MEng in Chemical Engineering

At Queen’s, learning isn’t just about sitting in lectures — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and putting theory into practice. From the very first year, you’ll be using modern laboratories, cutting-edge software, and real-world design challenges to develop skills that employers value. You’ll also have opportunities to connect with industry, work in teams, and even contribute to research projects that tackle real chemical engineering problems.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience:

• Industrial Placement (Year in Industry): For those choosing the “Chemical Engineering with a Year in Industry” option, you’ll spend a full year working in a company, applying what you’ve learned and gaining invaluable workplace experience.

• Laboratory Practicals and Projects: Across your studies, you’ll carry out experiments in heat transfer, reaction kinetics, and separation processes, giving you first-hand experience with real chemical processes.

• Computational Workshops & Software Tools: You’ll use software for process modelling, thermodynamics, and reactor simulations, helping you understand and predict complex system behaviors.

• Group Design Projects: Working in small teams, you’ll design chemical plants and process units, considering everything from safety and efficiency to cost-effectiveness.

• Research-Lab Exposure & Research Centres: You’ll access state-of-the-art facilities with NMR, XRD, Raman microscopy, and mass spectrometry, and may even get involved in cutting-edge research at centres like QUILL and CO₂@QUB.

• Guest Workshops & Industry Visits: You’ll attend lectures, workshops, and field trips hosted by leading companies such as Pfizer, Shell, and Almac, bringing industrial insight directly into your learning.

• Support Facilities & Services: Technical staff provide guidance in instrumentation, microanalysis, lab safety, and computational support, ensuring you always have the tools and help you need to succeed.

Graduating with an MEng in Chemical Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast opens the door to a wide range of exciting careers. You’ll be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to step straight into roles such as:

• Process Engineer – designing and improving industrial processes to make them safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.

• Project Manager – leading engineering projects from concept through to completion.

• R&D Engineer – developing new products and technologies that solve real-world problems.

• Environmental Consultant – helping companies minimize their environmental impact and implement greener practices.

To help you turn your degree into a successful career, Queen’s offers strong support and connections:

• Careers Service: Tailored guidance, CV workshops, interview practice, and job-hunting support to make sure you’re prepared for the workplace.

• Industry Links: Partnerships with companies like Pfizer, Shell, and Almac mean opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

• Graduate Employability: More than 96% of Queen’s graduates are in employment or further study within six months.

• Accreditation: The degree is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), giving you a path to Chartered Engineer status and long-term career advantage.

• Graduate Success: Many alumni secure roles in top international companies, bringing a combination of practical experience, academic excellence, and professional recognition to their careers.

Further Academic Progression:

After finishing your MEng, you have plenty of options to continue your studies or specialise further:

• Postgraduate Study: You could pursue a Master’s or PhD in areas such as Environmental Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or Renewable Energy.

• Professional Development: Take part in IChemE courses or other professional certifications to deepen your expertise.

• Research Opportunities: Get involved in cutting-edge projects, working with academic or industrial research teams to explore new solutions in chemical engineering.

This program gives you the flexibility to choose a career in industry, research, or further study, with all the support and recognition you need to succeed.