Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with the design and operation of industrial processes that transform raw materials into useful products through chemical, physical, and biological means. The field encompasses the production of fuels, pharmaceuticals, plastics, food, specialty chemicals, and advanced materials, as well as energy generation and environmental management. Chemical engineers apply principles from chemistry, physics, and mathematics to design processes that are safe, efficient, and economically viable at scales that can range from laboratory pilot plants to vast industrial facilities.

At the University of Sheffield this four-year full-time programme builds a rigorous foundation in the science and engineering of chemical processes. You will study fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, process control, and the design of chemical plant and equipment. Safety, sustainability, and environmental responsibility are central to the curriculum, reflecting the regulatory and ethical context in which chemical engineering is practised.

The programme includes a sandwich year and a year abroad, as well as work placement opportunities, giving you professional experience in the chemical or process industries and the opportunity to study engineering in an international context.

Chemical engineering graduates work in pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, renewable energy, food and drink, water treatment, materials science, and environmental management. Roles in process design, operations, research and development, safety, and project management are all common career destinations. The profession has a clear route to chartered engineer status through the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

The combination of technical expertise, commercial awareness, and professional experience that the Sheffield programme develops makes graduates well placed for leadership roles in technically complex industries. Some go on to postgraduate study or doctoral research in process engineering, catalysis, or sustainable chemical technology.