The MEng Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London is a four-year program designed for students who are passionate about solving real-world engineering challenges. It’s perfect for those curious about how chemical processes impact industries like energy, healthcare, and manufacturing, and who want hands-on experience applying science and engineering to innovate and improve these systems.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Building the Foundations
In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in the basics that every chemical engineer needs. You’ll study Mathematics for Engineers to tackle engineering problems with confidence, Introduction to Chemical Engineering to understand the core principles, and Chemistry for Engineers to connect chemical theory with practical applications.
Year 2: Diving Deeper
The second year introduces more specialized subjects that start to shape your engineering skills. Fluid Mechanics helps you understand how liquids and gases behave in systems, Thermodynamics teaches energy transformations, and Transport Phenomena explores how mass, momentum, and energy move through processes.
Year 3: Advanced Topics and Specialisation
Now you begin to tackle more complex engineering challenges. Process Control equips you to manage chemical processes effectively, Reaction Engineering focuses on designing efficient reactors, and Process Design allows you to plan and optimise chemical plants.
Year 4: Master’s Level Projects and Professional Skills
Your final year is all about applying what you’ve learned to real-world problems. You’ll complete an Individual Research Project in your area of interest, take Advanced Process Design to refine your design skills, and develop Professional Skills for Engineers to prepare for a successful career.
Focus Areas:
Process design, energy systems, environmental sustainability, and advanced materials.
Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to:
Apply chemical engineering principles to solve complex problems.
Use mathematical and scientific methods confidently.
Communicate clearly and work effectively in teams.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This MEng program is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), giving you a route towards Chartered Engineer status.
Reputation:
Imperial College London is consistently ranked among the top universities for Chemical Engineering, currently 2nd in the UK according to the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
At Imperial College London, learning goes far beyond the lecture theatre. The MEng Chemical Engineering program is designed so that you gain hands-on experience from day one, using cutting-edge facilities and working on real-world problems. You’ll combine theory with practical application, develop professional skills, and collaborate with peers on projects that mirror industry challenges.
Some of the exciting experiential learning opportunities include:
Carbon Capture Pilot Plant – Work with one of the world’s most advanced carbon capture facilities, gaining practical experience in sustainable energy technologies.
Sustainable Futures Lab (SFL) – A 500 m² lab space where you can run high-throughput experiments and pilot-scale tests in sustainability and chemical processes.
Remote Laboratories – Use augmented reality and tools like Microsoft HoloLens to participate in experiments remotely, allowing flexible and innovative learning.
Industrial Placements – A 6-month placement in your third year gives you direct experience in the chemical engineering industry and a head start on your professional network.
Group Projects – Work with classmates on real industrial challenges, developing teamwork, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Mechanical Workshop – Get hands-on designing and building prototype equipment, bringing your engineering ideas to life.
Research Facilities – Access state-of-the-art labs and equipment to engage in cutting-edge research alongside expert academics.
Graduates from Imperial College’s MEng Chemical Engineering program are highly sought after and enjoy excellent career prospects. Most find employment or continue their studies within months of graduating, stepping confidently into roles where they can make a real impact. Many go on to positions in cutting-edge industries, from sustainable energy to pharmaceuticals and environmental engineering:
Typical career paths include:
Process Engineer – Designing and optimising chemical manufacturing processes.
Energy Consultant – Developing sustainable energy solutions for global challenges.
Pharmaceutical Engineer – Innovating drug production methods and scaling up processes.
Environmental Engineer – Implementing technologies to reduce pollution and improve efficiency.
Key factors supporting your success include:
Career Support – Imperial’s Careers Service provides one-on-one guidance, CV workshops, interview prep, and networking events with top employers.
Industry Connections – Partnerships with leading companies such as BP, Shell, and Toyota give you hands-on experience and professional contacts.
Accreditation – The program is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), helping you progress toward Chartered Engineer status.
Graduate Outcomes – 96% of graduates secure employment or further study shortly after finishing, with a majority in highly skilled roles.
Further Academic Progression:
After your MEng, you could continue your studies with:
PhD in Chemical Engineering – Dive into advanced research in areas like process systems engineering, biochemical engineering, or sustainable technologies.
MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering – Focus on specialisations such as energy systems, advanced process design, or biochemical engineering to deepen your expertise.
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