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Huddersfield University Campus

Chemical Engineering BEng(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement year

UCAS Tariff

112-120

Recent Awards For Excellence

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About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • This course blends chemistry with chemical engineering, focusing on systems thinking, maths, and process safety.
  • You'll be prepared to start your journey towards achieving Chartered Chemical Engineer status after completing the course.
  • Many graduates go on to further study or work in a range of fields including gas, oil, materials, pharmaceuticals and more.

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More

Chemical engineering is a specialised branch of engineering that’s constantly innovating ways to address the universal need for food, water, energy and materials. Tap into this vital field within our Chemical Engineering BEng(Hons) course, which prepares you with the skills and knowledge needed for potentially exciting career opportunities, allowing you to make an impact on the world. Chemical engineers are more in-demand than ever in the 21st century, thanks to global challenges like climate change and fossil fuel depletion.

Why study Chemical Engineering BEng(Hons)

This Chemical Engineering BEng(Hons) course is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), meaning it will provide you in-depth coverage of modern, industry-relevant chemical engineering material, from the fundamentals all the way to process design. You’ll be prepared to start your journey towards achieving Chartered Chemical Engineer status after completion.

You’ll gain relevant real-world experience throughout this course. You’ll be taught by leading academics through lectures, seminars and sessions, which will be supplemented by modern industry instruments in our specialist chemical sciences and chemical engineering labs, which feature pilot-scale rigs. Following your first two years in the course, you’ll put your knowledge and skills to the test in an optional supervised work placement.

Career opportunities after the course *

Process Engineers

Safety Engineers

Plant Engineers

Product Safety Engineers

Chemical Process Engineers

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBB-BBC at A Level including Maths and either Chemistry or Physics. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course.
120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including A Levels in Maths and either Chemistry or Physics. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course.
Access to HE Diploma (Engineering) with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
Merit at T Level including grade B in A Level Maths.

If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Science Extended Degree (BCF0).

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

The first year of the course covers the key concepts in chemical engineering and the underlying chemistry with lectures supported by tutorial and workshop classes along with practical laboratory sessions.

This module teaches you to recognise a range of functional groups and to name systematically compounds that contain them. Structure and bonding in organic compounds are discussed, as are the concepts of the octet rule, orbital hybridisation, formal charge, bond polarisation and resonance. The importance of molecular geometry is introduced and the basic principles of molecular conformation and of stereochemistry are covered. In preparation for the chemistry to follow, an integrated treatment of the 'language of chemical change' is presented. The ideas of mechanism and reaction intermediates are met, together with the curly arrow symbolism which chemists use to represent the electron movement inherent in chemical reactions. In the second half of the module, the chemistry of the principal functional groups is considered, using the ideas developed earlier. The lecture programme is reinforced by regular tutorials in which problems are worked. Running parallel to the lecture programme is a continuously assessed practical course that introduces you to the basic techniques of preparative organic chemistry.

This module covers four areas of physical chemistry: Units, Conversions and the Properties of ideal and non-ideal Gases, Solution Chemistry of Acids, Bases and Salts, Reaction Kinetics and Catalysis, and Introductory Thermodynamics

This module introduces you to the industrial manufacture of important chemicals and prepares you to formulate and solve material and energy balances on chemical systems. It also lays the foundation for subsequent courses in unit operations and chemical reaction engineering. It introduces the principles of operation and analysis of operations in chemical processes and the use of computer software packages including chemical engineering simulation software.

This module introduces you to the fundamental concepts of fluid flow and heat transfer with emphasis on practical design and rating calculations.

This module covers two distinct areas of learning relevant to chemical engineers: practical chemical engineering laboratory skills; and an introduction to sustainability. The Chemical Engineering Laboratory component of the module engages you with practical laboratory skills in a chemical engineering context. You'll have the opportunity to learn skills of safe laboratory practice; data recording, analysis, presentation and interpretation; practical application of fundamental chemical engineering knowledge; and basic technical report writing skills. The sustainability component of the module introduces you to the fundamental concepts and methodologies in sustainability. It will introduce the 17 sustainable development goals set by the United Nations, as well as covering environment protection, carbon footprint, carbon capture, water footprint and life cycle assessment.

