Course summary

Chemical engineers design the processes that convert chemicals, raw materials, living cells, microorganisms and energy into the essential products of modern life. Building a sustainable future is one of the biggest engineering challenges we face. Our unique Chemical Engineering programme focuses on renewable energies, teaching our students to apply their chemical engineering expertise to develop greener energy solutions. In Years 1 and 2 you’ll build a strong foundation in fundamental engineering concepts such as fluid mechanics, design, materials and mathematical modelling, whilst being introduced to Chemical Engineering through specialised modules covering topics such as materials chemistry, heat and mass transfer, thermodynamics and chemical reaction engineering. Modules in design and experimental practice, will help you to develop the practical workshop and laboratory-based skills necessary for all engineers, and put core programme material into perspective and to practical use. For your third-year design project you’ll collaborate with peers to design a sustainable drinking water treatment plant or a biomass gasification plant, using your gained knowledge to invent innovative approaches and design new sustainable energy pathways. Students who choose to take the MEng degree will learn advanced modules and carry out an industry or research-linked project that focuses on solving real engineering research and design problems. Our teaching, in one of the most sought after STEM disciplines, is underpinned by cutting edge research preparing leaders for tomorrow's world. The applications from our research range from creating catalysts on a molecular scale, sustainable drinking water treatment for developing countries and valuable carbon materials from organic waste, to sustainable extraction of nutritional, pharmaceutical, biofuel and cosmetic products from micro-algal cultures using advanced biochemical engineering techniques. State of the art labs allow students access to the best analytical instrumentation. Some students even travel to international synchrotron facilities and zero-gravity missions with the European Space Agency. We’ve recently undertaken a review of our programmes to ensure that they will prepare you for life beyond 2030 and ensure they reflect the global challenges facing both our society and your future as engineers. We have developed the modules we offer in consultation with our students, staff and industry to enhance your student experience and graduate employability. Our graduate attributes matrix supports students to develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed both personally and professionally. Using this matrix you will recognise and record the wide-ranging skills you develop over the duration of your programme, reflect on what you want to do in the future and gain the tools you need to effectively market yourself to future employers.