Chemical and Petroleum Engineering BEng (Hons) or MEng – 2023 entry
Key information
Start date: October 2023
Why choose this course
Our BEng and MEng courses have been developed in consultation with industry.
You’ll gain the technical skills and problem-solving mindset needed to solve real-world engineering problems, preparing you for a fulfilling career in the oil and gas, petrochemical or energy industries.
Surrey also gives you the chance to experience the complete chemical engineering process. Our £1.7m chemical engineering facility includes a fully operational pilot process plant, which you’ll use during your course and operate as part of a team in your third year.
Another key reason to choose Surrey is our award-winning Professional Training placements, which prepare students for roles in industry. We deliver on jobs, too. We were named University of the Year for Graduate Employment in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2022.
We were also ranked 5th in the UK and 18th in the world for petroleum engineering in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022.
What you will study
Our BEng and MEng align with current industry issues. They combine traditional chemical engineering topics with multidisciplinary design projects, specialist petrochemical modules and sustainability.
You’ll be taught by prize-winning academics and experienced former industrialists, and you’ll gain a strong base knowledge that’s relevant for a wide range of fulfilling careers in the global energy sector.
You can apply to study for either a BEng or MEng. The MEng builds on the BEng with a masters year and is a direct route to becoming a chartered engineer. Students on our MEng may take part in a multidisciplinary project working with other engineering students across the University.
Depending on your progress, you may have the option to switch from BEng to MEng during your studies. Find out more about the benefits of an integrated masters degree.
Facilities
We’re one of the only departments in the world that enables you to experience the complete chemical manufacturing process, rather than just pilot-scale individual operations such as distillation.
In Year 3, you’ll carry out a realistic exercise in operating our pilot scale processing plant, taking responsibility for factors such as safety, profitability, and environmental impact.
In addition, in Year 1 and 2 you’ll complete laboratory experiments, including investigating the performance of a centrifugal pump, a heat exchanger and multiple stirred-tank chemical reactors. You also receive 24-hour access to our computer rooms.
Personal and professional skills
We recognise chemical engineers need a wide range of skills in addition to technical proficiency to perform to the highest level. We also recognise experience is the main driving force in developing these.
Chemical engineers often work in teams to solve problems, they adopt leadership roles and are required to be effective communicators. Our personal and professional skills programme is designed to give you a head start in developing in these areas.
Employers see the personal development skills our courses provide as giving you ‘something extra’ in addition to your technical competence.
Prizes
Alongside general university scholarships and bursaries, our extensive contacts in industry have resulted in prizes being awarded to undergraduates by Atkins, Halliburton KBR, Air Products, UOP, IChemE and the Worshipful Company of Engineers.
Professional recognition
BEng (Hons) - Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)
Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
MEng - Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)
Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Chemical Engineer.
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Chemical engineers work across a range of sectors in the UK and overseas and are increasingly sought by speciality chemical industries that manufacture high value-added products.
On average, chemical engineers earn more than any other engineering discipline, and graduates are consistently paid more than chemists and other scientists. The high salaries reflect the level of responsibility and importance that chemical engineering graduates quickly attain.
At Surrey, we have an excellent graduate employment record. This was a key factor in being named University of the Year for Graduate Employment in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2022.
Demand for graduates in the oil and gas sectors and petrochemicals is expected to remain strong. New developments in the sector include:
- Adaption of refineries to use more of the barrel as petrochemical feedstock
- Decommissioning of exhausted offshore facilities
- Liquefied natural gas projects
- Marginal reservoirs, especially gas
- New feedstocks for petrochemical plants.
We’ve worked closely with industrial organisations to design our courses around their needs, ensuring our graduates are highly attractive to employers when they leave. You’ll also be taught by a member of the Centre for Environment and Sustainability to ensure you are aware of the latest technically literate approaches to future chemical production.
Recent graduates have entered employment in roles such as:
- Associate Process Engineer, Fluor Corporation
- Chemical Engineer, Saudi Aramco
- Utilities Shift Supervisor, Qatar Petroleum.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering.
Accreditation
Academic year structure
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
Please note: If there is an optional Professional Training placement as part of your course you can view the full module listing for this on the relevant programme specification.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Optional modules for Foundation - FHEQ Level 3
For further information on FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 please view the programme specification for the full-time BEng (Hons) Chemical and Petroleum Engineeringprogramme.
Optional modules for Year 4 - FHEQ Level 7
Plan A - 90 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits optional (choice of 2 from 3 modules)
Plan B - 2 compulsory and 2 optional in Semester 1; 1 compulsory and 2 optional in Semester 2.
ENGM001 - Compulsory, Plan A only
ENGM072 - Compulsory, Plan A only
ENGM072 - Optional, Plan B only
ENGM078 - Optional
ENGM275 - Compulsory
ENGM291 - Compulsory
ENGM282 - Compulsory, Plan B only
ENGM214 - Optional, Plan B only
ENGM217 - Optional
ENGM218 - Optional
ENGM219 - Optional, Plan B only
ENGM255 - Optional, Plan B only
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) | Core | Year-long |
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) | Core | Year-long |
Optional modules for Year 4 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 7
Plan A - 90 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits optional (choice of 2 from 3 modules)
Plan B - 2 compulsory and 2 optional in Semester 1; 1 compulsory and 2 optional in Semester 2.
ENGM001 - Compulsory, Plan A only
ENGM072 - Compulsory, Plan A only
ENGM072 - Optional, Plan B only
ENGM078 - Optional
ENGM275 - Compulsory
ENGM291 - Compulsory
ENGM282 - Compulsory, Plan B only
ENGM214 - Optional, Plan B only
ENGM217 - Optional
ENGM218 - Optional
ENGM219 - Optional, Plan B only
ENGM255 - Optional, Plan B only
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Teaching
Teaching involves conventional lectures combined with coursework, tutorials, case studies, projects, practical sessions and discussion classes.
Methods of teaching and assessment in the early stages of the course aim to ensure you’re equipped with the necessary techniques and relevant knowledge, including practice in finding information and deciding whether it’s relevant.
The methods adopted in Year 3 and 4 (MEng) are influenced by the need to broaden and deepen the knowledge you’ve gained at the earlier stages, and to develop the higher-order skills you’ll need as a professional engineer.
Our courses equip you with problem-solving, analytical and other transferable skills, enabling you to succeed in whatever career you pursue. For example, you’ll learn to assess business proposals which require capital investment but bring long-term profits.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including:
- Coursework
- Essays
- Examinations
- Practical sessions
- Presentations.
Contact hours
Prior to Covid-19, students in Year 1 and 2 received 241 lectures, 66 tutorials and 12 hours in the undergraduate laboratory a year.
Students in Year 3 received 140 hours of lectures and 40 tutorials, and undertook design projects supported by design tutorials with individual support from staff totalling 24 hours. There were 8 hours of contact in preparation for running the pilot plant and 8 hours of ‘hot’ plant experience.
The MEng year had at least 100 hours of lectures, one advanced design module and a research project in which students received weekly supervision of at least one hour.
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
Other international qualifications
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year, run by the Surrey International Study Centre.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of grades.
If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an Applicant Day. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Foundation
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, you might still be able to apply for this course with a foundation year. A course with a foundation year includes an extra year of study to prepare you for a full degree course. Find out more about our degrees with foundation year.
Recognition of prior learning
The University of Surrey recognises that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. If this applies to you, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience, or to join the start of a course without the formal entry requirements. This means that you may be exempt from certain elements of study in the course for which you have applied and be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information. Please contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in October 2023
BEng (Hons)
UK To be confirmed
Overseas To be confirmed
MEng
UK To be confirmed
Overseas To be confirmed
BEng (Hons) (with professional training year)
UK To be confirmed
Overseas To be confirmed
Professional training £1,850
BEng (Hons) (with foundation year)
UK To be confirmed
BEng (Hons) (with foundation and professional training year)
UK To be confirmed
Professional training £1,850
MEng (with professional training year)
UK To be confirmed
Overseas To be confirmed
Professional training £1,850
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
- Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms.
- Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
- Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
- Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Professional Training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
See the information about 2022/23 academic year Professional Training placement fee.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this BSc (Hons) course:
- Books/stationery/admin: £10
- Safety equipment and/or uniform: £10 – PPE equipment
Grand total: £20
There are associated costs with this MEng (Hons) course:
- Books/stationery/admin: £10
- Safety equipment and/or uniform: £10 – PPE equipment
Grand total: £20
Placements
You have the option to complete a Professional Training placement as part of this course. This will give you the opportunity to develop your professional, academic and personal potential, helping to prepare you for your future career.
A significant proportion of placement students at Surrey are offered graduate-level jobs or go onto postgraduate study.
Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices.
Chemical and petroleum engineering placements
Our courses are enhanced by strong industrial links, both in the UK and overseas. These links contribute to our award-winning Professional Training programme, which has been running for more than 40 years.
On placement, you’ll get the opportunity to gain invaluable first-hand experience of how industry operates and apply your theoretical knowledge in practice. Taken by many of our students, the Professional Training placement gives you a head start in your future career.
Companies that have participated in our scheme include:
- Crondall Energy
- Det Norsk Veritas
- EDF Energy
- ExxonMobil
- Fluor Corporation
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Grace.
Applying for placements
You can apply for numerous opportunities via an open and free-to-all process. Placement providers use their own recruitment and selection procedures and the majority of students will secure their placement in this way.
Students are generally not placed by the University, however we offer support and guidance throughout the process alongside access to a vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. We also provide support if you wish to source your own placement.
Find out about more about the application process.
Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.
Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.
Study and work abroad
We give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their studies by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities or by completing a Professional Training placement abroad.
Want to study at an overseas institution as part of your degree or work abroad during your Professional Training year? Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With more than 200 partnerships, from 50 different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone.
Not only is the opportunity to go abroad a hugely enjoyable experience, you will develop key skills and knowledge that will strengthen your CV and increase your employability.
For the 2021/22 academic year, students have access to Turing funds to assist in student exchange, work placements abroad and summer schools abroad. These funds can make a significant contribution to these exciting opportunities during your time at the University.
View our study and work abroad exchange information to find out more and see where you can go.
Partner institutions
In Year 2, you’ll have the option of spending time abroad at one of our partner universities. Students have gone to study in:
- Australia
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA.
Find out more about our international partner institutions.
In addition, or alternatively, you may wish to spend your Professional Training placement working in another country. Students have worked at:
- Avery Dennison in the Netherlands
- Bidco Africa in Kenya
- Grace in Germany
- Oiltech Engineering in Sri Lanka.
Students share their experiences of going on an international exchange to Hong Kong.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, the student regulations , and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View an example of our offer terms and conditions and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) from the 2020/2021 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us and before you accept an offer. Read more.
In particular we wish to draw your intention to the following matters affecting the academic year 2021/2022:
- Covid-19 - In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the 2020/2021 academic year. These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach, details of which can be found here [link]. It is anticipated that these programme changes and the hybrid learning approach will be adopted throughout the academic year 2021/2022, however, given the changing nature of the pandemic, this is being kept under continuous review. Detailed information on all changes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic is available at the coronavirus course changes page. The linked pages set out information relating to general University changes and will also direct you to consider additional information relating to specific programmes.
- Brexit - The UK is now no longer part of the EU. We are awaiting further information and instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. EU students applying for programmes in the academic year 2021/2022 and students applying for courses with placements abroad should visit our dedicated webpages for the latest information on how the UK’s departure from the EU will affect their courses.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Placement location
As part of this course you have the option to complete a Professional Training placement which would require attendance off campus, depending on where you secure your placement.
Additional information
1) CPE Laboratories (BC00/01) 2) University lecture theatres according to class size.- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH