Program Overview

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Chemical Engineering, MEng

Introduction

Chemical engineering involves developing more sustainable ways of manufacturing the products we use every day while addressing the global challenges of climate change, energy, sustainability, and human health.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MEng
• Duration: 60 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: H810

Chemical engineers design processes to transform raw materials into products such as chemicals, fuels, foods and pharmaceuticals at an industrial scale safely, sustainably and cost-effectively. Chemical engineers also contribute enormously to wider society, for example, by manufacturing new drugs at affordable costs and by tackling environmental problems such as pollution and global warming.

You will develop a wide understanding of chemical and process engineering and learn how chemical engineers play a critical role in making key decisions including:

• selecting the best reaction pathway to the desired product in order to minimize formation of unwanted by-products
• determining how to purify the product
• designing the best control system to ensure the process is safe
• developing the most cost-effective process
• how to deal with unreacted raw materials
• optimising the process to maximise yield and recycle energy to maximise efficiency.

Our interdisciplinary approach means that you study the fundamentals of each engineering discipline before specialising in your third year. You can therefore keep your options open while gaining a wide range of perspectives and skills - something that makes Aberdeen graduates better equipped to collaborate, innovate and lead in the workplace.

Our location in Aberdeen, the energy capital of Europe, and our strong industry links means that you will have the opportunity to engage with both the local upstream oil and gas industry and with the latest developments in the energy transition through the School of Engineering’s work in energy from biomass, energy conversion and storage, biorefinery and the production of chemicals from biomass.

If you are interested in chemical reactions and understanding how the physical properties of matter can be harnessed to create world-changing technologies, then you should consider Chemical Engineering at Aberdeen.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

What You'll Study

The first two years cover general Engineering, with elements of Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum and Electrical/Electronics, as well as Civil. In the later years you specialise, following your chosen discipline in greater depth. You do not need to finalise your choice of specialisation until you begin third year.

It is possible to move between MEng and BEng and this can be accomplished at any point until the second half session of fourth year. Successful BEng candidates will be offered the chance to change to the MEng and there is no quota, meaning that if grade requirements are met that transfer is guaranteed.

Year 1

• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
• Principles of Electronics (EG1008)
• CAD and Communication in Engineering Practice (EG1010)
• Fundamentals of Engineering Materials (EG1012)
• Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 2 (CM1513)
• Engineering Mathematics 1 (EG1504)
• Fundamental Engineering Mechanics (EG1510)

Year 2

• Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics (CM2015)
• Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (EG2004)
• Process Engineering (EG2011)
• Engineering Mathematics 2 (EG2012)
• Organic & Biological Chemistry (CM2514)
• Design and Computing in Engineering Practice (EG2501)
• Electrical and Mechanical Systems (EG2503)

Year 3

• Engineer in Society (EG3505)
• Fluid Mechanics (EM3019)
• Engineering Analysis and Methods 1a (EG3007)
• Chemical Thermodynamics (EX3029)
• Heat, Mass and Momentum Transfer (EX3030)
• Chemical Reaction Engineering (EX3501)
• Separation Processes 1 (EX3502)
• Chemical Engineering Design (EX3503)
• Process Modelling (EX3504)

Year 4

• Biochemical Engineering (EX4011)
• Process Safety (EX4012)
• Process Control (EX4013)
• Separation Processes 2 (EX4030)

Year 5

• Offshore Process Engineering (EG503J)
• Air and Water Pollution Control (EX501U)
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (EG501V)
• The Engineer in Society (EG501W)
• Mathematical Optimisation (EG551T)
• MEng Group Design (EG5565)
• Process Plant Equipment and Operations (EG55P7)

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lab Work
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

• coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
• practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
• written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Chemical Engineering?

• The University of Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in the UK for Chemical Engineering Guardian University Guide 2023.
• You can apply to either the five-year MEng (Master of Engineering) or 4-year BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) in Chemical Engineering.
• Our Chemical Engineering degrees are accredited by the Engineering Council and the Institution of Chemical Engineers and are your first step towards achieving Chartered Engineer status with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
• Apply your engineering skills and gain experience by joining PrototAU, our student team that designs and builds a hydrogen-powered car to compete internationally.
• The School of Engineering hosts the prestigious Leverhulme Centre for Doctoral Training in the Sustainable Production of Chemicals and Materials, home to world-leading experts who are actively researching the very latest tools, systems and techniques in this field.
• According to the Royal Academy of Engineering, Aberdeen is one of 13 engineering hot spots in the UK with over 8,000 engineering businesses across the city and surrounding region. The School of Engineering has strong links with industry, who support our teaching through guest lectures and seminars, placement opportunities, site visits and scholarships.
• There are many student societies directly related to engineering, where you can meet fellow engineering students and develop your interests and new skills, including Chemical Engineering Society, Civil Engineering Society, Electrical & Electronic Engineering Society, Mechanical Engineering Society, Aerospace Engineering Society, Energy Transition Society, TAU Racing Society and PrototAU.
• The School of Engineering encompasses five disciplines: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering. The School is strongly interdisciplinary and students gain experience in each engineering discipline, making them highly sought-after by employers.
• The breadth and flexibility of our degree programmes also mean you can keep your options open and choose your specialisation once you have experienced all five disciplines.
• Join us here in Aberdeen if you share our passion for designing solutions that will reduce carbon emissions, protect our environments, create sustainable infrastructure and push the boundaries of robotics and AI in manufacturing, business and healthcare.

Careers

Chemical Engineers are employed across a broad spectrum of industries including: Energy; Water; Pharmaceuticals; Food & Drink; Oil & Gas; Fast Moving Consumer Goods; Agrochemicals, fine chemicals & petrochemicals; Mining & Minerals; Semiconductor, Biotechnology; Management; Consultancy; Environmental Protection; Safety.

If you have an aptitude and fascination for how the physical world works, are interested in how chemical reactions and the physical properties of matter can be harnessed to create world changing technologies, and want to contribute positively to making the life of the human race better and to the development of a sustainable environment, then you should consider chemical engineering as a career choice.

Accreditation

Our Chemical Engineering degrees are accredited by the Engineering Council and the Institution of Chemical Engineers and are your first step towards achieving Chartered Engineer status with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers: AABB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required)
• A Levels: ABB (AB required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry)
• International Baccalaureate: Minimum of 34 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above)
• Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher, with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fee Information

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £24,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme - See full terms and conditions
• Home Students: £1,820

Funding Opportunities

• We offer around 40 Entrance Scholarships of £1,000- £3,000 per annum, unless otherwise stated, to students with good academic potential while they study for an undergraduate degree at the University.
• 2 Talisman-Sinopec (£2000), and 2 CNR International (£1000) Engineering Scholarships available for students starting an undergraduate Engineering degree in September

Related Undergraduate Degrees

• BEng Chemical Engineering
• BEng Engineering
• MEng Engineering
• MEng Petroleum Engineering
• BEng Petroleum Engineering

Discover Uni

• 100% of students were satisfied overall with their course.
• 86% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.
• 90% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.