MEng Chemical Engineering

5 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

The MEng in Chemical Engineering at Strathclyde is a five-year integrated master’s degree that gives you the skills and confidence to tackle real-world challenges — from creating cleaner energy and sustainable chemicals to designing life-saving pharmaceuticals. It’s ideal if you want a balance of technical expertise, practical experience, and professional readiness, all while setting yourself on the path to becoming a Chartered Engineer.

Curriculum Structure

  • Year 1: You’ll get a solid grounding in the basics, with modules like Mathematics for Engineers, Chemistry for Chemical Engineers, and practical lab work. This sets you up with the core knowledge you need to succeed.

  • Year 2: You’ll dive into essential chemical engineering concepts such as Fluid Flow & Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, and Process Analysis. Labs and practical sessions give you hands-on experience applying what you learn.

  • Year 3: This is where things get really interesting — you’ll study Reactors, Biochemical Engineering, Mass Transfer & Separation Processes, and Ethics & Sustainability, while developing advanced IT and problem-solving skills.

  • Year 4: The focus shifts to design and integration. You’ll tackle Particle Technology, Multiphase Systems, Process Control, and a major design project that challenges you to apply everything you’ve learned to a real-world scenario.

  • Year 5 (MEng): In your final year, you can choose from advanced options like Molecular Simulation, Safety Management, or Petrochemical Engineering. You’ll also complete a substantial project, which could be industry-based, research-focused, or even in collaboration with a partner university.

Focus Areas

  • Process design and optimisation

  • Safety and risk management

  • Sustainability and environmental engineering

  • Advanced measurement and molecular simulation

  • Programming and process control

Learning Outcomes

By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to design and analyse complex chemical processes, lead technical projects, and apply modern simulation and optimisation tools to solve real-world challenges — all with sustainability and safety in mind.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This course is fully accredited by IChemE, meaning it meets the academic requirements to become a Chartered Engineer — a huge boost for your career prospects.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Strathclyde’s Chemical Engineering program is ranked 5th in the UK and 1st in Scotland (The Times / Sunday Times Good University Guide), and students benefit from strong links with industry, including opportunities to work with companies like GSK and Diageo. Modern labs, computing facilities, and guest lectures from industry experts ensure you’re prepared for the real world.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you choose the MEng Chemical Engineering at Strathclyde, you’re signing up for a course where you’ll be doing far more than sitting in lectures. From day one, you’ll be designing processes, running experiments, and solving real engineering problems  just like professional chemical engineers do. By your final year, you’ll take on a major project that could even be done with an industry partner, giving you a real taste of working in the field.

Here’s what hands-on learning looks like in practice:

  • Team Design Projects – Start with smaller design tasks and move on to a major project in your final year, working in teams to tackle real-world challenges.

  • Lab Work & Analytical Facilities – Access well-equipped labs with continuous reactors, adsorption analysers, microscopes, and more to turn theory into action.

  • Software & Simulation – Learn to model processes and run simulations using advanced software, giving you skills that employers are looking for.

  • Industry Exposure – Guest lectures from industry experts, masterclasses, and opportunities to work on projects with companies like GSK or Diageo.

  • Research-Led Learning – Work alongside faculty who are pushing boundaries in nanomaterials, electrochemical engineering, and sustainability.

  • Professional Skills – Develop teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and project management skills through collaborative projects.

  • Global & Industry Placements – Optional placements or study abroad opportunities help you gain international experience and industry connections.

  • High-Performance Computing – Use powerful computing resources to run simulations and model complex chemical processes.

At Strathclyde, the focus is on giving you real-world experience so that when you graduate, you’re not just ready to start a job — you’re ready to make an impact in the chemical engineering world.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Strathclyde’s MEng in Chemical Engineering prepares you for a hands-on, high-responsibility career in industries like energy, pharmaceuticals, or manufacturing. Graduates often move into roles such as process engineers, design engineers, or technical consultants  and some go on to research or sustainability-focused positions.

Future Progression & Opportunities:
Here’s how this degree sets you up for success:

  • Support & Industry Connections:

    • The Department of Chemical & Process Engineering has strong links with industry, giving you access to work placements, networking, and real-world projects.

    • You’ll gain hands-on experience in modern labs and through design-based coursework, preparing you to solve real engineering problems.

    • Scholarships and industry engagement opportunities help you fund your studies and connect with future employers.

  • Employment & Earnings:

    • Recent chemical engineering graduates from Strathclyde earn around £34,500 within 15 months of graduating.

    • Early-career roles typically start at £28,600, rising to over £50,000 as you gain experience.

    • Achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status can further boost your earning potential.

  • Long-Term Value & Accreditation:

    • The MEng is designed to give you a professional-level qualification, preparing you for chartership with IChemE.

    • You’ll graduate with strong technical expertise and problem-solving skills, highly valued in both industry and research.

  • Typical Roles Graduates Take On:

    1. Process Engineer – running or designing chemical production plants

    2. Design / Project Engineer – leading engineering projects from start to finish

    3. R&D Engineer – developing new processes or materials

    4. Technical Consultant – advising companies on process improvements, safety, or efficiency

Further Academic Progression:

  • After the MEng, you could pursue a PhD in chemical engineering or process systems if you’re interested in research or academia.

  • You might also take on industry-sponsored research projects that combine work and further study.

  • Alternatively, moving straight into industry with your MEng can fast-track you toward Chartered Engineer status and leadership roles in engineering firms.

Program Key Stats

£30,950 (Annual cost)
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


Eligibility Criteria

AAB
2.8
32
70

NA
NA
NA
6.0
80

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Facilities Engineer
  • Graduate Support Engineer
  • Lecturer
  • Operations Specialist
  • Process Chemical Engineer
  • Process Operations Supervisor

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts