hone your soft skills, such as communication and presentation. Teamwork is highly valued in engineering, so don’t be afraid to step outside your discipline, especially in the early years of your degree.

2. Start looking for internship opportunities early

Engineering students need to complete 450 hours of practical placement, which typically involves one full-time 12-week internship. Most internships are aimed at penultimate-year students, but occasionally, younger students are given opportunities. Even if you’re not yet in your final years, applying early helps you familiarise yourself with the process. It’s crucial to practise your written application and interview skills and seek feedback from mentors. The process is competitive, but don’t be discouraged. Use internships to build your skills and understand the industry better.

Start exploring the industries that interest you. Chemical Engineering has applications in industries like chemical manufacturing, metallurgy, oil and gas, and mining. Additionally, chemical engineers can apply their skills to work in diverse roles, such as management consulting. University helps you build the foundational skills, but experience is key, as much of the learning happens on the job.

3. Get involved in the social life on campus

At UWA, there are numerous engineering clubs that provide great opportunities to meet other students. It’s always engaging to converse with students in a different discipline or cohort and share our common experiences.

While the engineering cohort tends to be male-dominated, there’s a strong push for increased female participation in STEM, and the numbers are increasing gradually. Programs such as UWA Girls in Engineering (GiE) support and encourage females to pursue their passions in STEM. If you’re passionate about advocating for gender diversity in STEM, get involved and be a part of the change!

On the other hand, there aren’t many clubs or social opportunities specific to Communication and Media Studies. Most events happen through the Arts Union, which organises activities for students from a variety of Arts disciplines. The degree is popular, with large class sizes and fewer contact hours and assessments compared to engineering.

Common Questions

What’s the value of studying a double degree in two drastically different fields?

• Combining Chemical Engineering with a degree in Arts has allowed me to develop a broad perspective and the ability to consider problems in various contexts. Don’t be afraid to explore two very different fields—you might discover new connections that you wouldn’t have expected.

What is a typical week like?

• A typical week for me as a full-time student includes about four days a week spent at university. Engineering involves a lot of contact hours, but Communication and Media Studies is a bit more flexible in comparison. Assessments range from technical reports and calculations to presentations. On the other hand, classes include lectures, labs, practicals, and tutorials with varying attendance requirements. Don’t be afraid to attend classes in person and ask questions during consultation times with your lecturers. They are there to help!