Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)

BEng Chemical Engineering

A chemical engineering degree from Manchester opens up a world of opportunity.
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Year of entry: 2026
  • UCAS course code: H800 / Institution code: M20
  • Key features:
  • Scholarships available
  • Accredited course

Full entry requirementsHow to apply

Overview

Course overview

  • 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 .
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Manchester, the birthplace of Chemical Engineering.

Science, Engineering and Fashion Discover Days – April 2025

Don't just imagine your future at University, experience it first-hand!

Step into the shoes of an undergraduate student and join us for our upcoming on-campus Discover Days in Science, Engineering and Fashion. These days are tailored exclusively for Year 12s who are interested in taking their academic journey to the next level. Find your favourite subject now!

Find out more about our Discover Days

A study experience that makes a difference

We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.

  • Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
  • Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
  • Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

Explore how you'll make your mark

Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.

You will explore the following goals in your course:

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

Open days

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Chemical Engineering student Bronwen tells us why she chose to study at Manchester.
The University holds undergraduate open days regularly where you have the opportunity to find out more about our courses, the support we offer and see our facilities. Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying at Manchester is like. Find out about our upcoming open days .

You can view the recent undergraduate virtual open week recorded sessions here .

Contact details

Department
Department of Chemical Engineering & Analytical Science
Contact name
Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 161 275 8200
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.

Entry requirements

A-level

AAA 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.

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.

A-level contextual offer

AAB including A in Mathematics and B or above in Chemistry or Physics.

Find out more about contextual admissions .

Contextual offers are available for applicants who:

  • live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
  • live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
  • have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

UK refugee/care-experienced offer

ABB including A in Mathematics, and B or above in Chemistry or Physics.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore 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 offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:

  • have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
  • have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

International Baccalaureate

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

We accept Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches only.

GCSE/IGCSE

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. GCSEIiGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language

Other entry requirements

Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.

Country-specific 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 .

English language requirements

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

Where specified, we also require grade 1 or 2 in the Oral Exam component of the IGCSE English Language (first or second language) 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.

Fees and funding

Fees

Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.

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

Visit our dedicated Fees and Funding section for information on scholarships and sponsorships.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS .

Advice to applicants

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Chemical Engineering Applicant Visit Day & Interview

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.

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 .

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

As a huge advocate for environmental sustainability, I was thrilled when there was a Sustainability Development and Industry module in the first semester of my third year.

This module has provided me with the knowledge of the different aspects of sustainability in industry, which interests me as I hope to pursue a career towards sustainability in the future.

Miew Ki Liew / Chemical Engineering student
Begin your journey towards a challenging yet rewarding career in chemical engineering by studying at the subject's birthplace: Manchester.

You will learn the fundamentals of a key subject concerned with the design and management of processes that carry out molecular transformations on a large scale - providing the products and materials that we all need, from oil and gas to food and pharmaceuticals.

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. 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. Could you be next?

Aims

Studying at Manchester set me up with the skills I need in my everyday work as a Process Engineer with AirProdcuts.

The Department's reputation is well respected with employers in engineering and beyond. My advice is to make the most of the whole experience, the University and its resources, the city itself, and the friends you make along the way.

Ben Lane / Chemical Engineering Graduate
  • You will study a range of core material, learning the fundamentals of chemical engineering.
  • We will help you understand and describe chemical, physical and biological processes using mathematical equations.
  • You will benefit from hands-on experience using specialist equipment, and learn 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

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Where Ideas Come to Life

Outstanding reputation

The Department of Chemical Engineering 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 4th in the UK for chemical engineering and 7th in Europe (QS World University Rankings 2023).

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.

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. Find out more on our Department blog .

Expert guidance

You'll be taught by true experts in their fields, and our renowned Careers Service can help you make the right next steps.

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, with taught modules typically composed of 20% coursework and 80% written examination.

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, for example:

  • Technical report
  • Presentation
  • Interview
  • Poster display

The third 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
CHEN10011 10 Mandatory
CHEN10022 10 Mandatory
CHEN10031 10 Mandatory
CHEN10041 10 Mandatory
CHEN10051 10 Mandatory
CHEN10060 10 Mandatory
CHEN10072 10 Mandatory
CHEN10081 10 Mandatory
CHEN10092 10 Mandatory
CHEN10122 10 Mandatory
CHEN10162 10 Mandatory
CHEN10192 10 Mandatory
Displaying 10 of 12 course units for year 1

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
CHEN20020 20 Mandatory
CHEN20041 10 Mandatory
CHEN20051 10 Mandatory
CHEN20072 10 Mandatory
CHEN20082 10 Mandatory
CHEN20112 10 Mandatory
CHEN20141 10 Mandatory
CHEN20152 10 Mandatory
CHEN20191 10 Mandatory
CHEN21112 10 Mandatory
CHEN20061 10 Optional
UCIL20031 10 Optional
Displaying 10 of 12 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
CHEN30132 15 Mandatory
CHEN30142 20 Mandatory
CHEN30152 15 Mandatory
CHEN30171 10 Mandatory
CHEN30191 10 Mandatory
CHEN30251 10 Mandatory
CHEN30311 10 Mandatory
CHEN33122 10 Mandatory
CHEN33201 10 Mandatory
CHEN33321 10 Mandatory

What our students say

Find out what it's like to study at Manchester by visiting the Department of Chemical Engineering blog .

Facilities

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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

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Katie Clamp studied Chemical Enginering here and works at Unilever.

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).

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.