Chemical engineering

Single Honours 

• Chemical Engineering 

• Biochemical Engineering 

• Petroleum Engineering 

• Molecular Science 

Joint Honours 

• Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology  

• Chemical and Process Engineering 

• Chemical Engineering and Sustainability 

• Chemical Engineering and Energy Systems  

SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI

 Alternative options 

• Foundation years Usually lasting for a year, a foundation year can help you to catch up with course content if you need to boost your grade before being accepted onto a degree course. It also presents an opportunity to enhance your proficiency in English language. 

• Sandwich degrees Extending your undergraduate program by an extra year offers the chance to acquire additional work experience before graduation or immerse yourself in different cultures through participation in a study abroad year. 

• Integrated Master’s Extending your undergraduate education by one year with an integrated Master's degree allows you to attain a postgraduate qualification at a relatively minimal extra cost. 

• Degree apprenticeships Earn a wage while acquiring new skills and knowledge, by studying a course which your employer funds. That’s the degree apprenticeship model, and the course has a duration of between three and six years. 

SOURCE: WHATUNI

Entry requirements do have some variation between universities but, in general, an A-level (or equivalent) in mathematics is essential, and chemistry and/or physics is also strongly preferred. Other STEM subjects are welcome too, since there is a significant technical element to their curriculum which carries over to chemical engineering.

With such a vast array of chemical products needed in everything from industrial manufacturing to everyday home use, chemical engineers have an equally vast landscape of specialism in which to study. From designing new methods of refining fuel, and optimising the production of existing product, to transforming the system used to make and store chemical compounds and improving efficiencies in scientific and technological industries around the world, there are lots of routes to take. Some specialisms: 

• Polymer engineering Involves designing and producing polymers for various applications, from plastics to synthetic fibres. Polymer engineers contribute to industries like packaging, automotive, and healthcare.  

• Petrochemical engineering Focuses on refining crude oil and natural gas into valuable products like fuels, plastics, and chemicals. Engineers optimise refining processes, develop new materials, and ensure environmental compliance. 

• Nanotechnology and materials engineering Delves into manipulating materials at the nanoscale to create new substances and devices with unique properties that can be used to drive advancements in electronics, medicine, and energy.  

• Process design Encompasses the development of efficient and sustainable processes for manufacturing products, from chemicals to pharmaceuticals. Engineers analyse reactions, optimise equipment, and ensure safety and environmental compliance. 

• Environmental engineering Addresses environmental challenges like pollution, waste management, and resource conservation. Engineers develop solutions to mitigate the environmental impacts of water treatment systems and air pollution, while developing sustainable infrastructure to safeguard ecosystems and public health. 

• Thermodynamics 

• Fluid mechanics 

• Heat transfer 

• Process control 

• Separation processes 

• Transport phenomena 

• Nanotechnology  

• Sustainable chemical processes 

• Safety and risk management  

• Computational methods 

Studying chemical engineering equips you with subject-specific knowledge which is fundamental to understanding the physical chemistry of the matter that makes up our environment. This includes topics like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer, which give a broad understanding of what’s going on at a molecular level. Additionally, you’ll learn a range of industry-specific skills to work in a variety of chemical engineering workplaces, such as chemical plants, research laboratories, health and safety offices, and out in the field. 

You’ll be well-equipped to tackle real-world challenges and find innovative solutions to many of the most significant challenges within the industry. There are also a lot of useful transferrable skills which you’ll learn, that allow you to seamlessly integrate with many different types of workplaces. These include: 

• Data analysis 

• Numerical reasoning  

• Project management 

• Communication 

• Presentation skills 

In the UK, the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is the primary accreditation body for chemical engineering professionals. Accreditation from IChemE ensures that engineers meet rigorous standards of competence and professionalism. Reaching Chartered Engineer (CEng) status demonstrates your expertise to employers and enhances your long-term career prospects. It also provides opportunities for continuous professional development, networking, and access to resources and support for practising in the field. 

Chemical engineering engages with a fairly industry-focused area within science and technology, and there is a content overlap with many other STEM degree curriculums. It may be worth considering which part of the chemical engineering course you’re most attracted to, and doing a bit of research to see whether any of the following degree options feel like a good match. Alternatives include: 

• Chemistry 

• Petroleum engineering 

• Environmental engineering 

• Process engineering 

• Biochemistry 

• Physical chemistry 

• Pharmaceutical science 

• Sustainable engineering 

Chemical engineering graduates can readily pursue a range of career opportunities in traditional sectors like oil and gas, refining, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, designing processes and optimising production. Alternatively, you might focus on emerging fields such as renewable energy, environmental engineering, biotechnology, or nanotechnology, developing sustainable solutions to global challenges. Roles in these workplaces are varied, and the versatile skills acquired at degree level enable you to contribute to innovation, sustainability, and societal advancement in a diversity of professional environments worldwide. 

Possible career positions: 

• Process engineer 

• Petrochemical engineer 

• Environmental consultant 

• Materials scientist 

• Quality control analyst 

• Research and development manager 

• Pharmaceutical engineer 

• Food and beverage engineer 

• Water treatment advisor 

• Nanotechnology engineer 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You’ll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in chemical engineering or a related subject.