Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Chemical Engineering at Durban University of Technology

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Chemical Engineering is a three-year, 420-credit NQF level 7 degree on the Steve Biko Campus. It integrates mathematics, natural sciences, engineering principles, design, IT and complementary studies to prepare graduates for the chemical, petrochemical, pulp and paper, polymer, mining, water and wastewater, energy, food and pharmaceutical industries. It provides the educational base for registration as a candidate Professional Engineering Technologist with ECSA and is recognised internationally through the Sydney Accord.

Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment | Department: Department of Chemical Engineering | Duration: 3 years (full-time, NQF level 7, 420 credits) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

What you will study

First-year modules include Engineering Mathematics 1A/1B, Engineering Chemistry 1A/1B, Engineering Physics 1A/1B, Chemical Engineering Fundamentals 1A/1B, Chemical Engineering Design 1, Computer Applications 1A, Cornerstone 101 and Technical Literacy. The curriculum combines mathematics, natural sciences, engineering sciences, design and synthesis, computing and IT, and complementary studies.

Career pathways

Chemical engineering technologists are employed in chemical plants for research and development, economic evaluation, chemical engineering design, plant operations and management, project management and product marketing, across chemical, petrochemical, pulp and paper, polymer, mining, water treatment, energy, food and pharmaceutical industries.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

NSC degree entry with English (rating 4), Mathematics (4) or Technical Mathematics (5), Physical Science (4) or Technical Science (5), and two further recognised 20-credit NSC subjects (4, not more than one language). Mathematical Literacy is not accepted in place of Mathematics, and the certificate must qualify the candidate for degree study. Applicants with an NSC are ranked on the sum of their Mathematics and Physical Science scores, with a minimum combined score of 100%. Senior Certificate (pre-2009): English, Mathematics and Physical Science at HG E or SG C. NCV Level 4: English 60%, Mathematics 70%, Physical Science 70%, Life Orientation 60%, plus three other vocational subjects at 70%. Technical Drawing and/or Computer Studies are an added recommendation. An NQF level 6 Diploma in Engineering may be presented for entry, with possible credit transfer depending on the discipline and nature of the Diploma. Applicants with a Bachelor Pass who do not meet the departmental Mathematics and/or Physical Science requirement may present N4 Mathematics and Engineering Science, Engineering Drawing and Chemical Engineering Fundamentals, all passed in at most two sittings with at least 50%, and are ranked alongside NSC applicants on the sum of their N4 marks. Final selection is on merit.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-time undergraduate applications for the 2027 academic year must reach the CAO by the closing date of 30 September 2026; some programmes close earlier. Applications are made online through the CAO (www.cao.ac.za). The application fee is R250 (South African citizens) or R300 (international applicants), paid when submitting; the application is active only once payment is received.

Apply through the official page: https://onlineapps.dut.ac.za/

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