BEng Chemical Engineering

The Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University is a four-year undergraduate programme that equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to design, analyse, and optimise chemical processes and industrial systems. It suits students aspiring to careers in process industries, energy, materials, pharmaceuticals, and environmental engineering, blending foundational science, applied engineering, laboratory experience, and design practice. 

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, learners develop essential scientific and analytical foundations through courses such as Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists, General Chemistry, and Engineering Physics, strengthening their problem-solving and quantitative reasoning. Complementary units like Engineering in Context introduce students to the engineering profession and practical design thinking in real-world scenarios. Early exposure to Introduction to Chemical Engineering begins connecting core science subjects with engineering applications, preparing students for deeper work ahead. 

Year 2:
The second year builds on these foundations with core engineering science modules including Principles of Chemical Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, and Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, which focus on how mass and energy move through systems and how chemical engineers model process behaviour. Students also study Unit Operations and Process Safety Fundamentals, gaining insight into essential industrial practices and safety considerations. These courses integrate theoretical and applied perspectives while encouraging teamwork and laboratory competence. 

Year 3:
In the third year, the programme advances with more specialised units such as Heat and Mass Transfer, Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Process Dynamics & Control, where students analyse and design unit operations and control loops typical of real process plants. Laboratory and project work reinforce concepts by placing learners in hands-on scenarios that simulate industry challenges. Elective options may include Environmental Engineering or Materials and Nanoscience, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests. 

Year 4:
The final year emphasises integration and synthesis with a Group Process Design Project, Advanced Chemical Engineering Practice, and industry-relevant modules like Process Modelling & Simulation that prepare students for professional environments. The capstone project draws on thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and reaction engineering to challenge students to develop complete process solutions. Students also have the option to transfer to the five-year MEng pathway or pursue specialist pathways in areas such as pharmaceutical chemistry or computational engineering, giving flexibility to align study with career ambitions. 

Focus areas (in a string):
Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, process design, unit operations, process control, materials and nanoscience, environmental engineering, simulations.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Apply chemical and engineering principles to analyse and solve complex industrial challenges; design and optimise chemical processes and equipment; conduct experiments and interpret data; integrate software and modelling tools; communicate engineering solutions effectively; and demonstrate ethical and professional responsibility.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The Chemical Engineering programme is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), aligning it with international professional standards for chemical engineering education and supporting students on the path to Chartered Engineer status. 

Reputation (employability rankings):
Heriot-Watt University is ranked around #287 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and features highly in UK subject tables for Chemical Engineering — often 1st in Scotland and top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction and teaching quality — underscoring strong academic reputation and graduate prospects.