3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
If you’ve ever wondered how everyday products like medicines, fuels, or sustainable materials are designed and made, this course could be the right fit for you. It’s perfect if you enjoy chemistry but also want to see how those reactions scale up into real-world processes, giving you both the science and the engineering to shape industries of the future.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year gives you the foundations in both chemistry and chemical engineering. You’ll get hands-on in labs while studying Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow and Chemical Engineering Design 1. In chemistry, modules like The Reactivity and Properties of Carbon Compounds and Inorganic Chemistry bring the science to life — helping you understand how molecules behave before you apply that knowledge to engineering design.
Year 2
In the second year, you’ll start to connect the dots between theory and real processes. Modules in thermodynamics and physical chemistry show you how reactions behave under different conditions, while advanced process engineering makes you think about scaling up safely and efficiently. You’ll spend more time in labs, pushing your problem-solving and teamwork skills further.
Year 3 (Placement Year)
This is where things get exciting. You’ll have the option to step out into industry for a paid placement year, either in the UK or abroad. Many students use this opportunity to work with leading companies, apply their knowledge in a real-world setting, and build valuable contacts for their career.
Final Year
Your last year brings everything together. You’ll take on Design Project 1 and Design Project 2, where you work as part of a team to design complex chemical processes from scratch. This is where creativity, technical knowledge and safety considerations all come together — preparing you for life as a professional chemical engineer.
Focus areas: chemistry and process engineering, heat and mass transfer, chemical reaction design, scale-up and safety, sustainability and innovation
Learning outcomes: you’ll graduate able to analyse and optimise chemical processes, solve engineering problems creatively, run safe lab and pilot-scale experiments, and communicate your work with confidence
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), giving you a clear pathway toward Chartered Chemical Engineer status.
Reputation (employability rankings): Around 80-90% of Huddersfield’s chemical engineering and chemistry graduates go on to work or further study within 15 months (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2021/22).
At Huddersfield, learning chemical engineering isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on experience. From the moment you start, you’ll be working in modern labs, using industry-standard tools, and applying theory to real-world problems. The program is built to make sure you graduate not just with knowledge, but with skills employers actually want.
Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience:
State-of-the-art laboratories – Work in specialist chemical sciences and chemical engineering labs, complete with pilot-scale rigs to run experiments that mirror real industrial processes.
Industry-standard software – Use chemical engineering simulation tools to model processes, test ideas, and solve problems like a professional engineer.
Optional placement year – Spend a year in a real workplace, in the UK or abroad, gaining hands-on experience and building professional connections.
Team projects – Collaborate with your classmates on projects designed to reflect real industry challenges, helping you sharpen teamwork, communication, and project management skills.
Research opportunities – Get involved in cutting-edge projects in the Department of Chemical Sciences and explore areas that interest you most.
Professional development – Take part in programs that boost your leadership, communication, and employability skills, giving you a head start in your career.
Accredited program – With IChemE accreditation, your degree aligns with industry standards and sets you on the path to becoming a Chartered Chemical Engineer.
By the time you graduate, you’ll not only understand chemical engineering but also have the confidence and practical skills to apply it in the real world.
Graduates of the Chemical Engineering with Chemistry BEng(Hons) program from the University of Huddersfield are well-equipped to embark on successful careers in various industries. With a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles and chemistry, alumni have secured positions in sectors such as chemical manufacturing, environmental consultancy, nuclear engineering, and oil and gas. The program's accreditation by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) further enhances employability and provides a pathway toward achieving Chartered Chemical Engineer status.
Career Opportunities:
Graduates can pursue roles including:
Process Engineer: Designing and optimizing chemical processes in manufacturing industries.
Environmental Consultant: Advising on sustainable practices and compliance with environmental regulations.
Nuclear Engineer: Working on projects related to nuclear energy production and safety.
Chemical Plant Manager: Overseeing operations in chemical production facilities.
These roles leverage the practical skills and theoretical knowledge gained throughout the program.
University Support Services:
The University of Huddersfield offers a range of services to support students' employability:
Careers and Employability Service: Provides guidance on job applications, CV writing, and interview preparation.
Placement Opportunities: The optional placement year allows students to gain practical experience in the industry, enhancing employability upon graduation.
Professional Development Programs: Initiatives like the Global Professional Award help students develop skills valued by employers.
Industry Partnerships:
The program benefits from strong links with industry, facilitating:
Guest Lectures and Seminars: Industry professionals share insights and current trends.
Collaborative Projects: Students work on real-world problems in partnership with companies.
Networking Opportunities: Events and fairs connect students with potential employers.
Accreditation and Long-Term Value:
The IChemE accreditation ensures that the program meets high industry standards, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the job market and a clear pathway toward becoming Chartered Chemical Engineers.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BEng(Hons) degree, graduates have the option to pursue further studies:
Master's Programs: Enrolling in a Master of Engineering (MEng) program can provide deeper specialization and research opportunities.
Postgraduate Research: Engaging in PhD studies allows for advanced research in chemical engineering and related fields.
These pathways offer opportunities for academic growth and specialization, supporting long-term career development.
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