About this course
This 4-year chemical engineering degree fully meets the educational requirements for chartered engineer status. Demand is high for chemical engineering graduates. You’ll have excellent job prospects in sectors such as food, energy, pharmaceuticals and biochemical, and you’ll be one step ahead in your career as a chartered engineer. The course focuses on sustainable chemical engineering. You'll graduate with the skills to go straight into the workplace and help the world transition to a more sustainable future.
Chemical engineering is a multi-disciplinary branch of engineering that focuses on using chemicals and materials to design sustainable processes and giving them practical applications in the real world. This course has a particular emphasis on employability, sustainability and design.
The skills you’ll gain include:
- computational methods
- reaction engineering
- thermofluids
- commercialising chemistry
On this Chemical Engineering MEng degree you’ll be able to:
- take part in a challenging group design project
- complete an optional extra year on a paid industrial placement
- learn real-world skills with our dedicated computer suite and simulation software
- use our virtual control room to gain experience working in a chemical plant
- select from a range of specialist modules
As part of this degree you’ll complete a chemical engineering advanced research project. You’ll be able to draw on our expertise in low-carbon technology, fine chemicals, green energy and water/wastewater engineering to complete your research.
You’ll work in our brand new, bespoke chemical engineering laboratories, which are part of our £12m chemistry building renovation. You’ll also have access to our engineering facilities, which consist of over 10,000m² of specialist workshops, laboratories and testing services.
This is a new course. The course is currently undergoing the accreditation process for the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). Once accreditation is granted the course will qualify as meeting the educational requirements for chartered engineer status.
Course locations
This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
AAA including chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical and mathematics
A-levels additional information
General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB plus grade A in the EPQ, and including chemistry (minimum grade A) with a pass in the chemistry Practical and mathematics (minimum grade A)
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: AAB, including chemistry (minimum grade A) with a pass in the chemistry practical and mathematics (minimum grade A)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in chemistry and 6 at Higher Level in mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in mathematics (Applications and Interpretation)
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Additional information
The University aims to recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds who we believe have the potential and motivation to succeed on our challenging programmes. We are committed to fair admissions and strive to ensure we give equal consideration to all applicants who possess the necessary knowledge and skills.
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should contact the Admissions team
Access to HE additional information
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry and mathematics at H2
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 A2 including chemistry at A1 and mathematics at A2
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including chemistry and mathematics
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA from three A-levels including chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical and mathematics or AA from two A-levels including chemistry with a pass in chemistry Practical and mathematics, and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
82% overall including grade 8.5/10 in chemistry and grade 8.5/10 in mathematics.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
-
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Science Foundation Year
The Science Foundation Year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
-
are studying for A levels in subjects other than those we normally ask for
-
are a mature applicant with skills and experience from employment and can show recent study
-
you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system
Find full details on our Science Foundation Year page.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a 4-year, full-time course.
The first 2 years follow the same learning as our 3 year BEng degree, meaning that you’ll learn the fundamentals of chemical engineering. As you progress through the course, you'll learn to apply these fundamentals to real-world problems.
Design and computational methods are a key focus of the course throughout.
In your third year you’ll have the option to specialise in your key areas of interest from a range of optional modules. You’ll also complete a group design project.
The final MEng year emphasises the commercial application of your learning. You’ll complete an extended individual research project.
You have the option to take this degree with an extra year in employment.
Year 1 overview
You’ll develop your understanding of the core underlying principles of chemical engineering. You'll explore topics like:
- design and computing
- thermofluids
- chemical principles
- maths for engineering
Year 2 overview
You’ll learn to apply your knowledge and skills within a practical context and analyse your results using computational methods. You'll study topics like:
- practical operations and chemical analysis
- fluids and solids
- process control, safety and integration
Year 3 overview
You’ll deepen your understanding of the relationship between design, manufacturing and material properties.
Topics include:
- advanced reaction engineering (bioreactors and catalysis)
- engineering management and law
- process integration and intensification
Design project
You'll complete a group design project that will bring together all of your theoretical knowledge and practical skills to create a design solution. This may be a simulation, a report to meet a brief, or even building part of a chemical engineering plant. Your project may be chosen to take part in our annual engineering design show.
Follow your interests
In the third year you’ll be able to specialise with optional modules ranging from chemical engineering for sustainable energy, to chemical engineering in the pharmaceutical sector.
Year 4 overview
In your final year you’ll cover:
- commercialising chemistry
- safety management in chemical plants
You’ll complete your extended individual research project, supported by your tutor and our extensive research community.
Optional year in industry
You have the option to take this degree as a 5-year degree with a year in industry during your third year.
We'll help you find a paid placement in the UK for this year. This could be in an industry such as energy systems, pharmaceutical, food or emerging technologies. You’ll develop knowledge and skills to prepare you for the workplace, whilst you remain enrolled as a student, with access to all the University’s support services.
If you wish to apply for this degree with a year in industry you will need to use the UCAS code H803
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
This module introduces the structure of atoms and molecules and how structure affects their behaviour and properties. Practical exercises are included to reinforce the theoretical aspects of the module.
This course develops your skills in design and computing with practical hands-on engineering to enable you to design, build and test artefacts relevant to your discipline. From the design component of the module you will be introduced to modern comput...
This course lays the mathematical foundation for all engineering degrees. Its structure allows students with different levels of previous knowledge to work at their own pace. Pre-requisite for MATH2048 One of the pre-requisites for MATH3081 and MATH...
