
- UCAS course code
- H810
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- MEng
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
Grades AAA to include Maths at Grade A, the language to be studied (French, German or Spanish) and either Physics or Chemistry
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
Grades AAB to include Maths at Grade A, the language to be studied (French, German or Spanish) and either Physics or ChemistryFind 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
-
36 points overall including 6,6,6 at Higher Level including Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry and the language to be studied abroad (German, French or Spanish).
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches only.
- Number of places/applicants
- 1900 applications for 295 places across all first year courses
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- UCAS course code
- H810
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Enjoy a year abroad, studying in France, Germany or Spain - and learn a new language in the process.
- We are ranked 5th for chemical engineering in the UK, and 8th in Europe (QS World University Rankings 2021).
- 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 the environmental applications of chemical engineering as the world tackles the sustainability challenges of the future.
- From September 2022, learn in our brand-new, £400m purpose built engineering and material science building, MECD. See more
Open days
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 2022 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £27,000 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 .
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Analytical Science
- Contact name
- Dr Emily Cooksey
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 543 4015
- ug-ceas@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.ceas.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
AS-level
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 including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic department for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
36 points overall including 6,6,6 at Higher Level including Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry and the language to be studied abroad (German, French or Spanish).
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches only.
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
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).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the department directly.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.
We require minimum grade A from the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate to be considered for the course.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic department(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.
We normally require: 80% average with a minimum of 80% in Maths, Physics and Chemistry
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
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 Engineering or Science, are required to achieve AAA (to include French, German or Spanish) with grade B in EAP. INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester students are invited to attend an interview.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year in Engineering or Science are required to achieve AAA (to include French, German or Spanish) with grade B in EAP.
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic department to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
We will only consider the National Extended Diploma in Engineering or Applied Science, at Grade DDD, for entry to this course. This must be in conjunction with Grade A in A Level Maths and the language to be studied.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We will only consider the National Diploma in Engineering or Applied Science, at Grade DD, for entry to this course. This must be in conjunction with Grade A in A Level Maths and the language to be studied
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
We will only consider the National Foundation Diploma, at Grade D, in conjunction with Grade A in A Level Maths and Grade A in A Level Physics or Chemistry and the language to be studied.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We will only consider the National Extended Certificate, at Grade D, in conjunction with Grade A in A Level Maths and Grade A in A Level Physics or Chemistry and the language to be studied.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the department directly.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
We will only consider the Technical Extended Diploma in Engineering, at Grade DDD, for entry to this course. This must be in conjunction with Grade A in A Level Maths and the language to be studied.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)
We will only consider the Technical Diploma in Engineering, at Grade DD, for entry to this course. This must be in conjunction with Grade A in A Level Maths and the language to be studied.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)
We will only consider the Technical Foundation Diploma, at Grade D/D*, in conjunction with Grade A/A* in A Level Maths and Grade A/A* in A Level Physics or Chemistry and the language to be studied.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
We will only consider the Technical Extended Certificate, at Grade D, in conjunction with Grade A in A Level Maths and Grade A in A Level Physics or Chemistry and the language to be studied.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the department directly.
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 merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
For this course, Access to HE Diplomas will normally only be considered in conjunction with A Levels. Please contact the academic department for further information before applying.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3 in the Pre-U certificates and grade A at A level in three distinct subjects. This must include Maths at A level Grade A or equivalent and either Physics or Chemistry.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic department(s) you plan to apply to.
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. We strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your application and at interview.
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.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
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 C/4 , or;
- IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0, or;
- 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 equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests
Interview requirements
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
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 the second year you will learn a new language, preparing you for an exciting third year abroad - studying in either France, Germany or Spain.
The full foreign language course will include spoken language, grammar and some technical vocabulary. During your year abroad you will attend lectures and tutorials, participate in group work, write reports and take exams in the local language. You will also undertake a research project during your third year that will be assessed as part of your year abroad.
Across the four-year degree you will not only learn the fundamentals of this key subject; you will also have the opportunity to specialise in advanced areas, covering the key themes of modelling and energy. In fourth year you will undertake an open-ended team project to design a complete production process, with previous examples including the sustainable production of chemicals such as propylene oxide and ethylene glycol from waste. Our design teams have won more IChemE Macnab-Lacey Prize for their efforts than any other university.
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.
Aims
- You will benefit - both professionally and personally - from an exciting year studying at a top European university.
- You will learn a new language, undertaking a full foreign language course that includes spoken language, grammar and technical vocabulary.
- We will teach you a range of core material, helping you learn the fundamentals of chemical engineering before you specialise in areas of advanced chemical engineering.
- You will benefit from hands-on experience using specialist equipment, and learn techniques applied in industry for large-scale manufacturing.
Special features
An exciting year abroad
A life-changing year in Europe awaits, with options for third-year study in France, Germany or Spain. Take advantage of an opportunity you will never forget - learning all about a different social and technical culture, and enhancing your future career prospects.
Learn a new language
In the second year you will undertake a foreign language course. Learning a new language will not only prepare you for your year abroad; it can open up opportunities in your future.
Leading 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 look at our virtual tour to discover more.
We're getting ready to move into a £400million Manchester Engineering Campus Development. Learn more
Outstanding reputation
The Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science at Manchester has an excellent international reputation, and a qualification from us can be your passport to a successful career anywhere in the world. We are ranked 5th in the UK for chemical engineering, and 8th in Europe (QS World University Rankings 2021).
Teaching and learning
At The University of 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, which are 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 transferrable skills that will be vital in the workplace, including:
- technical report
- presentation
- interview
- poster display
The fourth year research project is assessed by the final dissertation as well as a poster presentation and interview.
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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/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 |
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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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/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 |
Chemical Reactor Design | CHEN20141 | 10 | Mandatory |
Process Safety | CHEN20152 | 10 | Mandatory |
Materials Science and Mechanical Design | CHEN20191 | 10 | Mandatory |
Process Design & Simulation | CHEN21112 | 10 | Mandatory |
LEAP French 5 | ULFR51050 | 20 | Optional |
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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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Study in Europe Year Abroad | CHEN30040 | 120 | 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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/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 |
Process Synthesis (BEng) | CHEN30311 | 10 | Mandatory |
Sustainable Development & Industry | CHEN31201 | 10 | Mandatory |
Nuclear Fuel Cycle | CHEN40221 | 15 | Optional |
Utility System Design | CHEN40431 | 15 | Optional |
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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
Facilities
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 .
Manchester's Engineering Campus Development, MECD
Get ready to collaborate, create and innovate in a brand-new £400m purpose-built building which will allow you, our future engineers and material scientists, to come together and make your mark on the world. The Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD) will officially open from September 2022 and will include hundreds of flexible teaching and learning spaces with unrivalled world-class research facilities - whatever your inspiration, with MECD the possibilities are endless. Learn more
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
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 Master's 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, especially if you choose to specialise in areas of advanced chemical engineering with the four-year MEng degree.
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 2021 - 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.