Schemes of study

Levels One and Two are common to all our degree schemes. This provides flexibility to allow for informed transfers to be made between MEng and BEng schemes at the end of Level Two.

Level One

Modules provide a basic introduction to the major areas of chemical and biochemical process principles, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and process energy management.

These are supported by modules in mathematics (engineering analysis), chemistry professional skills development and laboratory based learning. About 70-80% of this material is common to both chemical and biological process analysis and design.

Level Two

Modules are developments and branches from Level One topics. Process principles develop into chemical and bioreactor design, separation processes and process design and simulation. These are supported by modules in fluid flow, introduction to materials, biochemical engineering, instrumentation and control, various practical activities using pilot plant facilities termed engineering applications. On successful completion of Level Two, you will have the required knowledge and experience to spend a year in industry, if you so wish.

Level Three

Subjects are advanced through lectures, research and design project work and industrial site visits. The knowledge common to both chemical and bioprocess engineering in terms of separation, transport processes, safety and economics is supplemented by more specialised knowledge of the specific features of chemical and biological process systems and the application of knowledge to the development of safe and effective chemical and biological products.

The MEng scheme includes a significant proportion of industrial project work in addition to modules in both chemical and biochemical engineering. Work/study placements in Europe, during the summer vacation, are usually available to MEng students at the end of Level Three.

Level Four

Modules present advanced material for students following the MEng and provide an opportunity to pursue modules at the relevant boundaries of other engineering disciplines including nanotechnology, medical and environmental engineering. These modules are each presented within two weeks except for design and research projects. They provide an in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the subject.

Accreditation

The courses are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). The accreditation is based on regular, rigorous reviews of our course content and delivery by the professional bodies. This means, that after a degree from the School of Engineering and structured industrial training, our graduates are eligible for the prized “Chartered Engineer” status.

Career prospects

A wide range of rewarding career opportunities exists in the industrial and public organisations, and in health, safety and environment sectors. The demand for chemical and bioprocess engineering graduates remains excellent with the highest starting salaries out of all engineering disciplines. There is also demand from many other industries and new, small-to-medium enterprises find that they need technical expertise from chemical and biochemical engineers to solve process problems and to manage their environmental interfaces.

International students

We welcome applications from international students to either Levels One or Two. Those who have completed an equivalent Level One accredited scheme in Chemical Engineering with a minimum score of 55% will be eligible for direct entry to Level Two of the BEng schemes with the option to transfer to the MEng scheme at Level Three.