BEng Chemical Engineering

At Southampton, chemical engineering isn’t something you just read about—it’s something you actually do. From day one, you’ll be in labs and computer suites that mirror the tools and environments used by professional engineers. You’ll test out theories on real equipment, run powerful simulations, and even step inside a virtual control room that shows you exactly how chemical plants operate. By the time you graduate, you’ll have practical experience that employers really value:

• Specialist labs you’ll actually use – from distillation columns and different reactor types to fermentation systems and process control rigs, you’ll get hands-on with the kind of equipment you’ll later see in industry.

• Simulation and design software – in the IT suite, you’ll work with digital tools that let you model chemical processes, explore reaction engineering, and practice plant design.

• Virtual plant control room – a safe but realistic way to see how large-scale chemical processes are monitored and controlled.

• Freshly refurbished teaching spaces – brand-new chemical engineering facilities with energy-efficient designs, flexible labs, and over 10,000 m² of workshops and research areas.

• Team-based design projects – in your final year, you’ll collaborate with classmates to design and present solutions to a full engineering challenge, just as you would in a professional workplace.

• Optional Year in Industry – take your degree one step further with a paid placement, where you’ll gain valuable experience, earn a salary, and return to your final year with a big advantage in the job market.

Studying Chemical Engineering at Southampton sets you up for a career where your skills really make a difference. Graduates go on to work as Process Engineers, Sustainability Consultants, Energy Specialists, or even in cutting-edge Research & Development roles. Employers value Southampton engineers because they graduate with strong problem-solving skills, hands-on lab experience, and a clear understanding of real-world industry needs.

Here’s how the university helps you take the next step in your career:

• Dedicated careers support – you’ll have access to Southampton’s Careers and Employability team, who provide one-to-one guidance, workshops, and direct links to employers through careers fairs and networking events.

• Excellent employment results – around 91–94% of Southampton Chemical Engineering graduates are working or in further study within 15 months, and the vast majority secure skilled roles that align with their degree.

• Competitive salaries – graduates typically start on around £31,000, rising to over £40,000 within five years.

• Industry connections – teaching is closely linked with industry, with opportunities to gain practical experience through placements and projects using real-world simulation tools and control systems.

• Professional recognition – the degree is in the process of accreditation with the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), setting you on the pathway to achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, which is a long-term career advantage worldwide.