MEng Chemical Engineering with Industrial Experience

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
MEng
Duration
4 years
Typical A-level offer
A*AA to include Maths at Grade A and either Physics or Chemistry
Typical contextual A-level offer

AAA including Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics.

Find out more about contextual admissions.
Refugee/care-experienced offer

Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.

Find out more about contextual admissions.
Typical International Baccalaureate offer

37 points overall with 7,6,6 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and Chemistry or Physics.

We accept Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches only.

Full entry requirements

Number of places/applicants
1900 applications for 295 places across all first year courses
How to apply
Apply through UCAS .
Sustainable Development Goals

Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
  • Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • Goal 13: Climate action

Course overview

  • Gain invaluable experience working as a chemical engineer in your year-long paid industrial placement.
  • Study at the birthplace of chemical engineering: Manchester.
  • Master the basics and hone your skills at the university ranked 4th for chemical engineering in the UK, and 7th in Europe (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • We're the most targeted university by the UK's leading graduate employers ( High Fliers Research 2023 ).
  • All our courses are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
  • Get hands-on in one of the largest purpose-built pilot-scale laboratories in Europe.
  • Become among the highest-paid graduates in the engineering field.
  • Learn in our brand-new, purpose-built space for innovation and creativity that is transforming the way our students study, research, and shape the world forever. Explore   Our Home for Engineering and Materials .
Loading
Manchester, the birthplace of Chemical Engineering.

Open days

Loading
Chemical Engineering student Bronwen Reed tells us why she chose to study at Manchester.

The University holds undergraduate open days regularly, giving you the opportunity to find out more about our courses, the support we offer, and our facilities. Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying at Manchester is all about. Find out about our upcoming open days .

View the recent undergraduate virtual open week recorded sessions.

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £34,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

At The University of Manchester we're committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries please see our undergraduate fees pages and check the Department's funding pages .

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.

Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.

To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

    Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

  • Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

    Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

    Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

  • Goal 13: Climate action

    Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Contact details

Department
Department of Chemical Engineering & Analytical Science
Contact name
Dr Emily Cooksey
Telephone
+44 (0)161 543 4015
Email
Website
https://www.ce.manchester.ac.uk
School/Faculty overview

The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way.  Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Compare this course

Entry requirements

A-level

A*AA including Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics.

If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

Contextual offer

AAA including Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics.

Find out more about contextual admissions .

Duration of A-level study

Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either:

a) sat your examinations early;

or

b) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years.

If you are studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor for that subject.

AS-level

AS-level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Unit grade information

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

GCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically five GCSEs/iGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C/4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

International Baccalaureate

37 points overall with 7,6,6 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and Chemistry or Physics.

We accept Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches only.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries.  Visit the Department website for more information.

For general requirements not listed above, including English language see our accepted entry qualifications from your country .

Scottish requirements

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA, including Mathematics and at least one from Chemistry or Physics.

Or

Two Advanced Highers with grade AA including Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics and two Highers with grades AA in additional subjects.

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

Welsh Baccalaureate

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and consider this alongside two A-levels or equivalent.

We require grade A in the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus A-level Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics at grades A*A in any order.

European Baccalaureate

Typically we require 85% overall with 9.0, 8.5, 8.5 in three written subjects, including Mathematics and Chemistry or Physics.

AQA Baccalaureate

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A-levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate.

The A-level requirements are A*AA, including Mathematics and Chemistry or Physics.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

Foundation year

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme. 

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester International Foundation Programme in are required to achieve grades A*AA, including Mathematics and Chemistry or Physics and grade B in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Programme are required to achieve A*AA, including Mathematics and Chemistry or Physics and grade B in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the Admissions Team to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in Engineering or Applied Science. We require grades DDD plus A-level Mathematics at grade A*.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in Engineering or Applied Science. We require grades DD plus A-level Mathematics at grade A*.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in Engineering or Applied Science. We require grade M plus A-level Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics at grades A*A in any order.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in Engineering or Applied Science. We require grade D plus A-level Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics at grades A*A in any order.

Legacy BTEC qualifications

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma when taken with suitable A-levels.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Admissions Team.

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Diploma in Engineering. We require grades DDD plus A-level Mathematics at grade A*.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Diploma in Engineering. We require grades DD plus A-level Mathematics at grade A*.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma in Engineering. We require grade D plus A-level Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics at grades A*A in any order.  

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Certificate in Engineering. We require grade D plus A-level Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics at grades A*A in any order.  

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC)

We do not consider the Technical Certificate for entry to this course.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Admissions Team.

