Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering sits at the intersection of science and industry, turning the principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics into the processes that produce the materials, fuels, medicines, and foods that modern life depends on. It is a discipline concerned with designing, optimising, and scaling up processes so that reactions that work in a laboratory can be made to work reliably and efficiently at industrial scale. The challenges it addresses range from refining petroleum and producing pharmaceuticals to developing sustainable energy systems and reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing.

At Heriot-Watt University, the BEng programme explores the fundamentals of chemical and process engineering, grounding you in the scientific and mathematical principles that underpin the field and developing the practical abilities that industry values. You will study thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, and process control, learning both the theory and its application in real engineering contexts. The programme runs over four years, with a sandwich year and year abroad available, as well as work placement opportunities, giving you significant exposure to professional engineering practice before you graduate.

The combination of academic rigour and industrial relevance is central to the programme's design, preparing you to enter the profession with a strong foundation on which to build your career.

Graduates of chemical engineering programmes are in demand across a wide range of sectors, including oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, polymers, environmental engineering, and renewable energy. Many go on to become professional engineers, working in process design, plant operation, research and development, or project management. The degree also provides a solid basis for postgraduate study or research, and graduates with strong quantitative skills frequently move into roles in consultancy, finance, and technology.