Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Munster Technological University – Cork Campus

Program Overview

The BEng (Hons) in Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering at Munster Technological University is designed to prepare students for careers in industries where chemistry, biology, and engineering come together to solve real-world problems. This programme is well suited to students who enjoy chemistry, mathematics, and practical problem-solving, and who are interested in working in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, energy, and sustainable manufacturing.

Curriculum Structure:

First Year:
In the first year, students develop a strong foundation in core engineering and science principles. Modules such as Mathematics, Engineering Science, Principles of Process Engineering, and Engineering Laboratory Practices introduce how chemical engineers analyse systems and materials, while Cellular Microbiology provides early exposure to bioprocessing concepts relevant to modern industry.

Second Year:
The second year builds on this foundation by focusing on how chemical processes operate and are analysed at an industrial scale. Students study key modules including Transfer Processes, Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Process Energy Analysis, gaining the skills needed to understand heat, mass, and energy flow in chemical and biopharmaceutical systems.

Third Year:
In third year, learning becomes more specialised and applied. Students explore Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Product Design, and Process Waste Management, combining technical depth with sustainability and regulatory awareness. This stage helps students connect engineering theory with practical challenges faced by industry.

Fourth Year:
The final year brings all learning together through an Engineering Research Project and a Professional Work Placement, giving students valuable real-world experience. Advanced modules such as Chemical Engineering Design and Automatic Process Control strengthen decision-making, teamwork, and leadership skills, ensuring graduates are ready for professional engineering roles.

Focus areas (in a string):
Chemical process engineering, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, mass and energy transfer, reaction engineering, sustainable process design, industrial safety and optimisation

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Ability to analyse and design chemical and biopharmaceutical processes, solve complex engineering problems, apply laboratory and experimental methods, communicate effectively in professional settings, integrate sustainability principles, and deliver industry-relevant design and research work

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This programme is accredited by Engineers Ireland and the Institution of Chemical Engineers, providing the academic foundation required for progression toward professional and chartered engineering status.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Graduates from MTU’s chemical and biopharmaceutical engineering programmes are highly employable, particularly within Ireland’s strong pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device sectors, with chemical engineering consistently recognised as one of the highest-employability engineering disciplines.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In this programme, you’ll spend much more time applying knowledge than just learning theory. From the very first year, you’ll work in well-equipped laboratories where engineering and bioprocessing concepts come alive through hands-on experiments. As you progress, you’ll tackle real-world challenges through team projects, laboratory work with advanced equipment, and a structured placement in industry that provides valuable professional experience and industry contacts. The programme is designed to give you practical skills that mirror what practicing engineers and scientists use every day:

Here’s how you’ll build those practical skills:

Professional process and science labs: Extensive hands-on experience in laboratories with industry-standard instruments and equipment for process systems, materials testing, and biopharmaceutical applications.
Core practical modules: Modules like Engineering Laboratory Practices and advanced process tasks give you experience using engineering tools and applying safety and quality standards.
Research and design projects: Group and individual projects allow you to solve real engineering problems and develop creative, analytical, and collaborative skills.
Industry work placement: A structured placement at the end of Year 3 offers first-hand experience in a chemical or biopharmaceutical company or consultancy, helping you transition smoothly from campus learning to the workplace.
Campus and support facilities: Access to campus laboratories, library resources, computing suites, and collaborative study spaces supports all aspects of project work, research, and practical learning.

Facilities list reference:
Details on MTU laboratories and science facilities are available through the university’s official page on campus labs and practical facilities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme are highly sought after in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemical processing, environmental engineering and biotech manufacturing, with many stepping straight into roles that shape essential products and processes. Typical job roles include Process Engineer, Production Engineer, Quality Assurance Specialist and Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Associate — all built on the strong practical and analytical skills you develop here. The programme’s accreditation and industry alignment means you’ll graduate ready for both immediate employment and long‑term professional growth:

University career services: MTU’s Careers Service supports you from day one, helping with career planning, CV development, interview preparation, employer connections and job search strategies throughout your time at university and for up to a year after you graduate.
Employment outcomes and stats: MTU reports that a high proportion of its undergraduates are employed or due to start employment within a few months of graduation, outperforming national averages for honours degrees. National data shows strong placement figures within three months of finishing studies, reflecting the value employers place on MTU degrees.
Industry partnerships and placements: Through structured work placements built into the Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering programme and connections maintained by the university, many students gain real industry experience with reputable companies while they study — experience that often leads to job offers once they graduate.
Accreditation and professional value: The degree is accredited by Engineers Ireland and recognised to the educational standards expected of engineering professionals, giving you a well‑regarded qualification that supports long‑term career progression and is respected by employers at home and abroad.
Graduate outcomes: Many alumni go on to take roles across the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and chemical sectors, with graduates progressing into design, operations, quality and technology leadership careers thanks to the blended practical and theoretical training the programme provides.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this bachelor’s degree, you can continue your studies with postgraduate options such as a taught Master’s in engineering or related technical disciplines at MTU or elsewhere, which can further deepen your expertise and enhance your career prospects. With suitable performance in your honours degree, you may also pursue higher‑level research degrees like a PhD, opening pathways into research, academia or specialised industry leadership roles.