Chemical Engineering with Placement Year

Chemical engineering is the discipline that bridges chemistry and large-scale industrial production. Where chemists understand what reactions are possible in a laboratory, chemical engineers work out how to make those reactions happen safely, efficiently, and economically at the scale needed to supply real markets. The work encompasses the design of reactors and separation processes, the management of heat and mass transfer, the modelling of complex fluid systems, and the safety and environmental assessment of industrial operations.

Its applications range from pharmaceuticals and food processing to energy production, water treatment, and the development of new materials.

At Brunel University London this four-year full-time programme combines a broad and rigorous engineering curriculum with a placement year, giving you the opportunity to spend time working in industry before returning to complete your degree. The programme is designed to equip you with a wide range of knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the chemical and biochemical industry, and the course has been developed with the requirements of professional practice firmly in mind. A foundation year is part of the programme structure for students who need or prefer additional preparation before engaging with the main degree content.

Brunel's chemical engineering programme holds international accreditation from the Institution of Chemical Engineers, which is the relevant professional body for this discipline and a significant credential for graduates seeking professional recognition.

You will develop skills in engineering mathematics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, reaction engineering, and process design, alongside the safety and environmental awareness that is integral to responsible engineering practice. The placement year provides direct experience of the industry and builds the professional networks and practical understanding that enhance your employability.

Graduates of chemical engineering programmes work in the process industries, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, water, and energy, as well as in consultancy, the public sector, and research. Further study at Masters or doctoral level is pursued by those interested in research, advanced process development, or academic careers.