MEng Chemical Engineering

At Manchester, chemical engineering isn’t something you just read about — you get to do it. From your very first year, you’ll be in our brand-new Home of Engineering and Materials, learning in labs that feel more like real industry than a classroom. Whether it’s running pilot-scale equipment, practising safety in the lab, or designing greener processes in group projects, you’ll be building the skills that employers are looking for. And the best part? You’re not on your own — digital tools, video tutorials, and hands-on support are there to make sure you get the most out of every session.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Work on Laboratory Projects 1 & 2, where you’ll develop experimental skills, learn to write professional technical reports, and build confidence in applying theory to practice.

• Take on the third-year Design Project, a team challenge where you’ll solve real-world engineering problems — past projects have focused on sustainable solutions like turning waste into valuable products.

• Develop professional communication skills through presentations, poster sessions, and interviews — the same ways engineers share ideas in industry.

• Use digital learning tools, including pre-lab video guides and lecture podcasts, so you walk into every lab prepared and ready to experiment.

• Learn in the Nancy Rothwell Building, home to one of the UK’s most advanced engineering facilities, complete with industry-standard pilot plants, sustainability-focused labs, and collaborative project spaces.

One of the best things about studying Chemical Engineering at Manchester is where it takes you afterwards. Most of our graduates go straight into great jobs or further study, and just 15 months after finishing their degree, they’re earning an average of £30,000+. Typical roles include process engineer, project manager, safety consultant, or low-carbon technologies specialist — all careers where you’ll be making a real impact.

Here’s how Manchester helps you get there:

• Dedicated careers support – You’ll have access to one of the UK’s best university careers services, offering tailored advice, CV and interview help, career fairs, and employer networking events. Support continues even after you graduate.

• Strong employment outcomes – Our graduates average £30,763 in earnings just over a year after graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2019/20).

• Industry connections – We have strong links with leading employers like Pfizer, Unilever, Siemens, ExxonMobil, BP, GSK, and Shell, giving you a head start in securing placements and graduate roles.

• Professional recognition – The MEng is fully accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), putting you directly on the path towards Chartered Engineer status — a huge advantage for long-term career progression.

• Graduate destinations – Alumni have gone into engineering, energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, data analysis, and consultancy, showing how flexible and valued this degree really is.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to keep studying, Manchester offers exciting postgraduate routes — from MSc programs in Advanced Chemical Engineering or Sustainable Industrial Systems, through to PhD research. You’ll be part of one of the UK’s largest chemical engineering research hubs, with access to world-leading facilities and a vibrant academic community.