Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering transforms scientific knowledge of chemistry and physics into industrial-scale processes that produce the materials and substances modern life depends on, from fuels and polymers to pharmaceuticals and food ingredients. It is a discipline that demands both rigorous scientific understanding and the ability to design, optimise, and control complex systems. Chemical engineers must think simultaneously about chemistry, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer, and the economic and safety constraints that govern industrial production.

At Nottingham, this programme is built on strong research foundations and a commitment to producing graduates who are technically excellent and professionally prepared. The course is offered with a foundation year for students who need additional preparation before the main programme, and includes a sandwich year placement that puts you in professional engineering environments before you graduate. Work placements are integrated throughout the degree.

The foundation year option makes the full programme four years, with the sandwich year potentially extending this further. The typical entry tariff for the main programme is 184 points, reflecting the high academic demands of the discipline.

Chemical engineering graduates are among the most employable of any engineering discipline. The process industries, including oil and gas, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, and materials manufacture, are major employers, as are energy companies, environmental consultancies, and technology firms. Many graduates move into project management, process optimisation, research and development, and regulatory roles.

Postgraduate study, whether a taught masters or a research doctorate, is common for those who want to specialise in areas such as process intensification, sustainable energy, bioprocessing, or advanced materials. Chartered engineer status is a recognised professional goal for many in the field.