(Full time) 2022 start
Chemical Engineering MEng, BEng
Overview
Chemical engineering is all about changing raw materials by altering the chemical, biochemical or physical state of a substance to create everything from face creams to fuels, metals to paper, plastics to synthetic fibres and drugs. This degree will expose you to the fundamental science and mathematics underpinning process engineering concepts, alongside specialised modules to equip you for a career in the chemical and related process industries.
You’ll gain an understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science and mass and energy balances, alongside specialist knowledge of separation processes, reaction engineering and process control. You’ll also undertake project work at every stage of the course, allowing you to apply your knowledge to design and lab work and gain the range of skills you’ll need in your professional career.
Course highlights
Our courses are shaped by our world-leading research in areas such as advanced engineering materials, innovative manufacturing and sustainable systems.
During your project work you will access specialist facilities and laboratories.
Our theoretical modules are supported by extensive practical sessions in the laboratory, allowing you to perform experiments that reinforce the material taught to you in the lectures.
Small tutorial groups are used to support the teaching, so you get regular feedback from the academic staff helping you solve any problems that you might have with a particular topic.
Taught by academics who are leaders in their fields, you’ll benefit from our cutting-edge research and extensive links with industry.
Specialist facilities
Our teaching laboratories are equipped with a range of experimental techniques and chemical engineering unit operations to train you in experimental design, operation and control of process units.
Find out more about our facilities.
Programme team
The Programme Leader, Dr David Harbottle, is an Associate Professor in the School of Chemical and Process Engineering. Trained as a Chemical Engineer, he has specialised in a range of areas including colloid and interfacial science, rheology, chemical and structural characterisation of asphaltenes, new chemical synthesis of functional polymers, and strategies for accelerated phase separation. Dr Harbottle is an Associate Member of the Energy Institute and the Institute of Chemical Engineers.
The wider programme team has a broad and extensive experience across a range of chemical and process engineering disciplines.
Enhancing your degree
You can choose to study either the four-year Integrated Masters (MEng, BEng) or the three-year Bachelor’s (BEng) degree.
During your time at Leeds, you can decide to study abroad or undertake an industrial placement. This will extend your studies by 12 months.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.
The MEng, BEng course is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Once you have graduated with your MEng degree, you will usually be required to have a minimum of three years industrial experience before you can apply for your chartered status.
The BEng course is accredited as partially satisfying the educational base for CEng status. A programme of accredited further learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng.
Watching this video in China? View this video on Youku.
Course content
Years one and two
The first two years of our chemical engineering degrees share the same set of modules, focusing on the fundamental science and engineering concepts associated with the subject. Not only does this give you a firm foundation for your studies, but it also means you can switch easily between our courses if you choose.
You’ll cover topics such as mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science and process modelling, as well as having plenty of opportunities to put that knowledge into practice in design and laboratory work.
At the end of year two, you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial placement or study abroad, which will extend your degree by 12 months.
Year three
You’ll build on this knowledge and study more specialised modules, covering a wide range of chemical engineering topics such as separation processes, reaction engineering, particle process engineering, process control and a major design project.
Year four (Meng)
If you choose the MEng, BEng programme, you’ll carry out an individual research project that investigates an industry-related topic in depth. Masters-level modules informed by research interests across the School will allow you to develop sophisticated knowledge of topics such as product design and development, modelling and simulation, advances in chemical engineering and advanced reaction engineering.
Project work
Every year of your course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork.
Find out more about Project work.
Engineering ethics
You’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course, with lectures and/or seminars in each year of your study.
Find out more about Engineering ethics teaching on this course.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Learning and teaching
You’ll benefit from our integrated style of learning and teaching. Laboratory classes, project work, and industrial visits allow you to gain first-hand experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real life work situations. Together they will equip you with in-depth knowledge and key practical skills that will put you in a good position to compete in science and technology-related careers. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.
You will have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds, who will be an academic member of staff. You will have frequent academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first two years, in your tutor group (of typically five students), as well as one-to-one meetings twice per semester. In addition, our excellent student support team is based close to where you’ll work and study to help with anything from academic advice to timetabling and project submission enquiries.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.
You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Most modules are assessed by more than one component. These components can include written examinations held at the end of each year, in-class and online tests, example sheets, assignments, and coursework in the form of reports, projects, presentations and posters.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA including Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry.
Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.
Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.
Extended Project Qualification and International Project Qualification: Whilst we recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, we do not currently include them as part of our offer-making. We do, however, encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement.
GCSE: English Language at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.
-
Access to HE Diploma
Pass 60 credits overall with 30 credits at Distinction (to include an appropriate amount of Mathematics, Calculus and Further Calculus and specific subjects e.g. Physics or Chemistry) and the remaining credits at Merit or above.
-
BTEC
D*DD with Distinctions in relevant Mathematics and Chemistry or Physics units. Some Mathematics and Chemistry or Physics units may be optional on your BTEC but are required by the Faculty. Please contact us for further information.
Please note - there may be different requirements for the new RQF BTEC’s, please contact Admissions.
-
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, D3 including Mathematics and either Physics or Chemistry.
-
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall, with 18 points at higher level to include 5 points in Mathematics and either Physics or Chemistry.
-
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics and either Physics or Chemistry.
-
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AA at Advanced Higher level, including Mathematics and either Physics or Chemistry, and AABBB at Higher level.
-
Other Qualifications
Advanced Diploma: A, with an appropriate amount of Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
Were committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB including an A in Mathematics and B in either Physics or Chemistry.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.
Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
The UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) operates a scheme called the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). If you are an international (non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizen) applicant and require a student visa to study in the UK then you will need an ATAS certificate to study the four-year MEng, BEng course at the University of Leeds.
To apply for an ATAS certificate online, you will need your programme details and the relevant Common Aggregation Hierarchy (CAH) code and descriptor. For this course, the CAH code is: CAH10-01-09 and the descriptor is: Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering. Your supervisor will be Dr David Harbottle.
More information and details on how to apply for your ATAS certificate can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme.
Visit days
If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our visit days. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £25,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a graduate job.
University of Leeds students are among the top five most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2021, High Fliers Research.
Careers in the field of Chemical Engineering are wide-ranging, and employment prospects are excellent.
Examples of recent graduate destinations include:
Technical Support Engineer, Baker Hughes
Drilling Engineer, BP
Graduate Project Engineer, Centrica
Graduate Engineer, Reckitt Benckiser Products
Nuclear Process Engineer, Sellafield Ltd
Oil and Gas Production Technologist, Shell
Process Project Engineering, Unilever
Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.
Careers support
At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.
You will be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.
You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.
There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
An industrial placement year is a great way to help you decide what kind of career you might like when you graduate. As well as giving you the opportunity to develop your skills, you’ll gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector.
With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can choose to undertake a salaried industrial placement year at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.
Below are examples of placements our students have recently completed:
Customer Availability Leader, Procter & Gamble
Formulation scientist, Indivior
Manufacturing Engineer, Unilever
Operations Internv, McCormick UK Ltd
R&D Chemical Engineering Industrial Placement, GlaxoSmithKline
During your industrial placement you will have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.
Find out more about Industrial placements.