BEng (Hons) CHEMICAL ENGINEERING (WITH FOUNDATION YEAR)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

London South Bank University

Program Overview

If you’re interested in designing safe, efficient, and sustainable chemical processes—but feel you need a little extra preparation—LSBU’s Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year is built for you. The course takes you from the basics of maths, science, and engineering right through to advanced design projects and real-world industry experience, equipping you with the skills and confidence to succeed in the chemical engineering world.


Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year – Building your base
The first year gets you up to speed on essential maths, chemistry, physics, and engineering skills. You’ll study modules such as Applied Mathematics, Chemistry and Applications, Engineering Science, and Study & Laboratory Skills. Hands-on lab work and project-based learning help you develop confidence in applying theory, giving you a strong foundation for the main degree.

Year 1 – Core chemical engineering principles
Now the formal chemical engineering study begins. You’ll explore Engineering Mathematics & Modelling, Introduction to Chemical Engineering, Engineering Principles 1 & 2, and Computing for Chemical Engineers. Project and lab work complement lectures, showing you how theory is applied in practice.

Year 2 – Applying science to engineering problems
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper with modules like Separation Processes, Thermodynamics, Kinetics & Reaction Engineering, Process Design & Simulation, and Principles of Control. Labs and simulation tools help you test theories in realistic scenarios, preparing you for more complex challenges.

Year 3 – Optional Industry Placement Year
You can take a sandwich year, working full-time in a chemical, energy, or pharmaceutical company. This hands-on experience gives you a real taste of professional life, lets you apply your skills in practice, and helps you make valuable industry contacts—all with LSBU’s support through the Careers Hub.

Year 4 – Advanced engineering and design
Back on campus, you’ll tackle advanced modules such as Process Safety & Environmental Management, Emerging Energy and Sustainability, Energy Technologies, and the major Design Project. This year challenges you to integrate your knowledge, balancing safety, cost, efficiency, and environmental impact in your designs.

Year 5 – Industrial Placement / Sandwich Year (MEng option)
For students on the MEng sandwich route, this final year is a full industry placement. You’ll work on real projects in a professional setting, gaining experience in process design, safety, and sustainability. You’ll also develop soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, while building a professional network that can help launch your career.


Focus Areas

Sustainability, process design & simulation, separation processes, control systems, energy technologies, environmental management, data analysis, and modelling.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates leave with the ability to apply core engineering and scientific principles, hands-on lab and project experience, competence in simulation and process modelling, and an understanding of safety, cost, and sustainability considerations in engineering design.

Professional Alignment

The course is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), meaning it meets the standards needed for progression toward Chartered Engineer status.

Reputation

  • LSBU is ranked Top 5 in the UK for Student Satisfaction in Chemical Engineering (Complete University Guide 2026).

  • Students secure placements and graduate roles with companies such as Pfizer, GSK, Dow, and Chevron.

  • The school has invested over £400,000 in specialist teaching facilities for chemical and energy engineering.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Graduates from this program leave LSBU ready to take on exciting roles in the chemical, energy, and environmental sectors. Many find themselves working as Process Engineers, Chemical Production Managers, Energy Systems Analysts, or Environmental Compliance Officers — positions where they can apply the practical and theoretical knowledge gained throughout their degree.

Building a successful career is supported every step of the way:

  • LSBU Employability Service: Offers tailored career guidance, interview preparation, and support with job applications.

  • JobShop: Connects students with part-time work and relevant industry placements.

  • Careers Gym: Provides workshops, coaching, and networking events to build professional skills.

  • LSBU Employment: A dedicated recruitment service linking students to graduate opportunities.

LSBU also has strong links with industry partners, giving you access to real-world projects and placements. These include collaborations with organizations like Transport for London, Balfour Beatty, and many others, helping you build your network even before you graduate.

Accreditation & Graduate Value
This degree is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), meaning it meets the standards required for Chartered Engineer status. This internationally recognised accreditation makes your qualification highly valuable for global career opportunities. Around 90% of LSBU graduates are in full-time employment or further study within six months of finishing, with strong starting salaries in the engineering sector.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, there are many ways to continue your studies and specialise further:

  • MEng Chemical and Energy Engineering: Combines undergraduate and postgraduate study, fast-tracking you toward Chartered Engineer status.

  • MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering: Focuses on advanced chemical engineering principles and technologies.

  • MSc Future Energy Engineering: Specialises in sustainable energy solutions.

  • MSc Process Safety: Concentrates on safety management in chemical processes.

  • PhD in Chemical Process and Energy Engineering: For students aiming for research and development careers.

These pathways allow you to deepen your expertise, explore new areas, and position yourself for leadership or specialist roles in engineering.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program leave LSBU ready to take on exciting roles in the chemical, energy, and environmental sectors. Many find themselves working as Process Engineers, Chemical Production Managers, Energy Systems Analysts, or Environmental Compliance Officers — positions where they can apply the practical and theoretical knowledge gained throughout their degree.

Building a successful career is supported every step of the way:

  • LSBU Employability Service: Offers tailored career guidance, interview preparation, and support with job applications.

  • JobShop: Connects students with part-time work and relevant industry placements.

  • Careers Gym: Provides workshops, coaching, and networking events to build professional skills.

  • LSBU Employment: A dedicated recruitment service linking students to graduate opportunities.

LSBU also has strong links with industry partners, giving you access to real-world projects and placements. These include collaborations with organizations like Transport for London, Balfour Beatty, and many others, helping you build your network even before you graduate.

Accreditation & Graduate Value
This degree is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), meaning it meets the standards required for Chartered Engineer status. This internationally recognised accreditation makes your qualification highly valuable for global career opportunities. Around 90% of LSBU graduates are in full-time employment or further study within six months of finishing, with strong starting salaries in the engineering sector.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, there are many ways to continue your studies and specialise further:

  • MEng Chemical and Energy Engineering: Combines undergraduate and postgraduate study, fast-tracking you toward Chartered Engineer status.

  • MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering: Focuses on advanced chemical engineering principles and technologies.

  • MSc Future Energy Engineering: Specialises in sustainable energy solutions.

  • MSc Process Safety: Concentrates on safety management in chemical processes.

  • PhD in Chemical Process and Energy Engineering: For students aiming for research and development careers.

These pathways allow you to deepen your expertise, explore new areas, and position yourself for leadership or specialist roles in engineering.

Program Key Stats

£15900
£ 29
Intake : 14th Jan


Eligibility Criteria

DDD
2.8
24
55

1150
24
6.0
80

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • project leader
  • environmental engineer
  • energy optimisation specialist
  • or R&D engineer

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