In this key first year module you will gain fundamental knowledge and practical techniques in Engineering Mathematics to deal with analytical modules in the subsequent years of your course. Amongst the subjects you will study will be: functions, linear mathematics, calculus and numerical techniques to solve real world engineering problems.

Year 2 builds on the first year and covers industry-relevant areas of chemical engineering, process and plant design.

This module covers six topics: equilibrium and dynamic electrochemistry, phase equilibria, colloids and colloidal suspensions, colligative properties, kinetics of composite reactions and quantum theory – basic principles and simple applications. With the exception of quantum theory, material in the other areas builds on that presented in year 1.

This module develops a basic understanding of key mass transfer unit operations of distillation and absorption, including skills for the calculations of binary distillation, and absorption processes. The module provides an introduction to these separation processes based on the principles of mass transfer theory. Methods of operation, phase equilibria and separating agents are also examined. Overall, the module provides the basis for the building of simple mathematical models to represent the operation of the key mass transfer-based separation processes. The module also develops fundamental concepts in transport phenomena and process development, building on earlier modules in fluid flow and heat transfer. Transport phenomena is principally concerned with the unified study of three physical transport processes: momentum, heat and mass transfer. These processes are closely aligned because they often occur together, are described by closely related equations, rely on the principle of conservation (of mass, energy and momentum) and have similar underlying molecular mechanisms. This module develops a physical picture of laminar and turbulent flow and its implications for transport processes.

This module provides the basic knowledge for the design and analysis of chemical/biochemical reactors. It also provides the basis to acquire further skills needed for the solution of quantitative problems encountered in the process industries. Effects of non-ideal flow conditions, ideal mixing and fixed or fluidized bed catalytic reactors will be covered.

This module provides the knowledge and understanding of chemical engineering design in practice mainly in the aspects of process design. It also extends the use of essential chemical engineering design tools for process simulation.

This module provides an introduction to fluid and particle mechanics, methods of solid-liquid and solid-gas separation. It provides basic concepts related to particle-fluid motion and solid handling including size analysis. It describes principles and calculation methods for separation, filtration, flow of fluids through packed beds of solid particles, fluidised beds, comminution, mixing, storage and rheology.

You will also choose one optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

This module provides coverage of the more important methods of forming carbon-carbon single and double bonds. Following on from year 1 carbonyl chemistry, some more advanced aspects of carbonyl chemistry will be discussed. Main-group elements and their role in synthesis will also be considered. Retrosynthetic analysis will be introduced in the context of carbonyl chemistry and will be developed to enable you to plan some complex multistep syntheses. The synthesis and reactions of the main classes of simple heterocyclic compounds will be covered. The chemistry of other biologically-important compounds such as carbohydrates amino acids will also be detailed. More advanced aspects of stereochemistry are covered, and the relationship between conformation and reactivity is explored. The module has a practical component which focuses on the use of more advanced techniques for the preparation, isolation and analysis (IR and NMR) of target molecules. A part of the practical session is devoted to the isolation of stereochemically pure products.

We are now in an age of the ‘knowledge economy’ and ‘data science’ where new business models based upon the exchange and creation of data are able to deliver considerable value for organisations. A successful IT professional needs to understand the potential of data to enable and enact change within organisations. This module introduces learners to the analytical and robust use of data that is stored remotely in distributed and cloud-based systems.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

As with all our courses, you also have the option of incorporating a Supervised Work Experience placement in the third year of the course.

The supervised work experience (SWE) is normally a 48 week placement in a suitable organisation. The actual content of the placement will vary depending on the specific background and demands of individual students and the opportunities available within differing employing organisations. Placements are available both within the UK and abroad and assistance is provided to help find a suitable position. You'll be visited up to twice a year by your University tutor. The SWE provides an opportunity for you to experience employment within organisations related to your chosen pathway and at the same time improve your technical and social skills.

The final year incorporates a major chemical engineering design project that provides the opportunity to gain experience for those entering the chemicals industry sector.

From the IChemE Accreditation Guide: “In order to meet the learning outcomes associated with the systems approach, the design portfolio must include a major design exercise which addresses the complexity issues arising from the interaction and integration of the different parts of a process or system. It is expected that this major project will be undertaken by teams of students and that this will contribute significantly to the development of the students’ transferable skills such as communication and team working.” A minimum of 30 UK credits of Design Project work is required for IChemE accreditation.

From the IChemE Accreditation Guide: “In order to meet the learning outcomes associated with the systems approach, the design portfolio must include a major design exercise which addresses the complexity issues arising from the interaction and integration of the different parts of a process or system. It is expected that this major project will be undertaken by teams of students and that this will contribute significantly to the development of the students’ transferable skills such as communication and team working.” A minimum of 30 UK credits of Design Project work is required for IChemE accreditation.

This module provides knowledge and understanding of process control and issues and engineering approach to process safety in chemical industry. The module will also introduce the concept of process control, explain the need for process control, explore applications and develop control strategies for specific problems. This will include the study of P, PI, PD and PID controllers for the control of flow rate, level, pressure and temperature in process plant unit operations, controller tuning strategies, methods for the testing of process plant control systems and advanced control strategies.

This module is designed to introduce and develop important concepts in catalytic reaction engineering and advanced mass transfer processes. The module will draw upon key knowledge and abilities gained in previous modules covering reaction engineering, mass transfer, heat transfer, process simulation and physical chemistry. The module will also cover fundamental principles of catalytic reaction engineering and gas-solid catalytic reactors, including the design of tubular fixed-bed reactors and the evaluation of catalytic performance from example laboratory data. The module will develop knowledge and abilities required for the advanced separation systems in which mass transfer is key, including complex distillation processes (distillation sequencing, azeotropic distillation), membrane processes and other selected separation systems. The introduction and development of these broad areas will be underpinned by the use of process simulation software to exemplify and reinforce key concepts and examples.

This module encourages you to develop your knowledge and understanding of sustainable development in industrial systems and to provide approaches to design and assess for sustainability. The module also encompasses large scale experimental work relevant to industrial practice in relation to sustainability. It aims to introduce the concepts of sustainability and carbon and water footprints and provide an overview renewable energy processes and carbon capture technologies. It also examines selected examples in detail, looks at process integration methodologies in design for sustainability and introduces techno-economic and life cycle assessments. The module also enables you to gain experience in experimental group work involving large scale equipment relevant to the technologies, industries and methodologies introduced in the module.

You will also choose one optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

Modern enterprises often derive significant business insight from applying advanced analytical techniques to massive volumes of data. In this module you will critically evaluate the technologies, techniques, and issues involved in the development and delivery of advanced business intelligence and data analytics systems, particularly those designed to achieve business intelligence and insight using “Big Data”, i.e., a wide variety of data that is high volume and/or high speed. You will be provided with one or more technical environments in which to develop your skills in the design and development of suitable business intelligence tools, and offered a wide range of large, complex and/or dynamic data sets which help illustrate the key technical challenges of dealing with advanced analytics. Learners will be provided with one or more technical environments in which to develop their skills in the design and development of suitable business intelligence tools, and they will be offered a wide range of large, complex and/or dynamic data sets which help illustrate the key technical challenges of dealing with advanced analytics.

In this module you will be introduced to concepts, standards, techniques, software and systems for project management, quality management and production management, making reference to relevant ISO standards. You will cover case material relevant to manufacturing and service industries and gain experience of practical application. On completion you will be in a strong position to apply these key industry standard practices to projects in your role as a graduate engineer.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

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Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

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Interested in a placement?

Placements

In the third year of this course, you’ll get the chance to step out of the classroom and into the real world on an optional placement year working for an organisation related to your areas of interest. This is when you’ll really be able to see your knowledge in action, pick up invaluable skills for your future career and boost your employability to help you hit the ground running after graduation.

You could stay to do your placement in the UK or experience a new culture and work abroad for one year. Where could this year take you?

Previous students in the Chemical Engineering subject area have undertaken placements with Kemira, Rosehill Polymers, Sensient, University of Huddersfield and Verdant Speciality Solutions.

Placement information
During my placement year I developed my confidence and utilised my skills within a professional environment. I participated in multiple projects and had responsibility for important company tasks. I believe that this has set the foundations for my final year and also for my future career.

- Leah Etheridge
Chemical Engineering BEng(Hons), placement with Bosch Thermotechnology

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

The chemical industry is an important industrial sector employing many chemical and process engineers, and chemical engineers are unique in being able to design chemical processes. But chemical engineers can do much more, and chemical engineering graduates find employment in many other sectors that value the numerate and joined-up thinking that characterises the chemical engineer and gives them their power.

Previous graduates from our courses in the subject area of Chemical Engineering have gone on to work in roles such as Process Engineer at Spirit Energy, Process Operator at Dow, Process Engineer at Sterling Pharma Solutions, Safety Engineer at BAE Systems, Drilling Fluids Engineer at Halliburton, Process Safety Engineer at Flogas, Radiological Safety Assessor at National Nuclear Laboratory and Supply Chain Manager at Procter & Gamble.**

**University of Huddersfield

70%
70% of students were employed or in further study within 15 months after graduation.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2021/22, UK Domiciled

3rd
We ranked third in country for teaching on my course and assessment and feedback.

* National Student Survey (NSS), 2025

6th
We ranked sixth in the country for organisation and management in this subject area.

* National Student Survey (NSS), 2025

After graduation I joined Guardian and Koch Industries as a Hot end Process Engineer, I am now a Global Technical Project Manager there. Huddersfield's support and education have been fundamental in my career success, and I am grateful for the positive impact they have had on my career.

- Jean-Pierre Salloum
Chemical Engineering BEng(Hons) Graduate

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

Home

The tuition fee for a placement year is £1000. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

International

The tuition fee for a placement year is £3,300. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

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If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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What does the univsersity offer?

Gallery

See below for a glimpse at some of our facilities.

Chemical Engineering student using equipment

Chemical Engineering student using equipment

Applied Sciences Joseph Priestley building

Applied Sciences Joseph Priestley building

Chemical Engineering Laboratory

Chemical Engineering laboratory

Applied Sciences Students' Hub

Applied Sciences students' Hub

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Chemical Engineering at Huddersfield

Interested in how raw materials become everyday products? In this video, you'll explore Chemical Engineering at Huddersfield. Find out how our courses give you the skills and confidence to tackle real-world challenges and build a rewarding career.

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Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

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Explore Huddersfield

Make Huddersfield your home. A Yorkshire town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with easy access to neighbouring cities; Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise, there’s ambitious plans for future development. Our campus is situated next to the town centre - making your commute a breeze.

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Your Student Experience

Get involved in great opportunities helping you to make friends from all across the world and create lifelong memories. Join one of over 100 societies with the Students’ Union, experience new cultures through global events, earn whilst you learn and build your skills via our Global Professional Award.

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Budget Friendly

Huddersfield is not only one of the friendliest towns, it also offers you a lower cost of living than most big cities. This means you could have more money to spend, making your uni experience even better. On campus you’ll also find plenty of facilities and services to help you budget and make your money go further.

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Sustainability Matters

We’re committed to sustainability and aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Our plan includes reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and improving wellbeing through sustainable buildings. We’re investing in digital solutions, low-impact travel, and embedding sustainability into teaching and research, investing over £1m in carbon reduction.

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Since 2015, we’ve invested £198 million to create spaces where you can learn, collaborate and thrive. We’re continuously investing in our campus with your wellbeing in mind—adding features that make our buildings healthier, more supportive and better places for you to succeed.

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We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Physical and Life Sciences may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

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Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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Legal information

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will consult with affected groups of students and any changes would only be made in accordance with our regulations. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you let us know before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for any additional tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so and you may be eligible for an exit award depending on how far through your course you are.

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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