BEng (Hons) or MEng — 2026 entry Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering is the applied science of turning raw materials into everyday products. It is also a pivotal field in driving sustainability and shaping a greener future. Our BEng and MEng Chemical Engineering degrees will inspire and challenge you to cultivate pioneering and sustainable solutions to global problems.
On our chemical engineering course, you’ll get the chance to experience the complete chemical engineering process. Our £1.7 million chemical engineering facility includes one of the UK's only fully operational pilot process plants, where you’ll perform real industrial roles and learn about professional processes from start-up to shut down.
Our chemical engineering course will 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.
Sustainability is at the heart of our chemical engineering courses. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to help create renewable solutions for a greener future.
Alongside general university scholarships and bursaries, our extensive contacts in industry have resulted in prizes being awarded to undergraduates by Armfield, Atkins, Halliburton KBR, Air Products, UOP, IChemE and the Worshipful Company of Engineers.
“Chemical engineers are central to the sustainability challenge, holding critical skills to help address the climate emergency." David Bogle, IChemE President (2022-23).
We’re preparing you for the future by integrating AI into every course, building digital skills, confidence and creativity that employers value in tomorrow’s workplace.
For chemical engineering in the Guardian University Guide 2025
87%
Of our chemistry and chemical engineering graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026, HESA)
Our courses combine traditional chemical engineering topics with multidisciplinary design and biochemical engineering. Course content addresses major industry challenges and issues including sustainability, clean methods of production, waste management and energy generation.
You can apply to study for either a BEng or MEng. The MEng builds on the BEng with a masters year, known as an integrated masters, 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.
Personal and professional skills programme
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.
Foundation year
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, you might still be able to apply for this degree with an Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Year. This is an extra year of study to develop your skills and make it easier for you to get started at university. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree.
To see what modules you’ll be studying, refer to the foundation tab in the 'Course structure' section.
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.
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: Thefull module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course is available in the relevant programme specification.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are 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.
New for 2026 entry: At Surrey, we want you to be a future-ready graduate. That’s why all our courses will offer at least one module that integrates and teaches AI tools in discipline-specific ways. You’ll develop the digital skills that employers are looking for and get comfortable with the tech of the future.
Module information is not available for this programme There are no modules currently listed for this pathway. Please check back soon.
Module information is not available for this programme There are no modules currently listed for this pathway. Please check back soon.
BEng (Hons) with foundation year
Semester 1
Compulsory
This mathematics module is designed to reinforce and broaden basic A-Level mathematics material, develop problem solving skills and prepare students for the more advanced mathematical concepts and problem-solving scenarios in the semester 2 modules.The priority is to develop the students’ ability to solve real- world problems in a confident manner. The concepts delivered on this module reflect the skills and knowledge required to understand the physical around us. This is vital as mathematics plays a critical role in the students’ future employability and achievement on their respective undergraduate choices.
This module introduces several principles and processes which underpin most physical science and engineering disciplines, which you are likely to study beyond the Foundation Year. Specifically, you will study topics that include S.I. units and measurement theory, electric and magnetic fields and their interactions, the properties of ideal gases, heat transfer and thermodynamics, fluid statics and dynamics, and engineering instrumentation and measurement. You will attend several lectures and a tutorial each teaching week alongside guided independent study opportunities to develop your understanding of topics more deeply, supported by the use of the university’s virtual learning platform.
The emphasis of this module is on the development of digital capabilities, academic skills and problem-solving skills. The module will facilitate the development of competency in working with software commonly used to support calculations, analysis and presentation. Microsoft Excel will be used for spreadsheet-based calculations and experimental data analysis. MATLAB will be used as a platform for developing elementary programming skills and applying various processes to novel problem-solving scenarios. The breadth and depth of digital capabilities will be further enhanced by working with HTML, CSS and JavaScript within the GitHub environment to develop a webpage, presenting the student's research project narrative. The project provides students with an opportunity to carry out guided research and prepare an online article on one of many discipline-specific topic choices. Students will develop a wide range of writing, referencing and other important academic skills and learn how to use embedded and/or interactive online content to support the presentation of their online article. Students will also receive an introduction to using AI tools to support their learning, alongside critical discussions on the ethical considerations and academic integrity of utilising AI in a university setting.
This module builds on ENG0011 Mathematics A and is designed to reinforce and broaden A-Level statistics and calculus. The students will continue to develop their ability to solve real-world problems in a confident manner. The concepts delivered on this module reflect the skills and knowledge required to understand the physical world around us. This is vital, as mathematics plays a critical role in the students¿ future employability and achievement on their respective undergraduate courses. On completion of the module students are prepared for the more advanced Mathematical concepts and problem solving scenarios in the first year of their Engineering or Physical Sciences degree.
