BEng Chemical Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

The University of Sheffield

Program Overview

Year 1 – Building Foundations
Your first year focuses on the essential sciences and engineering principles. Modules like Mathematics (Chemical), Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Process Control, and Mass Transfer and Separation Processes help you develop problem-solving skills and a solid understanding of chemical processes.

Year 2 – Deepening Knowledge
In year two, you’ll explore more advanced topics with modules such as Reaction Engineering, Experimental Investigation, Engineering with Living Systems, and Introduction to Pharmaceutical Engineering. This is where theory begins to meet practical applications, giving you a deeper understanding of industrial processes.

Year 3 – Industrial Placement Year
This year gives you the opportunity to work in the industry, applying your academic knowledge in a professional setting. The placement helps you gain valuable practical experience, develop professional skills, and make connections that can kick-start your career.

Year 4 – Advanced Topics and Research
Your final year focuses on specialized topics and research. Modules include Advanced Process Design, a substantial Research Project, and a choice of specialist electives, allowing you to tailor your degree to interests like renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, or advanced process engineering.

Focus Areas: Sustainability, Process Optimization, Environmental Impact, Renewable Energy, Pharmaceutical Engineering

Learning Outcomes: Ability to design and optimize chemical processes, proficiency in computational and analytical methods, strong understanding of sustainability issues, effective teamwork and communication, preparation for Chartered Engineer status

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), meeting the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer status

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Sheffield is renowned for producing highly employable graduates, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and real-world applications in chemical engineering

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Sheffield, your learning goes far beyond the lecture theatre. You’ll spend a huge part of your degree getting hands-on experience in labs, pilot plants, and digital learning spaces that mirror what happens in industry. This isn’t just about theory—it’s about testing ideas, solving problems, and building the confidence to work like a professional engineer from day one.

Here’s how Sheffield brings chemical engineering to life for you:

Diamond Pilot Plant (DiPP): Step into a full-scale pilot plant where you’ll run real processes—from making pharmaceutical tablets to exploring renewable energy conversion and biomanufacturing. With industry-standard control rooms and equipment, it’s as close as you’ll get to working in industry while still at university.
Digital Innovation Zone (DIZ): Get comfortable with the digital tools that drive modern engineering. You’ll work with data analytics, simulation software, and even digital twins, collaborating with staff and industry partners in a ‘living lab’ environment.
Diamond Building labs: These state-of-the-art spaces are packed with facilities for crystallisation, distillation, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics. It’s the hub where you’ll practice, test, and refine your technical skills.
Cleanroom access: Gain unique experience in ultra-clean facilities where you can work on precise tasks like microfluidic testing and sensor fabrication—skills highly valued in advanced manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.
Industrial Placement Year (optional): If you want to take things further, you can spend a year working in industry between your second and third year. It’s a paid role that gives you real-world insight, expands your network, and makes your CV stand out.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Chemical Engineering degree from Sheffield sets you up for a career that’s both exciting and versatile. Graduates step into roles such as Process Engineer, Sustainability Consultant, Energy Systems Developer, or Research Scientist, applying their technical knowledge to solve real-world problems across industries. With Sheffield’s strong industry links and tailored career support, you’ll graduate with the confidence and skills employers are looking for.

Here’s how Sheffield helps you shape your future:

Personalised career support – From one-to-one advice with specialist staff to tailored employability workshops, you’ll get practical help with CVs, interviews, and networking through Sheffield’s Career Connect service.
Strong graduate outcomes – Around 95% of graduates are working or studying further within 15 months, and many go straight into roles that make full use of their degree.
Competitive salaries – Graduates typically earn about £31,000 within 15 months, with average salaries rising to around £38,000 by the fifth year of employment.
Hands-on industry experience – You’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities like the Diamond Pilot Plant and Digital Innovation Zone, plus the chance to complete an industrial placement year to gain valuable experience.
Accreditation for life-long recognition – This course is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), putting you on the pathway to achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, a mark of professional excellence recognised worldwide.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to keep going after your BEng, you can progress to an MEng or specialise with a postgraduate MSc or PhD in areas such as sustainable chemical processes, advanced materials, or biotechnology. This opens the door to leadership roles, research positions, or even a future in academia.