Chemical Engineering BEng (Hons) or MEng – 2024 entry
Key information
Start date: September 2024
| Award | UCAS code | Course duration |
|---|---|---|
| BEng (Hons) | UCAS: H802 | 3 years View KIS data set |
| MEng | UCAS: H803 | 4 years View KIS data set |
| BEng (Hons) | UCAS: H804 | 4 years with foundation year View KIS data set |
| BEng (Hons) | UCAS: H800 | 4 years with professional training View KIS data set |
| BEng (Hons) | UCAS: H805 | 5 years with foundation year and professional training View KIS data set |
| MEng | UCAS: H801 | 5 years with professional training View KIS data set |
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
| Course | UCAS code | Institution code |
|---|---|---|
| BEng (Hons) with professional training | H800 | S85 |
| BEng (Hons) | H802 | S85 |
| MEng | H803 | S85 |
| MEng with professional training | H801 | S85 |
| BEng (Hons) with foundation year and professional training | H805 | S85 |
| BEng (Hons) with foundation year | H804 | S85 |
Why choose this course
Top 20
In the UK for chemical and process engineering in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
Top 20
In the UK for chemical and process engineering in the Complete University Guide 2023
Our BEng and MEng courses have been developed in consultation with industry. They’ll equip you with the technical skills and problem-solving mindset required to tackle real-world engineering problems, preparing you for a fulfilling career in the chemical and process industries.
On this course, you’ll get the chance to experience the complete chemical engineering process: our £1.7 million 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. You can also take part in our award-winning Professional Training placements programme, which prepares students for roles in industry.
Another key reason to choose Surrey is our award-winning Professional Training placements, which prepares students for roles in industry.
What you will study
Designed to align with current industry issues, our courses combine traditional chemical engineering topics with multidisciplinary design, biochemical engineering and sustainability.
You’ll be taught by prize-winning academics and you’ll develop a strong base of knowledge that’s relevant across the chemical and process industries. You’ll directly apply this to design your own process as a group in your third year.
You can apply to study for either a BEng or MEng. The MEng builds on the BEng with a masters year and is the 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 to a BEng or MEng during your studies. Find out more about the benefits of an integrated masters degree.
Facilities
We're one of the only universities in the world which enables you to experience the complete chemical engineering 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'll 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 skills.
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 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.
We work closely with industrial organisations to design our courses around their needs, ensuring our graduates are highly attractive to employers when they leave. You’ll be taught the latest technically literate approaches to future chemical production. You will also have the opportunity to study a module taught by a member of the Centre for Environment and Sustainability in the fourth year of the MEng based on the concepts of future refineries fed by biological material.
Demand for graduates with the specific skills and knowledge gained on our specialised courses is high, especially within modern, high-growth sectors including:
- Cosmetics
- Energy
- Food
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
- Water and waste management.
Recent graduates are now employed in roles such as:
- Associate Process Engineer, Fluor
- Chemical Engineer, Saudi Aramco
- Graduate Project Engineer, Morrison Utility Services
- Graduate Process Engineer, United Utilities
- Process and Workflow Analyst, BOC
- Process Engineer, Procter and Gamble
- Reporting Finance Graduate, AkzoNobel.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the School of Chemistry and Chemical 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 usually can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
The structure of our programmes follow 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.
Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course can be viewed on the relevant programme specification.
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 Engineering programme.
Optional modules for Year 4 - FHEQ Level 7
Plan A - 90 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits optional (choice of 2 from 4 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
ENGM275 - Compulsory
ENGM290 - Compulsory
ENGM282 - Compulsory, Plan B only
ENGM078 - Optional
ENGM214 - Optional, Plan B only
ENGM215 - Optional
ENGM217 - Optional
ENGM218 - Optional
ENGM219 - Optional, Plan B only
ENGM255 - Optional, Plan B only
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 4 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
ENGM275 - Compulsory
ENGM290 - Compulsory
ENGM282 - Compulsory, Plan B only
ENGM078 - Optional
ENGM214 - Optional, Plan B only
ENGM215 - Optional
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 Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (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 courses aim to ensure you’re equipped with the necessary techniques and relevant knowledge, including practice in finding information and deciding whether it is 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
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).
International entry requirements by country
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 at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
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
We recognise 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, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on RPL a 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 September 2024
BEng (Hons)
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
MEng
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
BEng (Hons) (with foundation year)
- UK
- To be confirmed
BEng (Hons) (with professional training year)
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
- Professional training
- To be confirmed
BEng (Hons) (with foundation and professional training year)
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Professional training
- To be confirmed
MEng (with professional training year)
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
- Professional training
- To be confirmed
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 2023/24 academic year Professional Training placement fees.
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 course:
- Books/stationery/admin: £10
- Safety equipment and/or uniform: £10 – PPE equipment.
Grand total: £20.
These additional costs are accurate as of September 2022 and apply to the 2023 year of entry. Costs for 2024 entry will be published in September 2023.
Placements
Our award-winning Professional Training programme offers you the option to spend a career-enhancing year in industry, either in the UK or abroad. We have thousands of placement providers to choose from or you can source your own placement.
Most placements are paid, and we will support you every step of the way.
Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices.
Chemical 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 can give you a head start in your future career.
Companies that have participated in our scheme include:
- Air Products
- EDF Energy
- ExxonMobil
- Fluor Corporation
- GlaxoSmithKline
- GoodYear Dunlop
- Thames Water.
Applying for placements
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 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
Studying at Surry opens up a world of opportunity. We want you to take advantage of our international partnerships, explore the world and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
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.
View our study and work abroad 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
- 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 Grace in Germany, Labo Derva in Brussels or in Malaysia.
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 our offer terms and conditions for the 2023/24 academic year and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/23 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 our full disclaimer.
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.
University of Surrey Admissions
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
Address
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH