Newcastle University

Degree Programme

Key Features and Benefits of the Degree Programme

• A two-year programme to enable you to convert Diploma-level or similar qualifications to a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Degree with the right skills for today’s industry
  
• High-quality education from leading academics employed by Newcastle University’s School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials
  
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) qualification awarded by an internationally recognised institution: Newcastle University, UK
  
• The degree programme is designed based on existing successful provision at Newcastle, to exactly the same standard of quality, aiming to meet regional demands
  
• Opportunity for an overseas study experience at Newcastle’s UK campus
  
• Candidates graduating with high marks will be eligible to apply for postgraduate study (Masters or PhD) at Newcastle University in Singapore or its UK campus
  

Course Aims

The aim of the Degree programme is to produce graduates who have a coherent understanding of Chemical Engineering, combining a sound theoretical grasp of the subject with practical experience and an awareness of their responsibilities to society and the environment. Graduates should be capable of becoming professional Chemical and Process Engineers in industry or of following a postgraduate route into a research, industrial or academic career.

Course Content

This degree programme is oriented towards the impact of industry on the environment and is concerned with ensuring that process solutions are economically viable and socially and environmentally acceptable.
In Year 1, your knowledge of the fundamentals of Chemical Engineering that would have been gained during your Diploma courses will be enhanced by developing deeper knowledge in Chemistry, Thermodynamics and Mathematics. Fundamental Chemical Engineering topics such as Process Safety, Transfer Processes, Reactor Engineering, Process Dynamics, and Process Control are introduced.
Year 2 contains a major group process plant design project that requires you to apply your Chemical Engineering knowledge in a holistic and integrated manner. You will also study more advanced Chemical Engineering subjects with a major focus on Sustainability issues, learning how to balance environmental, social and economic considerations.

Academic Year

The academic year will be aligned with the academic year in Newcastle, starting in September and ending in June. The academic year is divided into two semesters with an assessment period at the end of each. Each semester comprises 12 teaching weeks plus 2 weeks for assessment. There will also be short breaks for Christmas and Easter.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is through a combination of lectures and tutorials plus independent guided reading. Laboratories will be used to demonstrate the practical application of theory. You will study 120 credits in each year of the programme. Every 10 credits is approximately 100 hours of total study time (timetabled class hours and private study). Assessment is a mix of examination and continuous assessment. Examinations generally occur at the end of each semester.

Entrance Requirements

The degree programme is designed for students who hold a Diploma in Chemical Engineering or equivalent qualification from any of the polytechnics in Singapore. Applications are submitted to SIT in the first instance before entering Newcastle University’s selection process. All applicants will be considered individually on the basis of the information provided in their application, academic performance and potential. The normal offer is a minimum CGPA of 3. We have a very positive approach to mature candidates seeking to return to higher education. We encourage you to contact us to discuss your position if you have any doubts or require any further details or clarification.

Employment Opportunities

Chemical Engineers are the highest paid of all engineers. The reason is simple - their expertise and knowledge are required in many industrial sectors: from the production of silicon chips and new materials to the manufacture and processing of bulk chemicals and polymers. So, as a Chemical Engineer, you might be:

• solving the problems encountered in one of these processes
• working alongside scientists and engineers from other disciplines to design and commission manufacturing complexes of the future
• a production manager co-ordinating the raw materials, manpower and energy consumption to ensure that the production process operates cleanly, safely and efficiently

You may even develop a career in the world of commerce, making use of your knowledge to predict chemical market trends and to perform financial audits on production sites. The face of Chemical and Process Engineering is constantly evolving and career paths are vast and varied, including jobs in Research and Technology, Production, Sales and Management.

How To Apply

To apply for this programme please visit the Singapore Institute of Technology website.

Degree Programme Handbook

You will receive a copy of the current degree programme handbook when you start your course. The 2011/12 Undergraduate Chemical Engineering (Singapore) degree programme handbook (PDF: 430KB) is available for your reference.