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It sits at the crossroads of chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics, and is crucial to industries like energy, food, pharmaceuticals, materials and environmental protection. If you enjoy science, solving complex problems and want to work on real-world challenges like climate change, clean energy or industrial design, Chemical Engineering might be the degree for you.
What Is Chemical Engineering Like at University?
Chemical Engineering combines scientific understanding with practical design. You'll learn how to design processes that convert substances into products — whether that’s fuels, vaccines, plastics, fertilisers or clean water systems. It’s not just about chemistry in a lab; it’s about applying your knowledge to build and optimise systems that work at scale.
Expect a mix of science, maths, engineering principles, hands-on lab work, computing and group-based projects. You'll be trained to think like an engineer — not just understanding scientific principles, but learning how to apply them efficiently, safely and sustainably.
What Will You Study?
While the exact modules vary between universities, most Chemical Engineering courses cover:
Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer
You’ll study how liquids and gases behave, how heat moves through materials, and how to design systems like heat exchangers, reactors and pipelines.
Thermodynamics and Energy Systems
You’ll learn how energy is transformed and used in processes, and how to design systems that maximise energy efficiency.
Chemical Reaction Engineering
This involves learning how to model, control and optimise chemical reactions on an industrial scale — a core skill for designing chemical reactors.
Process Design and Plant Engineering
You’ll explore how chemical plants are laid out and operated, including choosing equipment, ensuring safety, and integrating systems efficiently.
Separation Processes
These include distillation, filtration, absorption and other techniques used to separate mixtures and purify products.
Mathematics and Modelling
You’ll use mathematical tools and software to model complex systems and solve real-world problems.
Laboratory and Project Work
You’ll gain practical experience in lab-based experiments and later apply your learning to design projects, often working in teams.
Sustainability, Safety and Regulation
You’ll also consider the ethical, environmental and safety implications of engineering decisions, which are increasingly important across industries.
How Long Does It Take and What Are the Options?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Chemical Engineering is typically a three-year BEng or four-year MEng integrated master’s. In Scotland, the BEng lasts four years and the MEng five. Many universities offer the option of a placement year in industry or a year studying abroad. Some also offer routes focused on biochemical or environmental engineering.
Accredited courses (especially those recognised by the Institution of Chemical Engineers, IChemE) are important if you want to become a chartered engineer later on.
How Will You Be Taught and Assessed?
Teaching usually involves lectures, tutorials, lab work, group projects and workshops. Assessment includes exams, coursework, lab reports, group presentations and a final-year research or design project. You’ll also gain experience using simulation tools and industry-standard software.
What A Levels or Subjects Do You Need?
Mathematics – essential for all Chemical Engineering degrees
Chemistry – usually required or highly recommended
Physics – often helpful, especially for fluid and energy systems
Further Mathematics or Biology – useful depending on your interests or specialisation
Most universities ask for at least two science A levels, with a strong preference for maths and chemistry. Some also accept students with BTECs or foundation years if they meet the entry requirements in science and maths.
What Skills Will You Develop?
A Chemical Engineering degree equips you with:
Quantitative and analytical skills
Process design and systems thinking
Practical lab and experimental skills
Teamwork and project management
Software and simulation tool proficiency
Scientific communication and report writing
Understanding of safety, sustainability and regulation
These are all highly transferable skills that prepare you for roles across many technical, industrial and professional sectors.
What Can You Do With a Chemical Engineering Degree?
Chemical Engineering graduates work in industries including energy, food, pharmaceuticals, water, chemicals, biotechnology and environmental services. Career paths include:
Process or plant engineer
Energy consultant or sustainability analyst
Pharmaceutical production or formulation specialist
Petrochemical or materials engineer
Water treatment or environmental engineer
Food and beverage process developer
Research and development scientist
Technical sales, consultancy or regulation
Project management or engineering design roles
Many graduates go on to become chartered engineers or complete master’s or PhD-level research.
Studying Chemical Engineering Abroad
Studying Chemical Engineering abroad gives you the opportunity to explore global industry approaches and gain an international perspective on sustainability, energy and innovation. Here’s what studying Chemical Engineering looks like in other parts of the world:
USA
Chemical Engineering in the US is typically studied as a four-year Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Students take a combination of general education courses alongside their core science and engineering modules. The curriculum is often project-based and includes internships or co-op placements. Top schools like MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech have strong chemical engineering programmes and close ties with industry.
Canada
In Canada, degrees are typically four years and often include co-op options, where students gain paid work experience during their degree. Schools like the University of Toronto, McGill, Waterloo and UBC offer highly regarded Chemical Engineering programmes. Canadian universities place a strong focus on sustainability, green engineering and real-world problem-solving.
European Union
Chemical Engineering degrees in the EU are often part of a three-year bachelor’s followed by a two-year master’s (in line with the Bologna system). Many top universities in the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden offer English-taught engineering programmes. The TU Delft (Netherlands), ETH Zurich (Switzerland, although not EU) and RWTH Aachen (Germany) are especially well known. Programmes often have a strong academic foundation with a focus on industrial application and European energy policy.
Australia
In Australia, Chemical Engineering is usually studied as part of a four-year Bachelor of Engineering, with strong links to the mining, energy, agriculture and environmental sectors. Universities like the University of Melbourne, UNSW and the University of Queensland have excellent programmes with strong research links and industry engagement. Many courses include internships and a focus on renewable resources and sustainable technologies.
New Zealand
New Zealand offers Chemical Engineering degrees through schools like the University of Canterbury and the University of Auckland. Degrees typically follow the four-year Bachelor of Engineering structure and include practical labs, group projects and an industry-focused final year. New Zealand programmes are often known for their friendly student support, environmental focus and integration with real-world industry needs.
Studying abroad can give you exposure to different engineering standards, global sustainability practices and international networks, all of which can make you more competitive in the global job market.
Is Chemical Engineering the Right Course for You?
If you enjoy applying science and maths to real-world problems, like the idea of working on big systems that affect millions of people, and want to develop solutions for cleaner energy, safer products and more efficient technologies, Chemical Engineering could be a great fit.