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

Access to HE Diplomas will normally only be considered in conjunction with A-levels. Please contact the Admissions Team for further information before applying.

Cambridge Pre-U

D2, D3, D3 in principal subjects including Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics.

We also consider applicants offering a mix of Pre-U Principal Subjects and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall are taken. This must include Mathematics at D3 or A-level grade A.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.

T Level

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this course. The University does accept specific T Level qualifications on a number of courses please review to our T Level information page for a full list.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your application.

Core Maths

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

We advise students to contact the academic Department, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.

Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A-level.

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course.

We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines.

If you are a home-schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the Admissions Team for the academic department for your chosen course.

Non-standard educational routes

Mature applicants who are returning to studies after a break from formal education will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the Admissions Team directly. Further information for mature students .

English language

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

  • GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4/C
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with no sub-test below 6.5
  • TOEFL iBT 90 with no sub-test below 22
  • Pearson PTE 70 overall with no sub-test below 70
  • An acceptable equivalent qualification

Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalents or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above.

English language test validity

Some English language test results are only valid for two years. Your English language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS .

Advice to applicants

Factors contributing to a successful application include:

  • past academic performance;
  • predicted academic performance;
  • enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme;
  • evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements.

Further guidance on how to apply can be found on our How to Apply webpage .

Where you have mitigating circumstances these should be reported to your education provider and relevant exam board. We cannot make further allowances.

We would normally only consider applicants who obtained the relevant qualification within the two years prior to entry. Applicants who have left education for more than two years should contact the Admissions Team to discuss their particular circumstances.

How your application is considered

Applications are considered on the basis of the UCAS application. Strong examination results are the main factor in admitting students to our courses. We consider other information to ensure we admit students with the most outstanding potential. This is assessed within a structured framework and includes prior and predicted grades.

Candidates may also be interviewed online or in person. Your referee should give realistic grade predications for all qualifications that you are currently studying at the top of their reference. If you attend a non-UK school or college that does not provide predicted grades your referee should explain this policy within their reference.

Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests

We are looking for evidence of your interest in this subject and your commitment to studying it.

Interview requirements

Applicants based in the UK will be invited to attend one of our UCAS Visit Days to meet staff and current students, take part in an academic interview, and find out what it's like to be a student here. These may take place in-person or online and normally run from November until the end of March.

All applicants should be aware that information provided in the personal statement may be used as the basis for further discussion during your interview.

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation.

Deferred entry is granted at the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum in exceptional circumstances.

Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

We normally guarantee a place in the current year should an applicant's gap year plans change. However, this is subject to availability of places.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

Policy for applicants who take their examinations in more than one sitting

We are happy to consider applicants who are taking their examinations in different sittings, provided they were taken over the standard two-year period.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again.

Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. 

We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through Clearing, you are required to meet the Clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and Clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Transfers

Transfers from other institutions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Transfers into the second year are not normally considered. If you wish to enquire about whether you would be eligible to apply for entry into the second year, please contact the Admissions Team with full details of your qualifications and copies of your transcripts to date.

Course details

Course description

Begin your journey towards a challenging yet rewarding career in chemical engineering by studying at the subject's birthplace: Manchester. In this four-year MEng degree you will not only learn the fundamentals of this key subject; you'll also have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working as a chemical engineer on a year-long industrial placement.

The placement, which you will undertake in your third year, is fully embedded within the course, meaning you can gain industrial experience while being supported throughout from an industrial and academic supervisor. We work with your placement to ensure you complete significant projects to produce a project-based dissertation, logbook and poster presentation. Two modules, Catalytic Reaction Engineering and Advanced Engineering Separations, you'll study by distance learning during the placement year.

You will have the opportunity to work for an esteemed company; previous placements have been with the likes of AkzoNobel, AstraZeneca, Bosch, Exxon Mobil, GlaxoSmithKline, JaguarLandRover, Rolls Royce, Tata Steel, Unilever, and many more.

At Manchester, all of our programmes are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), meaning your education will equip you to graduate with an industrially approved degree. There will be emphasis on the technical aspects of chemical engineering, and these revolve around managing the behaviour of materials and chemical reactions, as well as predicting and manipulating compositions, flows, temperatures, and pressures of solids, liquids and gases. This is balanced with process safety and sustainability, which are inherent to all of our programmes. The latter is heavily embedded within your third-year design project. Here, you will undertake an open-ended team project to design a complete production process. Examples have included the sustainable production of chemicals such as propylene oxide and ethylene glycol from waste, and our design teams have won more IChemE Macnab-Lacey Prize for their efforts than any other university.

