BEng Chemical Engineering

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BEng Chemical Engineering at the University of Exeter combines chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and technology to help students design solutions for challenges faced by industries such as energy, healthcare, food production, materials, and sustainability. The programme is ideal for students interested in developing efficient industrial processes and innovative technologies, with the option to complete a Year in Industry that provides valuable professional experience through a paid placement.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
The first year introduces students to the essential principles of engineering, mathematics, scientific computing, and technical problem-solving required for chemical engineering. Students study modules such as Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, Fundamentals of Mechanics, Fundamentals of Materials, and Fundamentals of Electronics, developing a broad understanding of engineering concepts while gaining experience through collaborative projects.

Year 2
The second year allows students to explore chemical engineering concepts in greater depth, focusing on how industrial processes are designed, analysed, and improved. Modules such as Principles of Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Challenge Project, Reaction and Reactor Engineering 1, Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, Introduction to Fluid Dynamics, and Modelling of Engineering Systems help students understand process design, energy systems, and engineering analysis.

Year in Industry (Optional)
Students can choose the Year in Industry pathway, which includes a paid professional placement during the third year. This experience enables students to apply their chemical engineering knowledge in a real workplace environment, develop practical industry skills, strengthen professional networks, and gain insight into future career opportunities.

Final Year
The final year focuses on advanced chemical engineering principles, process development, and industrial applications. Students study modules such as Fluid Dynamics and CFD, Chemical Engineering Design: Research, Chemical Engineering Design: Development, Reaction and Reactor Engineering 2, Energy Storage, Separation Processes and Particle Technology, and Transport Phenomena, allowing them to apply engineering knowledge to complex challenges in areas such as sustainable energy and industrial manufacturing.

Focus Areas (in a string):
Chemical process design, Sustainable engineering, Energy systems, Thermodynamics, Fluid dynamics, Reactor engineering, Separation processes, Particle technology, Computational fluid dynamics, Materials engineering, Clean energy technologies, Industrial process optimisation.

Learning Outcomes (in a string):
Develop chemical engineering knowledge, apply mathematics and scientific principles to engineering challenges, design and analyse industrial processes, understand sustainable technologies, use engineering modelling methods, complete individual and group projects, develop technical and communication skills, gain practical laboratory experience, apply research approaches, and prepare for careers in chemical engineering and related industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The BEng Chemical Engineering provides students with the technical knowledge and practical skills required for careers in chemical engineering and related sectors. Through engineering design projects, laboratory learning, research activities, and professional placement opportunities, students develop skills that align with the needs of employers across industries such as energy, manufacturing, healthcare, materials, and environmental technology.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Exeter’s engineering programmes focus on practical learning, research-led teaching, and industry-relevant skills development. Students benefit from specialist facilities, project-based learning, and exposure to emerging engineering technologies, helping graduates build the expertise required for careers in modern engineering industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BEng Chemical Engineering at the University of Exeter offers a practical and industry-focused learning experience where students apply engineering principles to solve real-world challenges. Through laboratory work, design projects, teamwork, and professional placement opportunities, students develop skills in process design, problem-solving, innovation, and sustainable engineering. The programme provides access to specialist chemical engineering equipment, engineering laboratories, workshops, and digital tools that help students understand how chemical engineering concepts are applied in industry.

Students develop practical skills through:

Chemical engineering laboratory experience: Students gain hands-on experience with specialist equipment such as unit operations, heat exchangers, and reactors, helping them understand industrial processes and apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations.
Multi-disciplinary group projects: Through modules such as the Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project and chemical engineering design projects, students work collaboratively to develop engineering solutions. These activities strengthen teamwork, communication, project planning, and technical problem-solving skills.
Chemical engineering design projects: Students take part in project-based learning activities where they apply concepts such as process design, energy systems, materials, and engineering analysis to solve practical challenges. These projects help students develop the ability to design and evaluate efficient engineering solutions.
Engineering laboratories and workshops: Students have access to specialist engineering facilities, including chemical engineering laboratories, mechanical workshops, electronics laboratories, and technical equipment used for practical experiments and engineering development.
Computational modelling and digital tools: Students develop skills in scientific computing, engineering modelling, and process analysis. These digital approaches help students understand how engineers use computational methods to design, analyse, and improve industrial systems.
Year in Industry opportunity: Students can choose the Year in Industry option, which includes a paid professional placement during the third year. This allows students to apply their academic knowledge in a workplace environment, gain industry experience, develop professional skills, and build connections with employers.
Research-led learning: Students learn from academics involved in engineering research and explore current developments in areas such as clean energy, energy storage, sustainable processes, waste reduction, water treatment, and advanced materials.
Independent design and research activities: In the later stages of the programme, students complete advanced engineering projects that allow them to apply their knowledge to complex chemical engineering challenges while developing independent research, analysis, and design skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BEng Chemical Engineering at the University of Exeter develop a strong foundation in engineering principles, practical problem-solving, sustainable technologies, and industrial processes, preparing them for careers across sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, food production, materials, healthcare, and environmental technology. The programme equips students with technical knowledge, project experience, and professional skills that are highly valued by employers in engineering and technology-driven industries. Typical career roles include Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Energy Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Research Engineer, and Product Development Engineer.

Students are supported in building successful careers through professional development opportunities, industry experience, and employability support:

Career development and employability support: Students have access to the University of Exeter’s Career Zone, which provides career guidance, skills workshops, application support, interview preparation, and resources to help students plan their career journey and prepare for employment.
Professional placement opportunities: Students can choose the Year in Industry option, which includes a paid placement during the third year. The university supports students in preparing for placements through employability sessions and guidance, allowing them to gain practical workplace experience, develop professional skills, and build connections with employers.
Industry-relevant skills development: The programme develops skills in chemical process design, engineering analysis, teamwork, communication, project management, and problem-solving. These skills prepare graduates for roles across industries including energy, healthcare, manufacturing, food production, and sustainable technologies.
Research and innovation opportunities: Students learn about current engineering challenges and emerging technologies, including clean energy solutions, energy storage, waste reduction, water treatment, and advanced materials. This research-led approach helps graduates develop the ability to contribute to future engineering innovations.
Professional value and career growth: The degree provides graduates with a strong technical foundation for careers in chemical engineering and related fields. The combination of academic knowledge, practical projects, and industry experience supports long-term career development and progression into specialist engineering roles.
Graduate outcomes and career destinations: Graduates are prepared for opportunities in chemical engineering, process development, research, consultancy, project management, and technical roles across industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, consumer products, materials, and environmental engineering.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BEng Chemical Engineering, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes such as an MEng Chemical Engineering or specialist master’s degrees in areas including chemical process engineering, sustainable energy, advanced materials, environmental engineering, and research-focused engineering fields. Further study allows graduates to develop deeper technical expertise, specialise in advanced areas of chemical engineering, and progress towards research, innovation, or senior engineering roles.