Program Overview

Course Overview

The BEng Chemical Engineering degree at Aston University is a professionally accredited program that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experiences and strong industry connections. The course is designed to empower students to excel in their academic journey and prepare them for a successful and impactful career in chemical engineering.

Course Description

The program provides a thorough grounding in the basic principles of chemical engineering, including process design, renewable energy technologies, biotechnology, and bioprocessing. Students will develop fundamental knowledge in engineering, hands-on practical lab skills, and IT and software skills used for process simulation and design.

Course Objectives

The course objectives include:

1. Providing students with the opportunities to realize their academic potential through relevant and planned learning experiences.
2. Providing a thorough grounding in the basic principles of chemical engineering.
3. Providing a balanced structured curriculum, combining teaching in theoretical and knowledge-based principles with practical skills training.
4. Providing up-to-date and professionally accredited education satisfying the institutional requirements of the Institution of Chemical Engineers.
5. Producing graduate engineers with the qualities and skills that are in demand by employers and who are able to make a valuable contribution to society in general.
6. Offering students the opportunity to obtain relevant industrial experience by providing the option of a sandwich placement year.

Modules

The course consists of the following modules:

• Year 1: Introductory Mathematics for Engineering, Introductory Programming for Engineering and Physical Sciences, Introduction to Transfer Processes, Introduction to Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry for Engineers, Applied Physical Chemistry with Thermodynamics, Power Skills, and Interdisciplinary Design Project.
• Year 2: Advanced Mathematical Modelling, Process Design, Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer, Mass Transfer, Separation Processes, Reaction Engineering, Process Simulation and Control.
• Placement Year: Integrated Placement Year.
• Final Year: Professional Engineering Practice, Advanced Reaction Engineering, Advanced Separation Processes, Advanced Process Control and Safety, Process Economics and Sustainability, Chemical Engineering Major Design Project, and optional modules in Biotechnology and Bioprocessing, Surfaces, Nanomaterials and Catalysis, or Renewable Technologies.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the course include:

• A Levels: BBC including Maths and one other STEM subject.
• BTEC: DDM in Engineering, including specific units in Mathematics and Engineering.
• IB: 29 points overall, including 5, 5, 4 in Higher Level subjects, including Mathematics and another STEM subject.
• Access: QAA-recognised Access Diploma with at least 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits, including at least 15 credits in Mathematics and STEM subjects.
• GCSEs: English Language or Literature and Mathematics, minimum grade C/4.

Fees and Scholarships

The course fees for UK students are ｣9,535 per year, with a reduced fee of ｣1,250 for the placement year. International students pay ｣22,575 per year, with a reduced fee of ｣2,500 for the placement year. Aston University offers a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Assessment

The learning process will be monitored continuously by a variety of assessments, including written examinations, online class tests, coursework, design and research project reports, technical reports, and oral presentations.

Career Prospects

Chemical engineering opens the door to an exciting range of career opportunities, including traditional oil and chemical-based companies, as well as pharmaceutical, water treatment, and waste management industries. Recent graduates have moved on to roles including Material and Process Graduate, Technical Support Engineer, Business Development Representative, Graduate Engineer, Research Assistant, Business Strategy Graduate, Build Assurance Engineer, and Data Analyst, working for high-profile companies such as Virgin, Amazon, Procter and Gamble, BP, ExxonMobil, Unilever, and HSBC.