The NQF Level 6 and Level 7 programmes are accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) through a rigorous quality assurance process to ensure compliance with both local and international standards.

Our undergraduate programmes are carefully designed to produce industry-ready graduates in the following fields:

• Chemical Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering

Students gain practical exposure through well-equipped laboratories that house bench-scale and pilot-scale chemical and metallurgical equipment simulating real production plants. These laboratories also contain world-class analytical instruments used for chemical, mineralogical, and metallurgical testing for both teaching and research purposes.

Postgraduate Programmes

At postgraduate level, the Department offers:

• Master’s Degree (NQF Level 9)
• Doctoral Degree (NQF Level 10)

These qualifications are research-based and are aimed at developing specialised research skills in:

• Mineral Processing
• Physical Metallurgy
• Pyrometallurgy
• Hydrometallurgy
• Manufacturing
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Water Management
• Renewable Energy
• Bioprocessing

Research and Innovation

Our academic staff members provide research leadership in collaboration with research institutions, universities, and industry partners across the mining, chemical, and metallurgical sectors. Despite being one of the youngest departments within the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, the Department has established itself as a highly productive and research-active unit.

We offer an integrated curriculum grounded in scientific and engineering principles, with laboratory experiments and research activities focused on solving real industry challenges and addressing sustainable development goals.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the Department can pursue careers as:

• Chemical Technicians/Technologists
• Process Operators
• Production Specialists
• Laboratory Technicians/Analysts
• Technical Sales and Service Representatives
• In-Service Trainees/Interns
• Process Technicians/Controllers
• Production Supervisors
• Extractive Metallurgists
• Physical Metallurgists/Materials Engineers
• Metallurgical Technicians/Technologists
• Plant Metallurgists
• Quality Control Inspectors
• Laboratory Metallurgists

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)

Upon completion of the theoretical component of their studies, students are placed in industry for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) through the University’s Co-operative Education Department. This exposure enhances practical skills and workplace readiness.

Student Support and Development

The Department is committed to student success through quality teaching and learning delivered by adequately qualified and skilled academic staff. The Department currently boasts:

• 5 Professors
• Several Doctoral Degree holders
• Teaching staff with a minimum qualification of a Master’s degree

Postgraduate students benefit from:

• Access to library and research resources
• Funding opportunities
• Research writing workshops
• Collaboration opportunities

In such an intellectually stimulating environment, two paths emerge: becoming a student or becoming a supervisor.

Social Responsibility and Community Engagement

The Department’s Social and Outreach Committee (SOC) serves as a bridge between the Department and society by fostering an engaged, compassionate, and socially responsible engineering community. Through impactful outreach initiatives, student support programmes, and meaningful partnerships, the SOC contributes to the University’s mission of community development and engagement.

Join Us

Prospective students are encouraged to join the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering and experience learner-centred education and training that prepares graduates for the exciting and evolving world of chemical and metallurgical engineering.