Sustainable Process Engineering (with Integrated Foundation Year)
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
2026-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Sustainable Process Engineering (with Integrated Foundation Year)
Overview
This pioneering degree programme responds to the world’s need for cleaner and more efficient processes, to move towards a sustainable society.
You'll gain the knowledge and skills to design, optimise, and implement sustainable industrial processes. As a graduate, you'll be sought after in industries focused on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability.
You'll train as a future leader, ready to drive sustainable social and economic development through cleaner and more efficient chemical and manufacturing processes.
This programme will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of many areas of sustainable processing, including:
- carbon management
- renewable energy
- water and wastewater treatment
- food
- waste
- plastics
- circular economy
- environmental engineering
- sustainable process design
- green chemistry
- energy efficiency
You'll be able to incorporate the concept of sustainability into the design, commissioning and efficient operation of chemical and manufacturing plants. In doing so, you'll help create a greener and more sustainable world.
You'll have the opportunity to:
- work on sustainability-related projects, including the evaluation of the environmental impacts of processes using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- engage with industrial speakers regarding sustainable processing
- work with the latest in sustainable processing education technology to further your technical capabilities
- work with process design and simulation industry-grade software such as LCA, ASPEN, MATLAB, Ansys
Virtual reality facility
Gain experience and training in field and control room operation in crucial engineering scenarios, such as:
- plant start-up and shutdown
- fault, risk and emergency situations
- optimised operation, including environmental implications
Entry requirements
At Bradford, we take into consideration a number of factors when assessing your application.
Below outlines the typical entry requirements for this course. If you’re not sure and want to check if your qualifications would be suitable, fill in an enquiry form at the bottom of this page.
Typical offer - 64 UCAS tariff points.
A levels
- DDE, to include GCSE Mathematics at grade C/grade 4, plus GCSE English at grade D/grade 3 or equivalent English qualification.
T levels
- Pass (D or E).
BTEC Extended Diploma
- Level 3 National Extended Diploma (from 2016) MPP, along with a minimum of GCSE Mathematics grade C/grade 4.
- OR
- BTEC Extended Diploma ) Any Engineering subject to include Mathematics for Engineering Technicians (Unit 4) Pass
- OR
- BTEC Extended Diploma ) Construction and Built Environment to include Mathematics in Construction and the Built Environment (Unit 3) Pass
- OR
- BTEC Extended Diploma ) Applied Science to inc. Mathematical Calculations for Science (Unit 7) and Using Statistics in Science (Unit 8)
- OR
- BTEC Nationals Level 3 (from 2016). Any Engineering subject to include Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems (Unit 7) Pass AND GCSE English grade D/grade 3 or equivalent.
Applicants on Access Programmes
- 64 UCAS tariff points. There are no specific subject requirements.
International Baccalaureate Requirements
- 64 UCAS tariff points, with Maths Higher Level grade 3 or Standard Level grade 4 plus Higher Level grade 3 or Standard Level grade 4 in English.
Plus minimum of
- GCSE Mathematics grade C/grade 4 and English grade D/grade 3 (equivalents accepted).
Additional entry requirements
- If you are a mature applicant (aged 21 and over), you will be eligible to apply for this course with level 2 qualifications (or GCSE equivalents). You will also need to provide a written statement, and will be interviewed as part of the process.
English language requirements
- IELTS 5.5 with no subtest less than 5.5.
Your learning journey
All module information is for 2025 entry, and is subject to change.
First Year
Core
- The Effective Learner
- Foundation Mathematics
- Introduction to Computing
- Computer Skills and Application
- Foundation Physics
- Fundamentals of Materials
- Foundation Mechanics
- Foundation Physics
- Fundamentals of Materials
- Information and Communication Technology
- Foundation Mathematics 1
- Foundation Mathematics 2
Professional placement
A placement year allows you to apply your academic learning within a wide range of industries, including private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. You will gain hands-on experience, develop skills such as communication, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, and build a professional network that will benefit your future career.
We will support you throughout the process, offering:
- Access to a wide range of placement opportunities with top employers.
- Assistance with CV writing, applications, and interview preparation.
- Guidance on making the most of your placement experience.
Teaching, learning and assessment
The Sustainable Process Engineering (SPE) programme is designed to help you progress in your learning across different study levels, focusing on various competencies related to the subject. Throughout the programme, you will engage in collaborative work, highlighting the importance of teamwork in both disciplinary and multidisciplinary tasks. Various group tasks, such as design challenges, experiments, presentations, and industry projects, create a flexible learning experience. Authentic real-life challenges help develop your critical thinking skills.
Assessment methods reflect the same progression in learning independence as you advance through your SPE journey. In the early stages, you will receive close guidance from tutors and have access to additional support. Assessments include exams, quizzes, practical tests, and coursework, focusing on fundamental knowledge of Process and Sustainable Engineering. At Level 5, assessments will emphasise how you apply your knowledge to simpler assignments and experimental activities, leading to more independent learning. Levels 6 and 7 will focus on applying advanced SPE knowledge and assessing your ability to create and evaluate solutions.
Fees, finance and scholarships
Tuition fee
- UK: £9,535 per year (Sandwich year: £954)
For international students completing an integrated course with our partner, University of Bradford International College (UBIC): Your UBIC fees will be different to your University of Bradford (UoB) fees. Your UBIC and UoB fees will be confirmed in your offer letter.
Additional course costs
While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.
Funding your studies
It can be hard to know what financial help is available to you as a student.
Further information about the variety of options that can help fund your studies and maximise the money available to you is available on our funding your studies section.
Scholarships
Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.
Career prospects
As a graduate of this programme, you'll be able to seek employment in chemical industry roles including:
- project engineer
- design engineer
- operations engineer
- research and development engineer
There is an international drive for sustainability. You will be able to handle current challenges in the food, pharmaceutical, energy/utilities, water, carbon management and waste sectors.
Career opportunities
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.
Study abroad
A study abroad year is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons, build connections with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and strengthen your skills and experience to make you stand out in the job market.
We have opportunities for students to study, work or volunteer in more than 150 countries across the world and will support you every step of the way.
Support for your studies
At Bradford, we’re committed to supporting your success, well-being and future ambitions.
We’re here to provide everything you need to make the most of your time with us, ensuring you not only excel in your studies, but also step confidently into the world of graduate employment.
In addition to the support you receive from your academic tutors, our Student Support Services are here for you throughout your journey - before, during, and after your studies.