Chemical Engineering - integrated with Placement Year
Chemical Engineering applies the principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology to design and operate the industrial processes that transform raw materials into useful products. From pharmaceuticals and food processing to energy production, water treatment, polymer manufacture and semiconductor fabrication, chemical engineers design the reactors, separation systems, heat exchangers and process controls that make production possible at scale, safely and economically. It is a discipline with direct relevance to some of the most important challenges in sustainable development, including the transition to low-carbon energy, the development of green chemistry and the circular economy.
At Brunel University London this five-year integrated MEng degree is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers and incorporates a placement year, giving you real professional experience within a chemical or process engineering organisation during the programme. The degree uses innovative teaching methods including problem-based learning, flipped classrooms and virtual reality to deliver a curriculum that is both rigorous and responsive to the evolving needs of the chemical and biochemical industry. You will develop a broad range of technical knowledge and engineering skills across process design, reactor engineering, thermodynamics, materials science and safety, preparing you for entry to the profession at a level appropriate to a Masters graduate.
Graduates from Chemical Engineering MEng degrees are in strong demand across the chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, food, water, energy and materials sectors. Many pursue chartered engineer status through IChemE or related bodies, which requires professional experience following graduation. Others find roles in process engineering, project management, technical sales, research and development and environmental consultancy.
The strong mathematical and analytical skills the degree develops are also valued in data science, finance and management consultancy. Postgraduate research in chemical engineering or closely related fields is an option for those wishing to develop specialist expertise.