This module introduces several principles and processes which underpin most physical science and engineering disciplines, which you are likely to study beyond the Foundation Year. Specifically, you will study topics that include vectors and scalars, equations of motion under constant acceleration, momentum conservation, simple harmonic motion and wave theory. You will attend several lectures and a tutorial each teaching week alongside guided independent study opportunities to develop your understanding of topics more deeply, supported by the use of the university’s virtual learning platform.
The module covers the principles of chemistry relevant to degree-level study in disciplines requiring a strong background in this subject, (e.g. the BEng in both the Chemical and Civil Engineering programmes at the University of Surrey). There will be a strong focus placed on the fundamental principles of physical chemistry, with a basic introduction to organic and analytical chemistry techniques. Learning will include examples of industrial processes and case studies and there will be an overarching theme of sustainability running through the module linked to several topics (in particular, fuels, combustion and polymers). Module content will be delivered via weekly lectures, interspersed with opportunities for you to reflect on what you have just learned. Additional support is provided in weekly tutorials. There are guided independent study opportunities to develop your understanding of topics more deeply, supported by the use of the university’s virtual learning platform.
During this year-long module, students develop a range of laboratory and transferable skills through both individual laboratory work and group project work. The content of this module is designed to consolidate knowledge gained in ENG0013 (semester 1) and ENG0015/16/17 (semester 2) modules. Semester 1 focuses on core Engineering and Physical Sciences laboratory work and guides students through the basic skills of laboratory work, recording work in a lab diary, and lab report writing. Alongside this individual laboratory work, students participate in a group project; this involves working in a small group (5-8 students) to design an experiment, collect data, present their experimental findings as an academic poster, and report their findings to peers via a group oral presentation. Students are guided through the development of teamworking, project management, presentation, and digital skills (e.g., in using MS Teams as a group communication platform) whilst working on this project. Semester 2 provides an opportunity for subject-stream specific practical work (individual) where students will build on the laboratory and lab report writing skills developed in semester 1 to produce a full lab report. Students participate in a further group project in semester 2 where they build upon the skills developed in semester 1. Students work as a team to find and develop an engineering / physical sciences idea into a potentially viable business case. Student groups produce a written business case report and pitch their ideas to a panel including University Student Enterprise experts.
For further information on FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 please view the programme specification for the full-time BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering programme.
BEng (Hons) with foundation year and placement
Semester 1
Compulsory
This mathematics module is designed to reinforce and broaden basic A-Level mathematics material, develop problem solving skills and prepare students for the more advanced mathematical concepts and problem-solving scenarios in the semester 2 modules.The priority is to develop the students’ ability to solve real- world problems in a confident manner. The concepts delivered on this module reflect the skills and knowledge required to understand the physical around us. This is vital as mathematics plays a critical role in the students’ future employability and achievement on their respective undergraduate choices.
This module introduces several principles and processes which underpin most physical science and engineering disciplines, which you are likely to study beyond the Foundation Year. Specifically, you will study topics that include S.I. units and measurement theory, electric and magnetic fields and their interactions, the properties of ideal gases, heat transfer and thermodynamics, fluid statics and dynamics, and engineering instrumentation and measurement. You will attend several lectures and a tutorial each teaching week alongside guided independent study opportunities to develop your understanding of topics more deeply, supported by the use of the university’s virtual learning platform.
The emphasis of this module is on the development of digital capabilities, academic skills and problem-solving skills. The module will facilitate the development of competency in working with software commonly used to support calculations, analysis and presentation. Microsoft Excel will be used for spreadsheet-based calculations and experimental data analysis. MATLAB will be used as a platform for developing elementary programming skills and applying various processes to novel problem-solving scenarios. The breadth and depth of digital capabilities will be further enhanced by working with HTML, CSS and JavaScript within the GitHub environment to develop a webpage, presenting the student's research project narrative. The project provides students with an opportunity to carry out guided research and prepare an online article on one of many discipline-specific topic choices. Students will develop a wide range of writing, referencing and other important academic skills and learn how to use embedded and/or interactive online content to support the presentation of their online article. Students will also receive an introduction to using AI tools to support their learning, alongside critical discussions on the ethical considerations and academic integrity of utilising AI in a university setting.
This module builds on ENG0011 Mathematics A and is designed to reinforce and broaden A-Level statistics and calculus. The students will continue to develop their ability to solve real-world problems in a confident manner. The concepts delivered on this module reflect the skills and knowledge required to understand the physical world around us. This is vital, as mathematics plays a critical role in the students¿ future employability and achievement on their respective undergraduate courses. On completion of the module students are prepared for the more advanced Mathematical concepts and problem solving scenarios in the first year of their Engineering or Physical Sciences degree.
