BE (Hons) Process and Chemical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University College Cork UCC

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Process & Chemical Engineering at University College Cork offers a dynamic education that combines core engineering principles with real-world applications in process design, industrial systems, and sustainability. It is ideal for students who are curious about how chemical and physical processes drive modern industries—from pharmaceuticals and food production to energy and environmental systems—and who want the technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills for a global career.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you will build a strong foundation in engineering through essential topics such as Introduction to Process and Chemical Engineering, physics, mathematics, and computing, alongside general engineering principles. This year prepares you to specialize in Process & Chemical Engineering at the end of Year 1 and gives early exposure to problem-solving, technical communication, and engineering thinking.

Year 2

In Year 2, your studies deepen with modules like Engineering Mechanics with Transform Methods, Fluids, Heat Transfer, and Chemical Reaction Engineering, along with Introduction to Organic Chemistry for Process and Chemical Engineers and Data Analysis for Process and Product Development. You will start to understand how materials and energy flow through industrial processes and how engineers apply mathematical and computational tools to solve real engineering challenges.

Year 3

Year 3 focuses on applied chemical engineering with core modules such as Applied Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Unit Operations and Particle Technology, Process Safety, and Phase Equilibrium and Mass Transfer, plus optional subjects like Energy in Buildings or Pharmaceutical Engineering. You will explore how unit processes work in sectors like bioprocessing and pharmaceuticals and develop skills in design, safety, and sustainable engineering practice.

Year 4

In Year 4, you will tackle advanced process design with modules like Process Design and Feasibility Analysis, Mechanical Design of Process Equipment, and a substantial Design Project, all aimed at preparing you for professional engineering practice. Electives in Sustainable Energy and BioPharmaceutical Engineering are also available. The integrated ME pathway includes an eight-month paid industrial work placement to strengthen practical experience and employability; the fifth year adds advanced topics such as Advanced Separation Processes, Industrial Process Safety, and a Research Project.

Focus Areas

Process design and optimisation, fluid and heat transfer, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, industrial equipment design, sustainability, safety, bioprocessing, and data-driven engineering solutions.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will gain deep technical knowledge of chemical and process systems, strong analytical and computational skills, practical design experience, workplace readiness through project work and placements, and the ability to work ethically and sustainably across engineering teams.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is accredited at full MEng level by Engineers Ireland and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), meeting the standards for professional engineering practice internationally and supporting progression toward chartered status.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

UCC is ranked among the top 2% of universities globally. Graduates from this program enjoy strong employment outcomes, with high placement rates within six to nine months of graduating, reflecting excellent industry relevance and career readiness.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UCC, the Process & Chemical Engineering degree isn’t just about lectures — it’s designed so that you develop real, hands-on engineering skills from day one. You’ll work in dedicated laboratories, take part in project work both individually and in teams, and step directly into professional environments through the industrial placement integrated into the degree. The programme also connects you with industry partners and real industrial challenges, so you graduate ready to work with confidence.

Here’s how your experiential learning really takes shape:

State-of-the-art laboratories and technical sessions: You will engage in laboratory practicals and tutorials that complement your lectures, giving you hands-on experience with core engineering tasks such as fluid mechanics, heat transfer, reaction engineering, and process design. These practical sessions are built into your weekly schedule alongside lectures.
Group and individual project work: Projects are a key part of the curriculum from the second year onwards, with both individual assignments and team work integrated into modules to strengthen your problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
Long industrial work placement: A major experiential highlight is the industrial placement — up to eight months in the fifth-year ME pathway (or a three-month optional placement in the four-year BE pathway) working in industry. You’ll be involved in engineering projects that give you full workplace experience, industry contacts, and the chance to apply your knowledge in a real professional setting.
Professional tools and software exposure: While specific software tools vary by module, the course includes numerical methods, programming, and data analysis components that use current engineering computation tools to help you analyse and solve real problems in process industries.
Industry connections and guest insights: The programme has strong links with major companies in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and engineering sectors, supporting lectures, collaborations, and student projects with real industry relevance.
Support through campus resources: As an engineering student at UCC, you also have access to world-class research centres and support services — from the engineering labs to wider research institutes — reinforcing your learning with cutting-edge facilities and interdisciplinary opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Process & Chemical Engineering degree from UCC enjoy rewarding careers designing, improving, and managing industrial processes across sectors such as biopharmaceuticals, energy, food production, and environmental services. Typical roles include Process Engineer, Project Engineer, Quality or Validation Engineer, and Engineering Consultant, with most alumni finding employment within six to nine months of graduating.

Here’s how UCC helps you achieve these outcomes:

Dedicated careers support: UCC’s Careers Service offers personalised guidance with job searching, CV and interview preparation, internships, work placements, and career coaching. They also run career fairs and networking events to connect you directly with employers and provide opportunities to gain practical experience.
Strong employment outcomes: Graduates from this programme have a high rate of employment or progression to further study shortly after completing their degree, reflecting strong demand for chemical and process engineers both in Ireland and internationally.
University–industry partnerships: The programme has close links with leading companies including Eli Lilly, Janssen, AbbVie, and PM Group. These partnerships support work placements, industry projects, scholarships, and potential job opportunities after graduation.
Accreditation and long-term value: The degree is accredited by Engineers Ireland and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), giving graduates internationally recognised professional status and supporting progression toward chartered engineering credentials.
Graduation outcomes across sectors: Graduates are equipped to work in a variety of fields including environmental engineering, consultancy, energy, pharmaceuticals, and technical services, with employers actively recruiting UCC-trained engineers.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could continue your studies with a Master’s degree—the integrated ME pathway at UCC extends the programme by a fifth year—or pursue specialised postgraduate degrees in chemical engineering, biotechnology, energy systems, or related disciplines. Graduates can also advance to doctoral research or professional qualifications that support chartered engineering status and leadership roles in industry.