ME (Hons) Process and Chemical Engineering

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University College Cork UCC

Program Overview

The ME (Hons) Process and Chemical Engineering at University College Cork is a five-year integrated master’s program that equips you with the technical expertise to design and operate processes that transform raw materials into valuable products across industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, and food production. This program is perfect for curious, problem-solving students who enjoy chemistry, mathematics, and engineering fundamentals and want a professional qualification that leads directly into a rewarding engineering career.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in core engineering principles, including mechanics, energy, and fundamental mathematics and physics, while being introduced to the basics of process and chemical engineering. Modules such as Engineering Mechanics and Introduction to Process and Chemical Engineering help you gain confidence and context before moving into more specialized areas.

Year 2

Year two deepens your understanding of chemical engineering with modules like Fluids, Heat Transfer, Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Plant Design and Commissioning. Alongside this, you’ll study Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Numerical Methods and Programming, developing the analytical and design skills central to the discipline.

Year 3

In the third year, you start to take on the role of a process engineer. You’ll study Applied Thermodynamics, Phase Equilibrium and Mass Transfer, Unit Operations and Particle Technology, and Process Dynamics and Control. Electives such as Energy in Buildings or Pharmaceutical Engineering allow you to explore areas of personal interest, while Process Safety and Sustainability modules prepare you for responsible engineering practice.

Year 4

The first part of year four focuses on applying your knowledge to real-world problems through modules such as Process Design and Feasibility Analysis, Mechanical Design of Process Equipment, and a Design Project. A key feature of this year is the industrial work placement from January to August, giving you practical, hands-on experience and exposure to real industry settings.

Year 5

In your final year, you’ll focus on advanced engineering and independent research. You will study Advanced Separation Processes, Complex Reaction Systems, Process Industry Optimisation, Carbon Capture and Storage, and Applications and Control Systems. The year culminates in a substantial Research Project, with electives like Pharmaceutical Industry Advances allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests.

Focus Areas

Process design and optimisation, thermodynamics and mass transfer, fluid dynamics, plant design, sustainability and environmental protection, industrial control systems, research and work placement experience.

Learning Outcomes

Develop analytical, technical, and practical engineering skills; apply scientific principles to design and operate chemical processes; integrate sustainability and safety into engineering solutions; collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary environments; succeed in research and industry placement settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The ME program is fully accredited by Engineers Ireland and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), ensuring it meets professional standards for engineer registration and is recognized in global industry.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Graduates from this program enjoy strong employment outcomes, with UCC engineering alumni typically entering relevant careers within six to nine months of graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning is a core part of the ME (Hons) Process and Chemical Engineering programme at University College Cork, ensuring that students graduate with strong practical and professional skills alongside academic knowledge. From early laboratory work to large-scale design projects and an extended industrial placement, you will learn by doing — applying engineering theory to real processes, real equipment, and real industry challenges. As you progress through the five years, the focus shifts from structured lab-based learning to independent project work and hands-on experience in professional engineering environments.

This practical learning is supported by UCC’s engineering facilities, research culture, and strong industry connections, and is delivered through the following key elements:

Industrial work placement: As part of the integrated master’s pathway, students complete an eight-month salaried industrial work placement in Year 4, typically from January to August. This placement allows you to work as part of an engineering team in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, energy, or manufacturing, gaining real workplace experience and professional confidence before final year.
Engineering design and group projects: Throughout the programme, students take part in individual and group-based design projects, including a major design project in Year 4. These projects reflect real-world engineering problems and develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills that are essential for professional engineers.
Laboratory-based learning: Practical laboratory sessions are embedded across multiple years of the programme, giving students hands-on experience with chemical and process engineering equipment, experimental methods, and data analysis. These labs reinforce theoretical learning and build technical competence in a controlled, professional setting.
Research-led final-year project: In the final year, students complete a substantial research project under academic supervision. This project allows you to explore an area of interest in depth, apply advanced engineering methods, and develop independent research, analysis, and reporting skills.
Industry-informed teaching: Teaching within the programme is closely informed by industry practice, particularly in areas such as pharmaceuticals, bioprocessing, sustainability, and process safety. Guest lectures, applied coursework, and project topics reflect current challenges and expectations within the chemical and process engineering profession.
Engineering and research facilities: Students have access to UCC’s engineering laboratories, computing resources, and broader university research infrastructure, including specialist research centres and libraries that support both taught modules and independent project work.

Together, these experiential learning opportunities ensure that graduates leave UCC not only with an accredited master’s qualification, but with the practical experience, industry exposure, and professional readiness that employers actively look for in process and chemical engineers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the ME (Hons) Process and Chemical Engineering at University College Cork move into strong, well-paid careers across a wide range of industries. The programme prepares you for roles such as Process Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Project Engineer, and Operations Engineer, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, food and drink production, energy, and advanced manufacturing:

Career and employability support at UCC: Students are supported by UCC’s dedicated Careers Service, which provides one-to-one career guidance, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events, and structured support during the industrial work placement. This close integration between the engineering school and careers team helps students transition smoothly into employment.
Graduate employment outcomes and salary prospects: UCC engineering graduates consistently achieve high employment rates within months of graduation, with many securing roles before completing their final year. Chemical and process engineering roles typically offer competitive starting salaries, with strong long-term earning potential as graduates progress into senior technical or managerial positions.
Strong university–industry connections: The Process and Chemical Engineering discipline at UCC has established links with leading multinational and indigenous companies in pharmaceuticals, biopharma, food processing, engineering consultancy, and energy. These relationships support work placements, guest lectures, industry-led projects, and graduate recruitment pathways.
Long-term professional accreditation value: This integrated master’s degree is fully accredited by Engineers Ireland and the Institution of Chemical Engineers, providing a qualification that is internationally recognised and aligned with the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer status as your career develops.
Proven graduate outcomes: Graduates of the programme progress into professional engineering roles, further study, or research careers, with UCC’s strong reputation and industry-aligned curriculum contributing directly to long-term career success.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the ME (Hons) degree, graduates can continue into postgraduate research such as a PhD or pursue specialised master’s programmes in areas including pharmaceutical engineering, sustainable energy, advanced process systems, or environmental engineering. Many also choose to enhance their expertise through professional development and industry-recognised certifications as they advance in their careers.