Program Overview

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Chemical Engineering BEng Honours

The Chemical Engineering BEng Honours degree at Newcastle University is a three-year program that equips students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to become professional engineers. This double-accredited degree provides a pathway to becoming a Chartered Engineer and is recognized by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and the Institute of Measurement and Control (InstMC) on behalf of the Engineering Council.

Course Overview

The program covers a broad range of chemical engineering topics, including thermodynamics, plant design, and process control. Students will gain expertise in these areas and develop practical skills through integrated industry placements and project work. The degree is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to contribute to future scientific and technological breakthroughs in the diverse chemical engineering sector.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University's Chemical Engineering program is highly regarded, with the following rankings:

• 14th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2026 (Chemical Engineering category)
• 8th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2026 (Chemical Engineering category)
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Top 150 for Engineering - Chemical – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 145 for Engineering and Technology – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 10th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 (Chemical Engineering category)
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Modules and Learning

The program is divided into stages, with each stage lasting one academic year. Students will complete modules totaling 120 credits by the end of each stage. The teaching is case study-led, providing real-world relevance to the degree education. Students will be taught through lectures, tutorials, seminars, computer practice sessions, practical laboratory work, and group work on case studies and design projects.

Stage 1

• Thermodynamics
• Transfer Processes
• Computing and Numerical Methods
• Data Analysis in Process Industries
• Chemical Engineering Laboratory
• Chemistry for Chemical Engineers
• Principles of Chemical Engineering
• Engineering Mathematics I

Stage 2

• Separation Processes 1
• Transfer Processes 2
• Reactor Engineering
• Introduction to Bioprocessing and Chemical Process Development
• Thermodynamics 2
• Process Measurement, Dynamics & Control
• Chemical Engineering Laboratory II
• Safety, Risk and Engineering Practice
• Engineering Mathematics II

Stage 3

• Process Control
• Process Design & Economics
• Separation Processes 2
• Design for Process Safety
• Reactor Systems Engineering
• Process and Product Engineering
• Plant Design
• Chemical Engineering Laboratory III

Opportunities

Study Abroad

Students can spend a year studying abroad at one of Newcastle University's partner universities in Europe or worldwide.

Work Placement

Students can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organization in the world, receiving University support from a dedicated team to secure their dream placement.

Facilities and Environment

Students will have access to a range of facilities, including:

• A state-of-the-art BioLab
• A recently upgraded pilot plant laboratory
• Modern bench-top experimental equipment
• An interactive video teaching system
• High-specification fume cupboards for handling volatile chemicals
• Two dedicated computing suites, running specialized industry-standard computer software

Your Future

The program prepares students for diverse career paths in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, oil and gas, environment, and biotechnology. Recent graduates have taken up roles including chemical engineer, energy marketing & trading analyst, graduate engineer, process engineer, and technology risk associate.

Entry Requirements

• A-Level: ABB including Chemistry and Mathematics or Further Mathematics
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points with Mathematics and Chemistry at Higher Level grade 6
• Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications: Select your qualification
• English Language requirements: IELTS, TOEFL, Pearsons, Duolingo English Test, or other

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• Home students: Tuition fees for academic year 2026 have not yet been confirmed
• International students: £30,700 (Year 1)
• Scholarships: Available for UK, EU, and international students

Admissions Policy

The University Admissions Policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, their advisors and family members, and staff of the University.