Chemical Engineering MEng, BEng

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Leeds

Program Overview

Year 1
Your first year builds a strong foundation in the essential sciences and maths needed for chemical engineering. Modules such as Foundation Mathematics, Foundation Physics, Process Engineering Fundamentals, and Mass and Energy Balances help you understand the principles behind chemical processes, while Professional Engineering Skills develops your teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Year 2
In year two, you dive deeper into core chemical engineering topics. You’ll study modules like Applied Physical Chemistry with Thermodynamics, Introduction to Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, and Chemistry for Engineers, giving you the skills to analyze and model chemical processes effectively.

Year 3 – Industrial Placement Year
Year three is all about putting your knowledge into practice with a year-long industrial placement. This gives you a chance to experience the chemical engineering industry firsthand, build professional connections, and develop practical skills that employers value.

Year 4
In your final year, you tackle advanced chemical engineering topics and undertake a major research project. Modules such as Process Systems Engineering, Reactor Design, and the Chemical Engineering Research Project allow you to apply everything you’ve learned to real-world challenges and prepare for a professional career.

Focus Areas: Digital Manufacturing and Processes, Energy Engineering, Materials Engineering, Nuclear Engineering

Learning Outcomes: Analytical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Independent Research, Effective Communication, Technical Proficiency

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), meeting UK standards for professional engineering competence (UKSPEC)

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Leeds is known for strong engineering programs, producing graduates who are highly sought after in the chemical engineering sector

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Leeds, you won’t just be sitting in lectures—you’ll be learning like a real chemical engineer from day one. Whether it’s stepping into a virtual chemical plant, running experiments in the lab, or working on design projects with your classmates, the course is designed to give you the kind of practical experience employers value.

Here’s a taste of what that looks like:

Hands-on lab work – you’ll get to run real unit operations like distillation columns, reactors, and heat exchangers in our dedicated Process Engineering teaching labs, bringing textbook concepts to life.
Virtual reality & simulations – experience the scale and complexity of chemical plants in VR and practise using the same simulation software professionals rely on.
Cutting-edge digital tools – from digital twins to design of experiments, you’ll use advanced engineering software to test, design, and improve chemical processes.
Discovery labs – as you progress through the course, you’ll move from guided lab sessions to planning and running your own experiments, analysing results, and presenting your findings.
Team & individual projects – in the early years you’ll work on group design projects, and by your final year (if you choose the MEng), you’ll run your own independent research project with expert academic support.
Learning ethics in practice – unique to Leeds, you’ll also explore engineering ethics—like responsibility, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility—taught alongside lab work by experts from the Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied Centre.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Leeds with a Chemical Engineering BEng/MEng opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers. Many of our students step into roles such as Process Engineer, Energy Systems Developer, Sustainability Consultant, or R&D Specialist within just a year or two of leaving university. You’ll have both the technical expertise and the professional confidence to make an impact in industries that really matter.

And here’s why Leeds sets you up for success:

Specialist employability support – our Faculty Employability Team is here to help you secure summer internships, year-long placements, and graduate roles, as well as running careers fairs, CV workshops, and networking events with employers.
Strong outcomes and salaries – 100% of our BEng Chemical Engineering graduates are in work or further study within 15 months. Typical starting salaries average £31,000, rising to around £34,500 after 3 years and £42,000 after 5 years.
Real industry experience – from process simulation to pilot-scale equipment, your course mirrors professional practice so you’re industry-ready the day you graduate.
Accreditation with impact – our degree is fully accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), giving you a clear route towards becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng)—a status that carries global recognition.
A degree employers notice – Leeds is ranked Top 10 in the UK for Chemical Engineering (Guardian 2025) and Top 100 worldwide (QS 2025). Plus, our graduates are among the top 5 most targeted by leading UK employers (High Fliers 2024).