4 Years On Campus Accelerated-bachelors Program
The MEng Hons Chemical Engineering with Placement Year at Lancaster University is a five-year, professionally accredited degree designed for students aiming to become Chartered Engineers. It combines rigorous academic learning with practical industry experience, preparing graduates for leadership roles in sectors like energy, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable technology.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: Foundations of Engineering
In the first year, students build a solid foundation in engineering principles, including modules such as Engineering Design, Materials Science, Thermodynamics, and Mathematics for Engineers. This year emphasizes problem-solving skills and teamwork, essential for all engineering disciplines.
Year 2: Core Chemical Engineering Principles
The second year delves into core chemical engineering topics, including Fluid Mechanics, Heat and Mass Transfer, and Chemical Reaction Engineering. Students also engage in laboratory work and project-based learning, applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
Year 3: Industry Placement Year
The third year offers a valuable industrial placement, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting. This year bridges academic learning with real-world applications, enhancing employability and providing insights into the chemical engineering industry.
Year 4: Advanced Chemical Engineering Topics
In the fourth year, students explore advanced topics such as Process Control, Environmental Engineering, and Biochemical Engineering. The curriculum includes a major individual project, fostering independent research and innovation skills.
Focus Areas: Process Design, Thermodynamics, Environmental Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Leadership in Engineering
Learning Outcomes: Problem-Solving, Teamwork, Technical Proficiency, Independent Research, Professional Communication
Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), meeting the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer status.
Reputation (Employability Rankings): Lancaster University is consistently ranked among the top UK universities for employability, with strong industry links and high graduate employment rates.
At Lancaster University, the MEng Chemical Engineering with Placement Year program is designed to give you far more than just textbook knowledge. From day one, you’ll be applying what you learn in practical settings, gaining hands-on experience that brings your studies to life. Whether it’s experimenting in state-of-the-art labs, collaborating on real-world projects, or spending a year in industry, this program ensures you leave confident, capable, and ready for a professional career.
You’ll get the chance to explore your skills in ways like:
Chemical Engineering Teaching Lab: Rotate through small group sessions using industrial-scale apparatus, learning how real chemical processes work safely and efficiently.
Industry Placement Year: Work with leading companies such as EDF, Jaguar-Land Rover, or Mercedes AMG to see how chemical engineering shapes real-world industry.
Project-Based Learning: Collaborate on individual and group projects that tackle real engineering challenges, honing teamwork, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Modern Engineering Facilities: Use cutting-edge labs, workshops, and digital tools, including simulation software and virtual prototyping programs, to experiment and innovate.
Collaborative Spaces: Take advantage of breakout areas and computer labs to design, test, and refine your ideas with peers in a supportive environment.
These experiences are carefully integrated into your studies so that when you graduate, you’re not just theoretically knowledgeable—you’re ready to step straight into professional engineering roles.
Graduates from Lancaster University’s MEng Chemical Engineering with Placement Year leave with more than just a degree—they’re ready to step straight into professional engineering roles with confidence. Thanks to the program’s combination of rigorous academic learning, hands-on labs, and a year-long industry placement, students are highly sought after by employers. Typical roles for graduates include:
Graduate Chemical Engineer – designing and optimizing chemical processes in industries such as energy, pharmaceuticals, or food production.
Engineering Consultant – providing expert solutions to engineering challenges across various sectors.
Project Engineer – leading projects that bring complex engineering concepts to life.
Data Engineer – leveraging process data to improve efficiency and safety in chemical processes.
To support this journey, Lancaster offers a range of services and opportunities:
Engineering Placements Team: Helps students secure industry placements with companies like EDF, Jaguar-Land Rover, and Mercedes AMG, giving invaluable real-world experience.
Careers Service: Provides tailored guidance on CVs, interviews, and career planning to help graduates land their dream roles.
Employability Hub: Hosts workshops, networking events, and employer talks, connecting students directly with potential employers.
Employment Stats: Lancaster engineering graduates have a median starting salary of £29,000, according to the HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023.
Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), giving graduates a clear pathway to Chartered Engineer status.
University–Industry Partnerships: Strong ties with industry leaders ensure students gain up-to-date skills and valuable professional connections.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates looking to continue their studies can pursue a PhD in chemical engineering or related disciplines, diving deeper into areas like sustainable energy, process optimization, or advanced materials. The program’s research-focused modules and industry connections provide an excellent foundation for academic advancement, preparing students for both innovative research and high-level professional roles
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