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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Queen Mary University of LondonChemical engineering at QMUL is for students who want to use science and creativity to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges — from developing cleaner energy to designing sustainable manufacturing processes. The course combines strong scientific foundations with plenty of practical experience, making it a great choice if you enjoy problem-solving and want to see your work make a real-world impact.
Curriculum Structure
Foundation Year (optional)
If you need a stepping stone into the degree, the foundation year brings you up to speed in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering Fundamentals. It ensures you’re fully ready for the main programme.
Year 1 – Getting Started
You’ll begin by learning the core building blocks of chemical engineering. Modules like Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Computational and Mathematical Modelling 1, Engineering Design, and Materials Engineering give you both theoretical knowledge and hands-on lab skills. This year is about understanding the basics and seeing how they fit into real engineering contexts.
Year 2 – Applying the Fundamentals
In your second year, you’ll apply those principles to more complex problems. You’ll cover Heat and Mass Transfer, Separation Processes, Chemical Reaction Engineering, Process Control and Simulation, and Unit Operations. It’s also the point where you’ll start tackling small design projects and learning how to solve engineering problems as part of a team.
Year 3 – Specialising and Designing
The third year pushes you towards independence and advanced applications. You’ll take on a substantial Design Project where you’ll create solutions to real chemical engineering challenges. Modules like Catalysis and Reaction Design, Fuels and Sustainability, Process Safety and Loss Prevention, and Sustainability Assessment for Design mean you’re tackling current, global issues head-on.
Year 4 – Advanced Study (MEng only)
If you continue on the MEng route, the final year lets you specialise further. You’ll complete an Individual Research Project alongside modules such as Advanced Water Treatment, Macromolecular Engineering, and Advanced Process Safety. Plus, you’ll have the chance to choose electives in cutting-edge areas like Renewable Fuels, Solar Energy Engineering, and Machine Learning & AI for Engineering. This year is about becoming a confident, industry-ready professional.
Focus Areas
Sustainability; Process Design & Simulation; Safety and Environmental Engineering; Reaction and Catalysis; Renewable Energy; Data and AI in Engineering
Learning Outcomes
Graduate with strong design and problem-solving skills, the ability to use industry-standard modelling tools, a solid grounding in sustainability and safety, and the confidence to lead projects in both industry and research.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), meaning your degree will count directly towards becoming a Chartered Engineer.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
QMUL is a member of the Russell Group, recognised for high-impact research and strong industry links. Graduates from this programme are highly employable and go on to work with leading companies in energy, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and environmental sectors.
At Queen Mary University of London, the BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering program offers a dynamic blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the engineering industry. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory work, industry placements, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience by applying for a year in industry, which can be undertaken in Year 3 or 4 of the BEng program. This placement allows students to gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and apply their academic learning in a practical setting.
Additionally, the program provides access to advanced research facilities and specialized laboratories, enhancing the learning experience:
Advanced Molecular Imaging Services (AMIS): A leading imaging center supporting multi-disciplinary research across chemical and biological sciences.
CREATE Lab: An advanced biofabrication facility focusing on the development of next-generation in vitro models of human tissues and diseases.
Sustainable Thermal Systems Laboratory: Equipped with test rigs for investigating condensation and flow boiling heat transfer, relevant to energy systems and refrigeration.
Spectroscopy Facility: Includes FTIR, Raman, and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for materials analysis.
Electrochemistry Facilities: Dedicated spaces for studying electrochemical processes and energy storage systems.
Mechanical Testing Facilities: Labs for assessing the mechanical properties of materials and components.
Computational Modelling Facilities: Resources for simulating and analyzing chemical processes and systems.
These facilities are integral to the program, providing students with the tools and environments necessary to conduct cutting-edge research and gain practical skills.
Graduates of the BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering program at Queen Mary University of London are well-equipped to embark on successful careers in various sectors. With a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles and practical experience, alumni have secured roles in energy, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and environmental sectors.
Typical career paths include:
Process Engineer: Designing and optimizing chemical processes in manufacturing settings.
Project Manager: Overseeing engineering projects from conception to completion.
Environmental Consultant: Advising on sustainable practices and regulatory compliance.
Research and Development Specialist: Innovating new products and processes in laboratory environments.
The university offers robust support to enhance employability:
Careers and Enterprise Centre: Provides career advice, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Industrial Liaison Forum: Connects students with industry professionals for mentorship and collaboration.
Final Year Project Showcase: Allows students to present their projects to potential employers.
Employment statistics for recent graduates are impressive:
90% of graduates are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months of graduation. (qmul.ac.uk)
Average starting salary is competitive within the industry.
Queen Mary's strong industry partnerships further enhance career prospects:
Collaborations with leading companies such as Rolls-Royce, Pfizer, and Jaguar. (qmul.ac.uk)
Access to cutting-edge research facilities and real-world engineering challenges.
The program's accreditation by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) ensures that graduates meet the high standards set by the engineering profession, facilitating professional recognition and career advancement. (sems.qmul.ac.uk)
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering program, students have the opportunity to pursue advanced studies:
MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering: Deepen expertise in specialized areas of chemical engineering.
PhD in Chemical Engineering: Engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to advancements in the field.
These pathways provide avenues for specialization and leadership roles in academia, research institutions, and industry.
Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry.International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 34 points overall, including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Mathematics at Higher Level, and either Physics or Chemistry, also at Higher Level.Minimum five GCSE passes including English at grade C or 4. IELTS (Academic) minimum score 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and SpeakingTOEFL minimum score 79 overall with 17 in Writing, 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening and 20 in SpeakingCompletion of the HSD with GPA 3.3 AND 3 AP examinations with scores of 4 or better, including at least two at grade 5 in different subjects (5,5,4)Analytical chemistEnergy manager and Manufacturing engineer
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