About this course

This 4-year chemical engineering degree has been designed to meet fully 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.

Year in industry

Enhance your employability by taking this course with a paid industrial placement year.

Apply using:

Course name: Chemical Engineering with Industrial Placement Year
UCAS code: H803

You'll spend this extra year at an engineering firm, applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.

The fee is 20% of the standard annual tuition fee.

Foundation year

If you have not studied the required Science subjects for this course, you may be eligible to apply for and enter through our Science Foundation Year.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

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.

Download

ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

AAA including chemistry and mathematics

A-levels additional information

General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants with A-level chemistry who have not studied A-level mathematics can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year . Applicants with A-level mathematics who have not studied A-level chemistry can apply for the Science Foundation Year .

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 including chemistry (minimum grade A) and mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels 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.

or

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 Diploma additional information

Applicants with Higher Level chemistry who have not studied Higher Level mathematics can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year . Applicants with Higher Level mathematics who have not studied Higher Level chemistry can apply for the Science Foundation Year .

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.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry and A in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma and BTEC National Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry and A-level mathematics.

RQF BTEC

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) and mathematics (minimum grade A)

Additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants with A-level chemistry who have not studied A-level mathematics can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year . Applicants with A-level mathematics who have not studied A-level chemistry can apply for the Science Foundation Year .

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grade A in A-level chemistry and grade A in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma and BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry and A-level mathematics.

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) and mathematics (minimum grade A)

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

A-levels

AAA including chemistry and mathematics

A-levels additional information

General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants with A-level chemistry who have not studied A-level mathematics can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year . Applicants with A-level mathematics who have not studied A-level chemistry can apply for the Science Foundation Year .

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 including chemistry (minimum grade A) and mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ

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) and mathematics (minimum grade A)

or

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 Diploma additional information

Applicants with Higher Level chemistry who have not studied Higher Level mathematics can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year . Applicants with Higher Level mathematics who have not studied Higher Level chemistry can apply for the Science Foundation Year .

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.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry and A in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma and BTEC National Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry and A-level mathematics.

RQF BTEC

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.

Additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants with A-level chemistry who have not studied A-level mathematics can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year . Applicants with A-level mathematics who have not studied A-level chemistry can apply for the Science Foundation Year .

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grade A in A-level chemistry and grade A in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma and BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry and A-level mathematics.

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) and mathematics (minimum grade A)

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

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

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

An Introduction to Engineering Design

Engineers design physical products, systems and processes. They think big with vision, research, analyse, create, refine and deliver solutions. Engineering is a design discipline that is broad, creative, logical and holistic, while also focused and ex...

Chemical Principles

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.

Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment

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...

Mechanics, Structures and Materials

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 four parts, Statics-1, Statics...

Principles of Chemical Engineering

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.

ThermoFluids

Core Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics for all Engineering Themes. Students should be aware that this module requires pre requisites of Mathematics

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 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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 £29,400.

The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub 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

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

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

Related courses

Chemical Engineering (MEng) is a course in the Chemistry and chemical engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

c

BEng

Chemical Engineering (MEng)

About this course

Year in industry

Foundation year

Learn more about this subject area

Chemistry and chemical engineering

Course locations

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Irish certificate additional information

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Science Foundation Year

For Academic year 202425

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Irish certificate additional information

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Science Foundation Year

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Design project

Follow your interests

Year 4 overview

Optional year in industry

Modules