BEng Chemical Engineering

One of the best things about Chemical Engineering at UCL is how quickly you move from theory into practice. You won’t just sit in lecture theatres—you’ll be in the lab, working with real equipment, solving industry-style problems in teams, and even using the same software that professionals rely on. If you choose the Year in Industry, you’ll take everything you’ve learned into the workplace and come back with the kind of experience that makes your CV stand out.

Here’s a taste of what that looks like in practice:

• Specialist labs you’ll actually use – from advanced nanomaterials and crystallisation labs to the Fluidization & Multiphase facilities and the Bio-Energy Technology Research Lab. These are packed with tools like 3D nanoscribe printers, imaging systems, and pilot-scale rigs, so you’re working with the same kind of kit you’d find in industry.

• Scenario weeks in the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP) – six intensive, week-long projects where you and your team act as real engineers tackling big challenges, such as designing cleaner energy solutions or improving pharmaceutical processes.

• Industry-standard software – you’ll get hands-on with digital tools like Aspen and gPROMS, simulating entire chemical processes and testing “what if” scenarios before they ever go near a plant.

• Year in Industry option – a chance to spend a year with a company, applying your learning in real projects, building networks, and returning with practical experience that employers love.

• Networking opportunities – career fairs, employer talks, and society events (like those run by UCL’s Ramsay ChemEng Society) connect you directly with leading organisations, so you’re always one step closer to your next opportunity.

All of this means you’ll graduate with not just knowledge, but the confidence and experience of someone who’s already worked in the field.

Graduating from UCL’s Chemical Engineering BEng really opens doors. Within six months, nearly 9 out of 10 graduates (87.5%) are already in full-time work or self-employment, stepping into roles such as Process Engineer, Management Consultant, Data Analyst, or Software Developer. What’s more, chemical engineers consistently earn higher salaries than most other engineers, so you’ll be starting your career from a strong position.

And the support doesn’t stop when you finish your degree—you’ll have a whole network of services and industry links working in your favour:

• UCL Careers support – from one-to-one coaching to CV checks, interview prep, and employer networking events, all available for up to three years after you graduate.

• Employment stats & salaries – 87.5% employed or self-employed within six months; chemical engineers often enjoy some of the highest graduate starting salaries in engineering.

• Industry partnerships – UCL Chemical Engineering has close ties with companies like Johnson Matthey, BP, Deloitte, ExxonMobil, and Deutsche Bank, giving you real-world exposure and career connections.

• Professional recognition – The degree is IChemE-accredited, putting you on the path to becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng)—a career-long stamp of quality and global recognition.

• Graduate outcomes – Across UCL, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, and the university is ranked among the top 20 worldwide for graduate employability.