This module covers the fundamentals of mechanics, statics, dynamics and materials. Providing a firm basis for all subsequent modules in these areas in later Parts and a further career in engineering. This module consists of five inter-dependent, to some e...
This module covers the chemical aspects of thermodynamics, equilibria, and kinetics, with a focus on their relationship to mass and energy balances and application of the concepts of physical chemistry in chemical engineering.
Core Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics for all Engineering Themes. Students should be aware that this module requires pre requisites of Mathematics and Physics A Level
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
The module will develop a detailed understanding of advanced particle technology and processes, including processes that have simultaneous heat and mass transfer. The main objective will be to learn how to design and size sustainable processes that invol...
This course is designed to introduce the phenomena of heat and mass transfer, to develop methodologies for solving a wide variety of practical engineering problems, and to provide useful information concerning the performance and design of particular syst...
The module aims to teach mathematical methods relevant for engineering. The first part is about differential equations and how solve them, from ordinary differential equations to partial differential equations. The second part is about either vector calcu...
A practical based module to reinforce lecture material from other modules on unit operations and to develop understanding of spectroscopic methods of chemical characterisation.
The primary objective of process control is to maintain a process at the desired operating conditions, safely and efficiently, while satisfying environmental and product quality requirements.
The module will develop concepts related to reaction engineering and the design of reactors. Reaction engineering is at the heart of chemical engineering and one of the main requirements of chemical engineers is to design equipment where reactions take pl...
This module provides a comprehensive overview of fluids and separation processes, focusing on key mechanisms, principles and design of units for industrial processes with an emphasis on processes that have simultaneous heat and mass transfer.
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
The module will further develop the understanding of reaction engineering and will look in detail in biochemical and biological reactors, real reactors and catalytic reactors.
This group project enables you to apply your conceptual engineering and science knowledge to an engineering design problem. The ideas are developed through detailed design, experimentation, computer modelling and/or manufacture. You will also consider and...
Process intensification (PI) is the down-scaling of a process to a smaller volume whilst retaining performancerepresenting an opportunity to create processes that are more energy efficient, cleaner, and sustainable. PI has the potential to revolutionise t...
The module will develop a detailed understanding advanced separation processes, including processes that have simultaneous heat and mass transfer. The main objective will be to learn how to design and size processes that are used in industrial separatio...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
This module covers the contributions of chemical engineering to the sustainable production of energy and the use of sustainable energy management to improve chemical production and processing.
The module covers two main themes. One looks at the types of process that are used to purify water to a standard acceptable for distribution. The subject material is taught so as to give a fundamental understanding of the physical, chemical and biological...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following modules in year 4:
The objective of this module is to develop your research and design skills through in-depth exploration of a research problem. The project involves approximately 600 hours of commitment, including 10 weeks of full-time practically or computationally based...
This module will develop your ability as a chemical engineer to communicate effectively with chemists, translating recent developments in chemistry into a business case and designing the next step in the commercialisation process.
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
The bioenergy industry is undergoing rapid growth due to the policy drivers underpinning the current interest in bioenergy, such as energy security and climate change. This module provides an overview of key topics on sustainable bioenergy production, inc...
Computational modelling is of increasing importance in chemical engineering as it enables prediction of behaviour over many length and time scales, from molecules, through to the microscopic and mesoscopic scales, and on to the macroscopic scale. This mod...
Electrochemistry is an important area of science covering many interesting and important topics of current scientific research. For example, it is key to the development of new power sources (for example new batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors) as ...
The module aims to provide students with a detailed understanding of advanced modelling and simulation tools applied to chemical engineering. The module will develop concepts of process modelling, process design, and process control and will apply advance...
The module considers solid wastes from industry, commerce and domestic sources. The concept of a waste management hierarchy is introduced and practical ways in which it might be implemented are discussed. These include waste minimisation, reuse, recycling...
The module assumes a basic knowledge of conventional wastewater treatment systems. The course reinforces the importance of wastewater treatment for the protection of public health and draws attention both to the epidemiology of globally distributed water...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Mohamed Hassan Sayed is the course leader.
Careers
Chemical engineering is a career that can make a real difference in the world, but it’s also well-rewarded. Average salaries for experienced chartered chemical engineers reach £79,000 in the UK (Institution of Chemical Engineers).
By completing this degree you will be on the fastest route to chartered engineer status, as this qualification fully meets the educational requirements for being a chartered engineer (pending accreditation).
Chemical engineers are in demand in many different sectors, including medicine, food and beverages, renewable fuels and resource and waste management. This course’s focus on practical experience and commercialisation will give you a head start in the jobs market.
If you take the optional year in employment you’ll gain additional work skills and useful contacts.
As a chemical engineering graduate you’ll be qualified to take up roles as:
- process engineer
- energy consultant
- thermo-fluid engineer
- quality assurance specialist
- environmental engineer
- biochemical engineer
- food processing expert
- pharmaceutical engineer
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You have the option to take this degree as a 5-year degree with a year in industry during your third year.
We'll help you find a paid placement in the UK for this year. This could be in an industry such as energy systems, pharmaceutical, food or emerging technologies. You’ll develop knowledge and skills to prepare you for the workplace, whilst you remain enrolled as a student, with access to all the University’s support services.
If you wish to apply for this degree with a year in industry you will need to use the UCAS code H803
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £23,720.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: H801
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