This module introduces several principles and processes which underpin most physical science and engineering disciplines, which you are likely to study beyond the Foundation Year. Specifically, you will study topics that include vectors and scalars, equations of motion under constant acceleration, momentum conservation, simple harmonic motion and wave theory. You will attend several lectures and a tutorial each teaching week alongside guided independent study opportunities to develop your understanding of topics more deeply, supported by the use of the university’s virtual learning platform.
The module covers the principles of chemistry relevant to degree-level study in disciplines requiring a strong background in this subject, (e.g. the BEng in both the Chemical and Civil Engineering programmes at the University of Surrey). There will be a strong focus placed on the fundamental principles of physical chemistry, with a basic introduction to organic and analytical chemistry techniques. Learning will include examples of industrial processes and case studies and there will be an overarching theme of sustainability running through the module linked to several topics (in particular, fuels, combustion and polymers). Module content will be delivered via weekly lectures, interspersed with opportunities for you to reflect on what you have just learned. Additional support is provided in weekly tutorials. There are guided independent study opportunities to develop your understanding of topics more deeply, supported by the use of the university’s virtual learning platform.
During this year-long module, students develop a range of laboratory and transferable skills through both individual laboratory work and group project work. The content of this module is designed to consolidate knowledge gained in ENG0013 (semester 1) and ENG0015/16/17 (semester 2) modules. Semester 1 focuses on core Engineering and Physical Sciences laboratory work and guides students through the basic skills of laboratory work, recording work in a lab diary, and lab report writing. Alongside this individual laboratory work, students participate in a group project; this involves working in a small group (5-8 students) to design an experiment, collect data, present their experimental findings as an academic poster, and report their findings to peers via a group oral presentation. Students are guided through the development of teamworking, project management, presentation, and digital skills (e.g., in using MS Teams as a group communication platform) whilst working on this project. Semester 2 provides an opportunity for subject-stream specific practical work (individual) where students will build on the laboratory and lab report writing skills developed in semester 1 to produce a full lab report. Students participate in a further group project in semester 2 where they build upon the skills developed in semester 1. Students work as a team to find and develop an engineering / physical sciences idea into a potentially viable business case. Student groups produce a written business case report and pitch their ideas to a panel including University Student Enterprise experts.
Optional modules for Foundation (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 3
For further information on FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 and professional training year please view the programme specification for the full-time with PTY BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering programme.
Module information is not available for this programme There are no modules currently listed for this pathway. Please check back soon.
Module information is not available for this programme There are no modules currently listed for this pathway. Please check back soon.
Teaching and learning
You’ll be taught by prize-winning academics and you’ll develop a strong fundamental 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.
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.
Group work
Practical sessions
Project work
Tutorials
AI learning
Assessment
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of:
Coursework
Essays
Examinations
Presentations
Reports.
General course information
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.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable during Welcome Week. In later semesters, at least one week before the start of the semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
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.
87%
Employability
Of our chemistry and chemical engineering graduates go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2026, HESA).
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.
“With the growth in green skills, and the central role engineers and technicians play in transitioning to a green economy and addressing climate change, ensuring that the sector has the skilled workforce needed to thrive is more urgent than ever.” Hilary Leevers, CEO EngineeringUK.
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.
Sectors you can go into
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 graduate roles
Recent graduates are now employed with companies such as:
Fluor
Saudi Aramco
Morrison Utility Services
United Utilities
BOC
Procter and Gamble
AkzoNobel.
Some graduates have entered employment in roles such as: Associate Process Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Graduate Project Engineer, Graduate Process Engineer, Process and Workflow Analyst, Process Engineer and Reporting Finance Graduate.
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. You'll step beyond textbook experiments and face real-world challenges, troubleshoot process issues, adapt to unexpected scenarios and make critical decisions, just like professional engineers do every day.
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.
Award-winning chemical plant training at Surrey
The fully operational chemical plant, complete with a state-of-the-art control room, gives you the chance to operate industrial processes.
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Typical offer
BEng (Hons):
ABB-BBB
Required subjects: mathematics and chemistry.
MEng:
AAA-AAB
Required subjects: mathematics and chemistry.
BEng (Hons) with Foundation Year:
CCC
Required subjects: Mathematics and one of Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronics, Further Maths or Physics.
A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. Applicants taking the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at grade 4 (C).
BEng (Hons):
DDD-DDM
Required subjects: A-level Mathematics grade B. BTEC must be in a relevant subject.