Aims

  • You will study a range of core material, learning the fundamentals of chemical engineering before gaining first-hand industrial experience at a recognised company and then using that knowledge to complete an open-ended design project as part of a team.
  • We will help you understand and describe chemical, physical and biological processes using mathematical equations.
  • You will benefit from hands-on experience - both on your industrial placement and on campus - using specialist equipment, learning techniques applied in industry for large-scale manufacturing.
  • You will develop skills that will be of great use in your future career, such as team-working, problem-solving, communication, and the use of information technology.

Special features

Loading
Where Ideas Come to Life

Paid industrial placement opportunity

The third-year paid industrial placement will increase your depth and breadth of chemical engineering knowledge, and provide valuable practical work experience. Our unique programme facilitates the completion of a master's programme with a year in industry within four years.

Reputation

The Department has an excellent international reputation, and a qualification from us can be your passport to a successful career anywhere in the world. We're ranked 4th for chemical engineering in the UK, and 7th in Europe (QS World University Rankings 2023).

Facilities

Get to grips with an incredible array of facilities and equipment . Our £12 million James Chadwick Building houses the biggest pilot-scale laboratory of any university in the UK. Take a  virtual tour to discover more.

In our new Home of Engineering and Materials, we’re ripping up the rule book to offer a truly innovative teaching and learning experience. You’ll have access to world-leading sustainable research facilities and some of the most unique, industry-leading equipment and instrumentation in the sector to meet today’s requirements and those of the future. Explore  Our Home for Engineering and Materials.  

Welcoming community

Our Department has a rich history and a bright future - and always a welcoming and encouraging student community. You'll also be taught by true experts in their fields. Find out more on our Department blog .

Teaching and learning

At Manchester you will be taught by academic staff who are leading experts in chemical engineering, in a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

We use a combination of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and problem-based learning, supported by lecture podcasts and supplementary video tutorials.

Coursework and assessment

Our degrees are assessed by a combination of examination and coursework, designed to allow you to demonstrate your ability and develop a wide range of transferable skills. For example, our first and second year laboratories are assessed by a range of methods to develop the complementary transferable skills that will be vital in the workplace, including: 
  • technical report
  • presentation
  • interview
  • poster display

The third year industrial experience placement is assessed by a dissertation, skills portfolio and logbook, as well as a presentation and competency interview.

The fourth year Design Project is assessed by group and individual design reports, a group presentation and an individual interview, with peer assessment being also incorporated.

Course content for year 1

Course units for year 1

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Engineering Mathematics 1 CHEN10011 10 Mandatory
Engineering Chemistry CHEN10022 10 Mandatory
Process Fluid Flow CHEN10031 10 Mandatory
Process Engineering Fundamentals CHEN10041 10 Mandatory
Computational Methods for Chemical Engineering CHEN10051 10 Mandatory
Laboratory Projects 1 CHEN10060 10 Mandatory
Engineering Mathematics 2 CHEN10072 10 Mandatory
Fundamentals of Thermodynamics CHEN10081 10 Mandatory
Process Heat Transfer CHEN10092 10 Mandatory
Chemical Engineering Design Project CHEN10122 10 Mandatory

Course content for year 2

Course units for year 2

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Laboratory Projects 2 CHEN20020 20 Mandatory
Engineering Mathematics 3 CHEN20041 10 Mandatory
Chemical Engineering Optimisation CHEN20051 10 Mandatory
Distillation & Absorption CHEN20072 10 Mandatory
Process Integration CHEN20082 10 Mandatory
Momentum, Heat & Mass Transfer CHEN20112 10 Mandatory
Chemical Reactor Design CHEN20141 10 Mandatory
Process Safety CHEN20152 10 Mandatory
Process Design & Simulation CHEN21112 10 Mandatory
Solids Processing CHEN20061 10 Optional
Leadership in Action Online Unit UCIL20031 10 Optional
Displaying 10 of 11 course units for year 2

Course content for year 3

Course units for year 3

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Catalytic Reaction Engineering (by Distance Learning) CHEN30041 10 Mandatory
Multi-Component Engineering Seperations (by Distance Learning) CHEN30081 10 Mandatory
IE Process Safety Diary CHEN30090 10 Mandatory
IE Second Site Visit and Presentation CHEN30100 20 Mandatory
Industrial Experience Dissertation CHEN40050 50 Mandatory
Industrial Experience Skills Portfolio CHEN40060 20 Mandatory

