Chemical Engineering, MEng

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.

Program Outline

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Chemical Engineering, MEng

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Degree Overview:

The Chemical Engineering MEng program at the University of Aberdeen is a 5-year intensive course that equips students with the knowledge and skills to design and develop sustainable manufacturing processes for the products we use daily. Focusing on addressing global challenges in climate change, energy, sustainability, and human health, the program delves into the creation of more efficient and eco-friendly production methods.

• Transforming raw materials into useful products (chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, etc.)
• Selecting optimal reaction pathways for maximizing product yield while minimizing unwanted by-products
• Purifying the desired product
• Designing effective control systems for process safety
• Developing cost-efficient processes
• Managing unreacted raw materials
• Optimizing processes for maximum yield and energy efficiency
• Interdisciplinary approach: Students study the fundamentals of each engineering discipline before specializing in their third year, gaining a broader perspective and enhancing their collaborative and problem-solving skills.
• Location Advantage: Aberdeen, the energy capital of Europe, provides students with exposure to the local upstream oil and gas industry.
They also gain insights into the latest energy transition developments through the School of Engineering's work in areas like biomass energy, energy conversion and storage, biorefinery, and chemical production from biomass.

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Outline:

The program curriculum is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles and their practical applications.

• These initial years provide a foundation in core engineering disciplines.
• Students can choose their specialization in the third year.

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Year 3:

• Students choose their specialization and delve deeper into their chosen field.
• The program offers flexibility, allowing students to move between MEng and BEng programs through the second half session of fourth year.
• Successful BEng candidates are offered the opportunity to change to the MEng program, ensuring that their academic goals are met.

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Years 4 and 5:

• Year 4 curriculum varies depending on the chosen track (MEng or BEng).
• Both tracks include:
• Compulsory core courses related to process design, operation, optimization, and control.
• Elective courses allowing students to personalize their learning and explore specific areas of interest.
• MEng Track:
• Includes an individual research project that allows students to gain hands-on experience in conducting research and applying their knowledge to solve real-world problems.
• It may be conducted at the University of Aberdeen, within industry, or at another research location.
• BEng Track:
• Ends with a group design project, requiring students to collaborate and apply their engineering skills to solve a complex engineering challenge.
• This project mirrors real-world scenarios, promoting teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication.

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a diverse range of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Coursework: Essays, reports, and assignments completed throughout the course to assess students' understanding and application of theoretical concepts.
• Practical Assessments: Evaluation of skills and competencies gained through laboratory work, design projects, and other hands-on activities.
• Honours projects are primarily assessed based on a well-written dissertation that showcases the student's research findings and critical analysis.

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Teaching:

The program employs a comprehensive approach to teaching, utilizing various methods to promote student learning and engagement:

• Group Projects: Collaborative projects enable students to develop teamwork skills and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Individual Projects: Independent research projects challenge students to think critically and solve problems independently.
• Lab Work: Practical laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience, reinforcing theoretical concepts and developing practical skills.
• Lectures: Experienced faculty deliver lectures to introduce students to essential topics and concepts.
• Research: Students are encouraged to participate in research projects, fostering their investigative abilities and preparing them for potential research careers.
• Tutorials: Smaller, interactive sessions allow students to receive personalized feedback and clarification on specific topics.

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Careers:

The program prepares graduates for a diverse range of exciting career opportunities in the chemical engineering field. Some potential career paths include:

• Graduate Chemical/Process Engineer
• Project Assistant for Biopharmaceuticals and Technology
• Junior Well Integrity Engineer
• Technical Safety Engineer
• Graduate Operations Support Engineer
• Supply Chain Graduate
Graduates from the program are employed by renowned companies such as:
• Johnson Matthey
• The Dow Chemical Company
• BP
• Unilever
• Mace Group
• Heineken
• Genesis Oil and Gas Consultants
• Atkins
• Tenaris
• Nexen

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Other:

The program emphasizes developing important skills and attributes that are crucial for success in the chemical engineering field and beyond:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills: Graduates are equipped to identify, analyze, and solve complex engineering problems effectively.
• Technical expertise: The program provides a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles and their applications.
• Communication and teamwork skills: Students develop effective communication and collaboration skills through group projects, presentations, and interactions with peers and faculty.
• Leadership and project management skills: The program fosters leadership and project management skills through project work and other activities.
• Innovation and creativity: Graduates are encouraged to think creatively and identify innovative solutions to engineering challenges.
This accreditation serves as a testament to the program's quality and prepares graduates for achieving Chartered Engineer status with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

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Entry Requirements:

Entry requirements vary depending on the applicant's qualifications and background. The program typically requires a strong background in mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

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Conclusion:

The Chemical Engineering MEng program at the University of Aberdeen offers a comprehensive and rewarding educational experience, preparing students for successful careers in the chemical engineering field. The program's strong focus on research, industry collaboration, and developing essential skills ensures graduates are well-equipped to tackle global challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year RUK: £9,250 EU / International students: £24,800 Home Students: £1,820