BEng Chemical Engineering

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Brunel University

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how chemistry and engineering come together to solve real-world problems, Brunel’s Chemical Engineering BEng is designed for you. It’s a three-year degree (or four years if you take the placement option) that mixes theory with plenty of hands-on work, preparing you for exciting roles in industries like energy, pharmaceuticals, food, and sustainability.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year is all about building a strong foundation. You’ll cover the essentials in Engineering Mathematics and Programming, get to grips with how energy and systems work in Engineering Systems and Energy, and take your very first steps into the world of chemical engineering through Chemical Engineering Introduction. Alongside this, you’ll strengthen your understanding of materials and mechanics, which sets you up for everything that follows.

Year 2
This is where the course really starts to feel like chemical engineering. You’ll study Chemical Reaction Engineering, Heat and Mass Transfer, and Separation Processes I, which show you how raw materials are transformed into useful products. The Chemical Engineer’s Toolbox gives you hands-on experience with real lab equipment, safety practices, and industry-standard software, so you’re learning by doing, not just reading.

Year 3
In your final year, everything comes together. You’ll work on a major Chemical Engineering Design Project that pulls in all your knowledge, while also exploring advanced topics like Process Design and Safety, Big Data Analytics, Biochemical Engineering, and Separation Processes II. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the confidence and skills to design large-scale processes, with a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation.

Focus Areas

“Sustainability; Process design and safety; Big data analytics; Biochemical and separation technologies; Renewable energy systems.”

Learning Outcomes

“Develop the ability to design and analyse complex processes, apply advanced maths and computational tools, use professional software, evaluate safety and environmental impacts, and work effectively in teams on large-scale projects.”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The degree is professionally accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), which means your qualification is recognised worldwide and sets you on the right path toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Brunel is ranked Top 3 in London for Chemical Engineering by the Complete University Guide 2024. With strong links to industry and a great track record for student employability, you’ll be studying a degree that’s respected both in the UK and internationally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Brunel, learning isn’t just about lectures and textbooks—you’ll get stuck into real‑world chemical engineering from the very start. The programme is designed so you can experiment, design, and solve problems using the same tools and labs that professional engineers use. You’ll also have the chance to work with industry partners, go on site visits, and even take a placement year to experience life in the workplace.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience:

Work in specialised chemical engineering labs with equipment for heat transfer, fluid dynamics, bioprocessing, and separation processes, so you can test theories, analyse materials, and run real experiments.
Use industry-standard software in dedicated computer labs, including simulation tools, process control packages, and programming/statistical tools like Python and R.
Complete group and individual design projects, including the major Chemical Engineering Design Project, where you’ll integrate everything you’ve learned to solve realistic engineering challenges.
Take an optional placement year, spending a full year in industry to build professional experience, develop networks, and strengthen your CV, with support from Brunel’s Professional Development Centre.
Go on site visits and industry trips to see large-scale chemical processes in action and hear directly from experienced engineers.
Receive hands-on guidance from lab technicians and academic staff to make sure you not only complete experiments successfully, but truly understand the engineering principles behind them.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Brunel’s Chemical Engineering BEng are well-equipped to embark on successful careers across various sectors. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, alumni often pursue roles such as:

Process Engineer
Chemical Plant Operator
Environmental Consultant
Product Development Specialist

These positions are prevalent in industries like energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, and consumer goods. The programme's emphasis on sustainability and innovation ensures that graduates are prepared to address contemporary challenges in chemical engineering.

Career Support and Employability

Brunel offers robust support to enhance employability:

Professional Development Centre: Provides resources, workshops, and one-on-one guidance to help students develop professional skills and prepare for the job market.
Job Shop: Assists students in finding part-time work and internships, offering valuable work experience during their studies.
Brunel Engineers+: An annual event where students showcase their final-year projects to industry professionals, fostering networking and potential job opportunities.

Graduate Outcomes

Employment Rates: Brunel graduates have a higher employment rate compared to the national average, reflecting the university's strong industry connections and the practical nature of its programmes.
Graduate Salaries: Alumni earn, on average, £3,600 more than the sector average three years post-graduation, indicating the high value employers place on a Brunel degree.

Industry Partnerships

Brunel's Chemical Engineering department collaborates with various industry partners, providing students with opportunities for internships and real-world projects. These partnerships enhance the learning experience and improve employability prospects.

Accreditation and Long-Term Value

The BEng in Chemical Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), a mark of quality that is recognized globally. This accreditation supports graduates in pursuing Chartered Engineer status, a significant professional milestone.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BEng, graduates have several pathways for further study:

MEng in Chemical Engineering: For those seeking to deepen their expertise and pursue advanced roles in the field.
MSc Programmes: Specializations such as Advanced Chemical Engineering (Hydrogen and Low Carbon Technologies) are available, focusing on emerging areas within the industry.
PhD Opportunities: Brunel offers research degrees in various aspects of chemical engineering, allowing graduates to contribute to innovative developments in the field.

Additional Information & Requirements

GCE A-level AAA-ABB including Maths and one of the following subjects; Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Environment Studies, Computer Science, Electronics or Design and Technology (Use of Maths, Critical Thinking, Mathematical Studies and General Studies not accepted).
A minimum of five GCSEs are required, including GCSE Mathematics grade C or grade 4 and GCSE English Language grade C or grade 4 or GCSE English Literature grade B or grade 5.
544 including grade 5 in subjects that require a grade A at A level or grade 4 in subjects that require grade B at A level. Please see the A Level requirements above for subject requirements.
GPA 3.0/4 in a related subject
AP - Advanced Placements Examinations 544 including grade 5 in subjects that require a grade A at A level or grade 4 in subjects that require grade B at A level. Please see the A Level requirements above for subject requirements
AP - Associate Degree (2 years) GPA 3.0/4 in a related subject
AP - High School Diploma + 2 APs Examinations GPA 3.2 + 2 APs 5,4 including grade 5 in subjects that require a grade A at A level or grade 4 in subjects that require grade B at A level. Please see the A Level requirements above for subject requirements.
AP - High School Diploma + ACT GPA 3.0 and 27 Any subject requirements listed in the A - Level requirements above must be met through SAT Subject Tests (Grade 680 for A or 650 for B) or Advance Placement Tests (Grade 5 for A or Grade 4 for B)
AP - High School Diploma + SAT Subject Test (3 subjects) + SAT Reasoning Test (3 subjects) GPA 3.0 and 1280/1600 Any subject requirements listed in the A - Level requirements above must be met through SAT Subject Tests (Grade 680 for A or 650 for B) or Advance Placement Tests (Grade 5 for A or Grade 4 for B)
IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)
TOEFL: 77 (min R18, L17, S20, W17)