Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

At the University of Limerick, Chemical & Biochemical Engineering students learn through experience as much as through lectures. From early laboratory work to full-time industry placement, the programme is designed to ensure you graduate with practical skills, professional confidence, and a clear understanding of how engineering works in real industrial environments. You’ll use specialist laboratories, engineering software, and collaborative project spaces throughout the course, gradually building the hands-on expertise that employers expect from UL graduates:

• A core feature of the programme is the Cooperative Education placement, where students spend approximately eight months working as trainee engineers in industry, gaining paid professional experience before graduating.

• Dedicated chemical and biochemical engineering laboratories are used across all years of study, allowing students to carry out experiments in reaction engineering, heat and mass transfer, fluid flow, and bioprocess operations.

• Students receive training in engineering computation and process modelling tools, developing skills in simulation, data analysis, and process optimisation that are widely used in industry.

• Group-based design and laboratory projects are embedded throughout the programme, culminating in a final-year engineering design project where students work as teams to solve real-world process challenges.

• Teaching and practical work take place within UL’s modern engineering facilities, which include specialised research labs, collaborative learning spaces, and access to campus-wide technical resources.

• Students also benefit from UL’s Glucksman Library, which provides extensive engineering databases, digital journals, and technical standards essential for research and project work.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical & Biochemical Engineering at the University of Limerick move into a wide range of high-demand engineering roles across Ireland and internationally. Common career paths include Process Engineer, Project Engineer, Biochemical or Pharmaceutical Engineer, and Energy or Sustainability Engineer, reflecting the programme’s strong technical focus and industry relevance. Thanks to UL’s close industry links and professional accreditation, graduates are well prepared for long-term career growth and leadership roles in engineering:

• Career Development Support: UL’s Career Development Centre provides one-to-one career guidance, CV and interview preparation, employer presentations, careers fairs, and direct access to graduate engineering roles, supporting students from first year through to graduation.

• Strong Graduate Employability: The majority of UL engineering graduates progress directly into employment or further study shortly after graduating, supported by the university’s long-established Cooperative Education programme.

• Competitive Graduate Salaries: Chemical and biochemical engineering graduates typically enter roles with starting salaries that are above the national graduate average, particularly within pharmaceutical, medical device, and process industries.

• Industry Partnerships: Through Cooperative Education and research collaboration, UL works closely with a wide network of multinational and indigenous companies, many of whom regularly recruit directly from the programme.

• Long-Term Professional Value: Accreditation by the Institution of Chemical Engineers ensures international recognition of the degree and provides a clear pathway toward Chartered Engineer status.

• Graduate Outcomes: Alumni of the programme are employed across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food and beverage manufacturing, energy systems, environmental engineering, and advanced process industries.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may continue their studies through postgraduate options at the University of Limerick, including progression to the integrated Master of Engineering pathway or specialised taught and research-based master’s programmes. Doctoral study is also an option for students interested in research, innovation, or academic careers within chemical and biochemical engineering.