Program Overview

Chemical Engineering BEng

Overview

Launch your career as a highly sought-after chemical engineer with our BEng Chemical Engineering programme. After all, chemical engineers have a crucial role to play in addressing the world’s challenges - and are integral in key industries such as food and drink, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and renewable energy.

Our course is characterised by its focus on industrial relevance. You'll engage in practical laboratory experiences, design and problem-based learning, independent and peer learning, and research and industrial contextualisation. You’ll gain a deep understanding of fundamental engineering and design processes from the very beginning; build your knowledge through practical application; and graduate with the skills you need to make an immediate impact in industry.

Why Choose This Course?

• Top 5 for Chemical Engineering in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and The Guardian University Guide 2025
• World Top 100 for Chemical Engineering (QS Top World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
• Expert teaching - Learn from research, industrial and teaching experts
• Accredited by the IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers)
• Accredited by the IOM3 (Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining)
• Industry experience - Get paid experience with opportunities for a year out in industry

Course Details

Qualification

• BEng Hons

Entry Requirements

• AAA
• IB score: 34 Points overall or 666 in 3 Higher Level Certificates
• IELTS: 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)

Start Date

• September 2026

UCAS Code

• H810

Duration

• 3 years full-time

Fees

• £9,535*

Course Structure

Year One

• Fundamentals of Engineering Design
• Fluid Mechanics
• Chemistry for Engineers
• Process Engineering Principles
• Mathematical Methods for Chemical and Environmental Engineering
• Introductory Geology
• Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

Year Two

• Chemical and Phase Equilibria
• Interfacial Chemistry
• Analytical Measurement
• Separation and Particle Technology
• Advanced Mathematical Modelling for Process Engineers
• Process Engineering Project
• Materials and Sustainable Processes
• Process Design and Control

Year Three

• Biochemical Engineering
• Industrial Process Analysis
• Reactor Design and Process Control
• Design Project
• Process Engineering Laboratories
• Process Simulation
• Multicomponent Separations
• Advanced Transport Phenomena

Teaching and Learning

Teaching Methods

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Design workshops
• Laboratory practicals
• One-to-one tutorials
• Group study
• Independent study

Assessment Methods

• Coursework
• Examinations
• Group coursework
• Presentation
• Research project
• Practical assessment

Careers

Careers Overview

During this course you will develop your knowledge of science and engineering, together with a wide range of transferable skills including IT, communication, analysis, problem solving, teamworking and management.

Our graduates are well-regarded and find career opportunities in a range of industries, including:

• Energy
• Chemical manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical
• Food and drink
• Oil and gas
• Government agencies worldwide

Job Prospects

• Average starting salary and career progression: 88.7% of undergraduates from the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £30,412.

Additional Information

Study Abroad

On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham China or University of Nottingham Malaysia.

Optional Placement Year

If your course does not have a compulsory placement, integrated year in industry or compulsory year abroad where there is already an opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of that experience, you may be able to apply to undertake an optional placement year.

Additional Costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses:

• Books: £40-90 per book
• Printing: 4p per side
• Trips: The department covers the travel cost of compulsory field trips.
• PPE: The department shall provide; boots, lab coat and hardhat. If you lose these, you are responsible for the cost of replacing them. A standard PPE set (coat, boots, specs and hardhat) costs in the region of £45.
• Year in Industry: If you do a work placement, any costs associated with travel or accommodation will need to be factored in.
• Year abroad: If you study abroad, you will need to consider the travel and living costs for the country you choose. This could include visa costs and medical insurance.
• Laptops: Although there are PCs available for your use in our computer labs, you may wish to purchase your own laptop. Read more about our recommended specifications.
• Calculator: While the calculator you used for your former study is usually sufficient some students will choose to purchase a new calculator which will cost around £10.

Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.

There may also be costs issued by the university for replacement student ID cards, additional transcripts or certification letters, reassessments and library fines.

Scholarships and Bursaries

The University offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help.

Engineering students may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.