MEng:
D*DD-DDD
Required subjects: A-level Mathematics grade B. BTEC must be in a relevant subject.
BEng (Hons) with Foundation Year:
MMM
Required subjects: A-level Mathematics grade C. BTEC must be in a relevant subject.
GCSE or equivalent: English at grade 4 (C).
Please see the alternative qualifications guidance if you are taking a mixture of BTECs and A-levels or if you are taking other qualifications types.
BEng (Hons):
33-32
Required subjects: Chemistry HL5/SL6 and either Mathematics Analysis and Approaches HL5/SL6 or Mathematics Applications and Interpretations HL5.
MEng:
35-34
Required subjects: Chemistry HL5/SL6 and either Mathematics Analysis and Approaches HL5/SL6 or Mathematics Applications and Interpretations HL5.
BEng (Hons) with Foundation Year:
29
Required subjects: Chemistry or Physics HL4/SL6 and either Mathematics Analysis and Approaches HL4/SL6 or Mathematics Applications and Interpretations HL4.
GCSE or equivalent: English A HL4/SL4 or English B HL5/SL6.
BEng (Hons):
78-75%
Required subjects: Chemistry 7.5 and Mathematics (5 period) 7.5.
MEng:
85-82%
Required subjects: Chemistry 7.5 and Mathematics (5 period) 7.5.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language (1/2) - 6 English Language (3) - 7.
BEng (Hons):
QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 level 3 credits overall including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit or 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit.
Required subjects: A-level Mathematics grade B. Access to Higher Education modules must be in relevant subjects.
MEng:
QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma, 45 Level 3 Credits at Distinction - 39 Level 3 Credits at Distinction and 6 Level 3 Credits at Merit.
Required subjects: A-level Mathematics grade B. Access to Higher Education modules must be in relevant subjects.
BEng (Hons) with Foundation Year:
QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 level 3 credits overall including 21 credits at Distinction, 3 credits at Merit and 21 credits at Pass
Required subjects: A-level Mathematics grade C. Access to Higher Education modules must be in relevant subjects.
GCSE or equivalent: English at grade 4 (C).
BEng (Hons):
AABBB-ABBBB
Required subjects: mathematics and chemistry.
MEng:
AAAAB-AAABB
Required subjects: mathematics and chemistry.
BEng (Hons) with Foundation Year:
BBBCC
Required subjects: mathematics and chemistry or physics.
GCSE or equivalent: Scottish National 5 for English Language grade C.
BEng (Hons):
ABB-BBB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels..
Required subjects: A-levels in mathematics and chemistry.
MEng:
AAA-AAB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels.
Required subjects: A-levels in mathematics and chemistry.
BEng (Hons) with Foundation Year:
CCC from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels.
Required subjects: Mathematics and one of Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronics, Further Maths or Physics.
A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. Applicants taking the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at grade 4 (C).
This route is only applicable to the MEng course.
Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A-level offer, plus an alternate offer of one A-level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects.
This grade reduction will not combine with other grade reduction policies, such as contextual admissions policy or In2Surrey.
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.
International Foundation Year
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements for this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
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.
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 for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
Contextual offers
Did you know eligible students receive support through their application to Surrey, which could include a grade reduction on offer?
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all undergraduate courses.
We have thousands of placement providers to choose from, most of which offer pay. So, become one of our many students who have had their lives and career choices transformed.
Statistics
Placement Statistics
92%
of students who did a placement entered into graduate level employment*
80%
of placements are paid, with 60% paying between £18,000 - £30,000
48%
of our students have been offered a graduate role from their placement provider**
*Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA
**Professional training year returners survey 2024
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. Check out our video below to see how Surrey students have thrived on placement, and the valuable skills they've learned and connections they've made.
Companies who participate
Companies that have participated in our scheme both in the UK and overseas include:
Air Products
EDF Energy
ExxonMobil
Fluor Corporation
GlaxoSmithKline
GoodYear Dunlop
Grace
Labo Derva
Thames Water.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University. But we offer support and guidance throughout the process, with access to a vacancy site of placement opportunities.
Studying at Surrey opens a world of opportunity. Take advantage of our study and work abroad partnerships, explore the world, and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
The opportunities abroad vary depending on the course, but options include study exchanges, work/research placements, summer programmes, and recent graduate internships. Financial support is available through various grants and bursaries, as well as Student Finance.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With 140+ opportunities in 36+ different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone. Explore your options via our search tool and find out more about our current partner universities and organisations.
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
We provide these terms and conditions at offer stage and are shown again at registration. You will be asked to accept these terms and conditions when you accept the offer made to you.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.
