Apply the principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology to transform energy and materials
Studying chemical engineering at a UK university involves learning about the design, development, and operation of processes and equipment that are used to produce chemicals, fuels, materials, and other products. Chemical engineering combines principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics with engineering concepts and practices.
Chemical engineering degrees are typically structured to cover a wide range of topics over the course of 3-4 years. The course will generally begin with an introduction to fundamental concepts of engineering and chemistry and then move on to more specialised topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, transport phenomena, chemical reaction engineering, and process design.
Lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and project work are common methods of teaching chemical engineering courses. Lectures will provide you with the theoretical knowledge needed to understand the subject matter, while laboratory sessions and project work will help you to develop practical skills and apply your knowledge to real-world problems.
Chemical Engineering Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for chemical engineering in the UK can vary depending on the university and degree level. The average tuition fee for a chemical engineering undergraduate degree in the UK for an international student is £20,000 to £50,000 per year.
Chemical Engineering Course Duration
In the UK, an undergraduate chemical engineering degree typically lasts for 3 years. Some universities offer a 4-year program that includes a year of industrial placement or a year of study abroad. A master’s degree in chemical engineering typically last for 1-2 years, depending on whether it is a full-time or part-time course.
Types of Chemical Engineering Course
BEng Chemical Engineering
A Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree in Chemical Engineering in the UK is a 3-4 year undergraduate course which typically covers topics such as chemical thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mass transfer, reaction engineering, process design, and process control.
Students will have the opportunity to conduct laboratory experiments, which will help you to understand and apply the theory covered in their lectures, and work on design projects that will challenge you to apply the theory and knowledge you have gained in their course. Many BEng chemical engineering degrees offer an industrial placement year, where you can gain practical experience by working for a company in the chemical engineering industry.
Master’s in Chemical Engineering
A master’s degree in chemical engineering builds on the knowledge and skills gained in an undergraduate degree. Advanced modules of a master’s in chemical engineering typically cover more complex and specialised topics in chemical engineering, such as process intensification, advanced reaction engineering, biochemical engineering, process simulation and optimization, and sustainable energy systems.
Chemical Engineering Careers
Chemical Engineering is a highly in-demand field, with opportunities in a wide range of industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food and drink, and materials science. Graduates can go on to work in roles such as process engineer, production manager, research scientist, and project manager.
Chemical Engineering Salary
According to data from the UK’s National Careers Service, the average salary for a chemical engineer in the UK is approximately £47,500 per year. The starting salary for a chemical engineering graduate in the UK can range from around £25,000 to £35,000 per year.
Chemical Engineering UK Entry Requirements
Students are required to have A-levels or equivalent qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate. The exact grades required can vary depending on the university, but typically, students are expected to have good grades in relevant subjects such as mathematics, chemistry, physics, or biology.
- Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 34 points.
- Typical A-level requirements: AAB, including Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry.
- Typical IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall, with no lower than 6.0 in any one component.
Please note that entry requirements vary for each UK university.
Where can I study Chemical Engineering in the UK?
To learn more about the best chemical engineering courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Chemical Engineering universities in the Guardian University Guide 2024 below:
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- Aston University
- University of Hull
- University of Nottingham
- University of Leeds
- Queen Mary University
- University of Bath
- Loughborough University
- University of Aberdeen
Study Chemical Engineering in the UK
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Chemical Engineering Degree FAQ
During a chemical engineering course, you can expect to learn about various topics related to the field, such as thermodynamics, mass transfer, fluid mechanics, process control, reaction kinetics, and materials science. You will also learn about the design and operation of chemical processes and equipment.
What are five things chemical engineers do?
Chemical engineers design and develop chemical processes, conduct research, manage and optimise production, develop and implement safety procedures and solve complex problems.
Chemical engineering applies physical sciences such as chemistry and physics with life sciences like biology.
Chemical engineers are generally in high demand in chemical manufacturing, biochemical engineering, energy, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, environmental engineering and materials science.
Aspiring chemical engineers will need maths, chemistry, engineering science and design skills knowledge, as well as analytical acumen and attention to detail.
Chemical engineers have a diverse range of job opportunities, including process engineer, product development engineer, project manager, research scientist and quality control.