MEng Chemical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

MEng Chemical Engineering at the University of Exeter is ideal for students who want to apply engineering principles to transform raw materials into useful products while tackling major global challenges such as sustainable energy, environmental protection and efficient resource use. The programme combines chemical engineering with wider engineering disciplines, helping students develop expertise in process design, energy systems, materials and industrial applications through practical projects, laboratory work and an optional Year in Industry.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year provides a strong foundation in engineering, introducing key concepts in mathematics, scientific computing, mechanics, materials and electronics. You will 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 essential technical knowledge, teamwork abilities and problem-solving skills for chemical engineering.

Year 2
In your second year, you begin to focus more specifically on chemical engineering principles and industrial processes. Modules such as Principles of Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Challenge Project, Introduction to Fluid Dynamics, Reaction and Reactor Engineering 1, and Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer help you understand chemical processes, energy transfer, fluid behaviour and the design of engineering systems.

Year 3
Your third year develops advanced chemical engineering skills through specialist topics and practical design applications. You will study modules including Fluid Dynamics and CFD, Chemical Engineering Design: 1 - Research, Chemical Engineering Design: 2 - Development, Reaction and Reactor Engineering 2, Energy Storage, Separation Processes and Particle Technology, and Transport Phenomena, strengthening your abilities in process modelling, industrial design and sustainable engineering solutions.

Final Year
The final year of the MEng programme focuses on advanced chemical engineering concepts, research and innovation. You will complete the MEng Individual Investigative Project and study specialist modules such as Advanced CFD, Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Topics in Chemical Engineering, and Water and Wastewater Treatment, allowing you to explore complex engineering challenges and develop solutions for real-world applications.

Year in Industry (Optional)
You can extend your degree to five years by choosing the Year in Industry option, which includes a professional placement during your third year. This provides the opportunity to apply chemical engineering knowledge in an industry setting, gain practical experience, develop professional skills and build valuable connections before completing your final year.

Focus Areas

Chemical Engineering, Process Design, Sustainable Engineering, Clean Energy, Reaction Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Separation Processes, Materials Engineering, Energy Storage, Water Treatment, Industrial Processes, Research and Innovation

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced chemical engineering knowledge, design and analyse industrial processes, apply mathematical and computational methods, understand chemical reactions and process systems, create sustainable engineering solutions, develop research and project management skills, solve complex engineering challenges, gain practical laboratory skills, collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, communicate engineering solutions effectively

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MEng Chemical Engineering programme develops the advanced technical knowledge and practical skills required for careers across industries including energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, materials, manufacturing and environmental technology. The integrated Master’s structure provides a strong foundation for professional engineering development and supports progression towards future professional accreditation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The programme prepares graduates for a wide range of industries by combining chemical engineering expertise with skills in innovation, project management, problem-solving and sustainable design.
Students benefit from Exeter’s research-led teaching environment, practical project experience and laboratory-based learning, helping them develop skills aligned with modern engineering challenges.
Graduates are prepared for opportunities in sectors such as clean energy, healthcare, food production, advanced materials, environmental technology and industrial manufacturing.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

MEng Chemical Engineering at the University of Exeter gives students the opportunity to develop practical engineering skills by applying theory to real industrial challenges. Through laboratory sessions, design projects, computational modelling and research-led activities, students learn how chemical engineering principles are used to create efficient processes, develop sustainable solutions and improve industrial systems. The programme provides access to specialist engineering facilities, digital tools and project-based learning opportunities that help students build the technical and professional skills needed for a career in chemical engineering.

Students gain practical experience through laboratory work, engineering projects, specialist equipment and industry-focused activities:

Chemical engineering laboratory experience: Students work with chemical engineering equipment such as unit operations, heat exchangers and reactors, allowing them to apply concepts from process design, thermodynamics and fluid systems in practical situations.
Hands-on group projects: Students take part in project-based learning through modules such as Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, Chemical Engineering Challenge Project, and advanced chemical engineering design projects, where they collaborate to solve engineering problems and develop teamwork, communication and design skills.
Process modelling and computational tools: Students develop skills in engineering analysis and simulation through areas such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and process modelling, helping them understand how digital techniques are used to optimise industrial processes.
Thermodynamics and fluid dynamics facilities: Students use specialist engineering facilities that support practical learning in areas including thermodynamics, fluid flow, energy systems and chemical process engineering.
Engineering software and digital tools: Students gain experience with engineering software and technical tools such as MATLAB, Multisim, Ultiboard, MPLAB IDE and Arduino programming environments to support modelling, simulation and engineering design activities.
Fabrication and prototype development: Students can use engineering fabrication facilities to design and develop prototypes, with access to tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters and CAD/CAM software including SolidWorks, CamWorks and AutoCAD.
Research-led learning: Students learn from academics involved in engineering research and explore current developments in areas such as sustainable energy, waste reduction, water treatment, advanced materials and environmentally responsible engineering solutions.
Year in Industry option: Students can choose the Year in Industry pathway to gain professional experience through a workplace placement, allowing them to apply chemical engineering knowledge in an industrial environment while developing valuable career skills.
Engineering laboratories and facilities: Students have access to specialist facilities including electronics laboratories, fabrication laboratories, materials laboratories, structures laboratories, and thermodynamics and fluid dynamics facilities that support practical experimentation and technical development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MEng Chemical Engineering programme at the University of Exeter develop strong technical knowledge, practical engineering abilities and problem-solving skills that prepare them for careers across industries such as energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, healthcare, materials and sustainable technology. The programme’s combination of advanced chemical engineering study, project experience and industry-focused learning helps students build the expertise required for professional engineering roles. Typical career paths include chemical engineer, process engineer, energy engineer and research and development engineer.

Students benefit from career support, industry exposure and professional development opportunities that help them transition successfully into employment:

Career support through Exeter’s Career Zone: Students receive access to career guidance, employability workshops, placement support, CV and interview advice, and resources designed to help them prepare for graduate opportunities.
Industry experience opportunities: Students can choose the Year in Industry option, completing a professional placement during the programme to apply chemical engineering knowledge in a real workplace, gain practical experience and develop valuable industry connections.
Strong employment outcomes: Engineering graduates from the University of Exeter achieve excellent career outcomes, with 96% of Engineering graduates in or due to start employment or further study 15 months after graduation according to HESA Graduate Outcomes data (2022/23).
Industry and employer connections: Students benefit from Exeter Engineering’s links with organisations and industries working in areas such as renewable energy, materials, manufacturing, environmental engineering and sustainable technologies.
Graduate career sectors: Graduates can pursue opportunities in sectors including energy production, pharmaceuticals, food processing, healthcare technology, consumer products, environmental solutions and advanced manufacturing.
Professional development value: The MEng qualification provides advanced engineering knowledge, research experience and project management skills, supporting progression into specialist engineering roles and future professional development.
Research-led learning environment: Students benefit from Exeter’s strong engineering research culture, where learning is connected to current developments in areas such as sustainable engineering, clean energy and industrial innovation.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MEng Chemical Engineering degree, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes such as an MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Sustainable Energy, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, Process Engineering or related research areas. Further study can help graduates specialise in advanced research, industrial innovation, academic careers or leadership positions within engineering and technology sectors.