Course content for year 4

Course units for year 4

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Design Project 3 - Part 1 CHEN30012 15 Mandatory
Design Project 3 - Part 2 CHEN30022 20 Mandatory
Process Synthesis CHEN30031 10 Mandatory
Design Project 3 - Part 3 CHEN30032 15 Mandatory
Process Control CHEN30091 10 Mandatory
Process Design CHEN30122 10 Mandatory
Sustainable Development & Industry CHEN31201 10 Mandatory
Nuclear Fuel Cycle CHEN40221 15 Optional
Utility System Design CHEN40431 15 Optional
Science of Formulation CHEN40441 15 Optional
Fundamentals of Numerical Methods & Simulation CHEN40451 15 Optional
Advanced Separation Processes CHEN40461 15 Optional
Process Fluid Dynamics CHEN44211 15 Optional
Sustainable Resources and Processing CHEN44491 15 Optional
Displaying 10 of 14 course units for year 4

Scholarships and bursaries

At The University of Manchester we're committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries please see our undergraduate fees pages and check the Department's funding pages .

What our students say

The year spent in industry was particularly useful as the challenge of balancing

both the academic requirements and the professional workload sets you up well for a career in industry post-graduation. The approach to learning and problem solving that is instilled in students at Manchester is invaluable in adapting to new challenges.

Luke Glynn / Integrated Supply Chain, Akzonobel
Find out what it's like to study at Manchester by visiting the Department of Chemical Engineering blog , which includes blogs from students about their industrial experience placements

Facilities

Loading
CEAS Pilot Hall Tour

Come to our Home of Engineering and Materials - a place like no other. This is where engineers, material scientists and fashion students collaborate, innovate and make their mark on the world. Unleash your potential in our creative, academic playground that signals the evolution of a proud history of innovation spanning almost 200 years.

In this very special place, we’re ripping up the rule book, offering you a truly innovative teaching and learning experience. As well as our creative classrooms, you’ll also have access to world-leading sustainable research facilities in our new buildings.

Our variety of spaces allows for greater collaboration for all our students, and it is the place to connect and tackle real-life challenges together. So, a chemical engineer could be sat alongside a materials scientist working on clean water, or bump into a fashion student developing their own sustainable brand, or an aerospace engineer sending a rocket into space. It is a place like no other for interactions and one of the biggest communities of engineers and materials scientists in any University in the world.

Dive into a world of possibilities, whether you are interested in aerospace, robotics, or sustainable fashion, there’s a home for you here. 

Explore  Our Home for Engineering and Material Science

What's more, our strong, ever-growing links with industry not only help to inform our courses, but also boost our excellent teaching and research facilities.

This includes our impressive James Chadwick building:

In our £12 million James Chadwick Building you'll have access to modern lab spaces, dedicated computer suites, and a famed pilot scale area with a range of large-scale industrial processing equipment. It's one of the biggest and best of any European university. See our outstanding facilities for yourself through our virtual open day

The University of Manchester also offers an extensive  library and online services , helping you get the most out of your studies. 

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

Loading
Katie spent her industrial placement year at Unilever and now works there as a graduate.

Manchester is the birthplace of Chemical Engineering, and we continue to excel in its teaching and research. That's why our graduates are highly sought after and a Chemical Engineering degree from Manchester can be your ticket into any number of industries.

Our graduates have progressed to careers in food and drink, chemicals, oil or gas; some have gone into petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, fast-moving consumer goods, energy generation, or waste treatment. Roles for a chemical engineering graduate can vary, including product design, research and development, project management, and manufacturing. You could even use the skills you gain to pursue a career in a non-chemical engineering sector, such as business, finance, marketing, banking, insurance, accountancy, or IT - your job could take you anywhere in the world.

Our graduates have gained roles such as:

  • Site Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  • Data Analyst
  • Low Carbon Technologies Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Safety Consultant
  • Site Manager.

Our graduates have secured roles at organisations including: 

  • Pfizer
  • Barclays
  • Unilever
  • Siemens
  • Exxon Mobil
  • Air Products
  • Shell
  • Tesco
  • BP.

By undertaking a degree with us, you will develop skills that will be invaluable for you in your future career, such as: 

  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving
  • Presentation and communication
  • Use of information technology.

What's more, graduate with a degree from us and you'll be in demand among the top graduate employers by attending one of the most targeted universities according to  The Graduate Market in 2023 - High Fliers Research.

Whatever you decide, you'll be among a cohort of chemical engineering graduates who typically go on to earn more than those progressing from other disciplines.

Careers Service

We are committed to helping you get the best start after graduation. That's why The University of Manchester's award-winning Careers Service will continue to support you two years after graduation. 

Department of Chemical Engineering Blog

Explore more about our students' experiences, our alumni and where they are now, and our department in our blog.

Accrediting organisations

All of our programmes are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).