The Chemical Engineering, BEng Hons degree at the University of Greenwich is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to address real-world engineering challenges. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, including engineering science, particle technology, management, pharmaceutical development, and bioengineering, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the dynamic field of chemical engineering.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundational Knowledge
In the first year, students are introduced to the core principles of chemical engineering. Modules include:
Fluid Mechanics: Understanding the behavior of fluids in motion and at rest.
Heat Transfer: Exploring the methods of energy transfer through materials.
Mass Transfer: Studying the movement of mass within and between phases.
Equilibrium Stages: Analyzing processes where the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate.
These foundational modules provide the basis for more advanced studies in subsequent years.
Year 2: Intermediate Concepts
The second year delves deeper into the complexities of chemical engineering processes. Key modules encompass:
Process Measurement and Control: Learning about the instrumentation and systems used to monitor and control chemical processes.
Engineering Professional Practice and Development: Gaining insights into health and safety, risk assessment, and quality standards in engineering.
Sustainable Development and Industry 4.0: Understanding the importance of sustainability and the impact of digital technologies on the industry.
These modules aim to build upon the knowledge acquired in the first year and prepare students for practical applications in the field.
Year 3: Advanced Topics and Specialization
In the final year, students engage with advanced topics and undertake specialized projects. Modules include:
Industrial Chemistry and Scale-Up: Studying the chemical processes involved in large-scale production.
Electrochemistry: Exploring the chemical processes that involve electron transfer.
Design Project: Applying the knowledge gained throughout the course to a comprehensive engineering design project.
This year emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for professional practice.
Focus Areas
Engineering Science
Particle Technology
Pharmaceutical Development
Bioengineering
Management in Chemical Engineering
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
Apply principles of chemical engineering to solve complex problems.
Design and analyze chemical processes and systems.
Understand and implement safety and environmental regulations.
Communicate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Engage in lifelong learning and professional development.
Professional Alignment
The BEng Hons degree is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), ensuring that the program meets the high standards required for professional practice in chemical engineering.
Reputation
The University of Greenwich is recognized for its strong emphasis on employability and industry connections. The program's accreditation by IChemE further enhances its reputation, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the job market.
At Greenwich, Chemical Engineering is all about learning by doing. From your very first year, you’ll get hands-on experience in modern, well-equipped laboratories at the Medway Campus, where you can test, experiment, and bring the theory you learn in lectures to life. The course is designed to give you a taste of real-world engineering, combining practical work, teamwork, and exposure to industry standards so that you’re confident and ready for your future career.
Here’s what you can expect in terms of practical experience:
Specialist Laboratories – Work in dedicated chemical engineering labs with industry-standard equipment, performing experiments that mirror real industrial processes.
Simulation Software – Use advanced digital tools to model and analyze chemical processes, giving you valuable analytical skills.
Group Projects – Collaborate with your peers on team-based projects, building communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Field Trips – Visit industrial sites and process plants to see how chemical engineering works in the real world.
Research Opportunities – Contribute to ongoing research in areas like particle technology, sustainable design, or pharmaceuticals.
Industry Links – Benefit from strong connections with companies, which can lead to internships and collaborative projects.
All of these experiences are designed to help you apply your learning practically, develop professional skills, and get a real feel for life as a chemical engineer.
Graduating from the Chemical Engineering, BEng Hons program at Greenwich opens up a wide range of exciting career opportunities. With strong practical skills, industry awareness, and the program’s IChemE accreditation, you’ll be well-prepared to step into professional roles and even work toward becoming a Chartered Engineer. Typical career paths include:
Process Engineer – designing and optimizing industrial processes to improve efficiency and sustainability.
Chemical Production Manager – overseeing operations in chemical plants to ensure smooth, safe, and effective production.
Pharmaceutical Development Specialist – contributing to the creation and testing of new pharmaceutical products.
Environmental Compliance Officer – making sure processes meet environmental regulations and sustainability goals.
Greenwich also gives you lots of support to make your career journey smoother:
Careers and Employability Service – get personalized guidance on CVs, applications, and interviews.
Industry Partnerships – take advantage of internships, placements, and real-world project collaborations with leading companies.
Employability Passport Scheme – develop and showcase skills that employers value most.
Graduate Outcomes – most graduates move straight into employment or further study, giving you confidence in your next steps.
Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue studying after your BEng Hons, there are plenty of options:
Master’s Degrees (MSc) in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Pharmaceutical Sciences to specialize and advance your expertise.
PhD Opportunities if you’re interested in research and innovation in chemical engineering.
Postgraduate Certificates or Diplomas to deepen knowledge in specific areas and stand out in the job market.
With these pathways, you can tailor your future—whether that’s diving deeper into a specialized field or stepping straight into an exciting engineering career.
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