Enter OTP
This programme is perfect if you want to understand the science behind real-world processes and see how they translate into technologies that make a difference—whether that’s cleaner fuels, new materials, or sustainable production methods. You’ll get a balance of theory and hands-on experience in Lancaster’s modern labs, supported by a teaching team who genuinely want to see you succeed.
What You’ll Study
Year 1:
You’ll study alongside other engineering students, building a strong foundation in maths, materials, thermodynamics, and heat transfer. It’s a chance to get comfortable with the fundamentals and learn how different branches of engineering connect.
Year 2:
This is where chemical engineering really comes into focus. You’ll dive into modules like Fluid Mechanics and Mass Transfer, Particle Technology, Separation Processes, and Reactor Engineering. Group projects and problem-based learning start to shape the way you apply theory to practical challenges.
Years 3 & 4 (MEng or with Placement):
You’ll work on a full group plant design project—taking into account safety, costs, and environmental impact. For the MEng route, you’ll also carry out an individual research project. If you opt for the placement year, you’ll spend valuable time in industry, bringing real-world experience back into your final studies.
Focus areas: “Process design, thermodynamics, mass & heat transfer, sustainability, separation technologies, reactor design, process safety”
Learning outcomes: “Strong problem-solving skills, ability to design safe and efficient processes, confidence with computational tools, teamwork, and independent research”
Professional alignment (accreditation): Fully accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)
Reputation (employability rankings): Engineering graduates from Lancaster earn an average starting salary of around £29,000, and benefit from the university’s strong research culture and supportive learning environment.
At Lancaster, you won’t just be taught chemical engineering in the classroom—you’ll live it. From day one, you’ll get to work in specialist labs, solve problems in team design projects, and even spend a year working with a real company if you choose the placement route. The goal is simple: to help you graduate with the kind of practical experience and confidence that employers notice straight away.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Hands-on lab work: You’ll train in the Chemical Engineering Teaching Lab, running experiments on industrial-scale kit and learning to handle processes safely and efficiently.
Team design challenges: By your third year, you’ll be part of a group designing a full chemical plant or process, weighing up cost, safety, and sustainability—just like professional engineers do.
Industry placement year: On the placement option, you’ll spend a year working with a real employer, gaining invaluable workplace experience and building your network before you graduate.
Cutting-edge facilities: You’ll have access to Lancaster’s two dedicated engineering buildings, packed with specialist labs, computing suites, and design software to support your studies.
Industry-linked projects: Modules like the Business Development Project and Industry-linked Group Project give you the chance to work on live challenges, building leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
A Chemical Engineering degree from Lancaster really sets you up for success. Because the programme blends theory with plenty of practical experience, graduates go on to exciting roles in industries ranging from energy and manufacturing to pharmaceuticals and consultancy. Typical careers include becoming a Graduate Chemical Engineer, Process or Project Engineer, Engineering Consultant, or moving into the fast-growing renewable energy sector.
And the university makes sure you’re supported every step of the way:
Careers & Employability support – Lancaster’s Careers Service is on hand with CV advice, mock interviews, career fairs, and the Lancaster Award, which helps you build real experience and employability skills alongside your degree.
Strong graduate outcomes – Chemical Engineering graduates from Lancaster report a median starting salary of around £32,000 just 15 months after graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2024).
Industry links and placements – The course includes opportunities to work with major employers like EDF, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes AMG, and Network Rail, giving you valuable real-world exposure before you graduate.
Professional recognition – The degree is fully accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), putting you on the path toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, which is highly respected by employers worldwide.
Proven success – Lancaster Chemical Engineering graduates are in demand, with most going straight into employment or further study soon after finishing.
Further Academic Progression:
If you want to take your learning further, Lancaster also offers routes into Master’s degrees, PhDs, and research opportunities in areas like Sustainable Energy, Process Control, and Advanced Chemical Engineering. This is a natural step if you’re aiming for specialist expertise or a career in research and academia.
ABB. This should include Mathematics and a science subject from: Chemistry, Physics or Biology.IB - 32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including either:CBSE - Pass with 70% to 87% average from the best 4 subjects, excluding Hindi and PE.APs with scores of 5,4,4 to 5,5,5IELTS - 6.5 overall, minimum of 5.5 in each elementTOEFL - 87 overall, minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 17 in speaking and 20 in writingAnalytical chemistEnergy managerManufacturing engineerMaterials engineerMining engineerProduction managerQuality manager
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Lancaster University
