Chemical Engineering with Year in Industry MEng Honours

Course overview

You'll study a broad curriculum covering the theory and practical application of chemical engineering, including how to use industrial apparatus in our very own pilot plant.

In your third year you spend a paid year in industry, gaining invaluable work experience and building industry contacts. You will work in a team of professional engineers and scientists to apply your knowledge to an industrial problem defined by your host company. Your technical skills will be assessed through an industrial design project and you complete selected chemical engineering topics by distance learning. 

The School and the University Careers Service will help you to find potential employers and guide you through the application process. We have strong links with over 100 companies, including:

• P&G
• MSD
• ExxonMobil

On return to University in your fourth year, you study a selection of topics that are tailored to further develop the technical expertise you gain on your placement.

Download information about this course as a PDF

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Additional information

Flexible degree structure

All of our Chemical Engineering degrees (except our Industry degree), cover the same study programme for the first three years. This means that transfer between our degrees (except the Industry degree) is possible up to the end of Stage 3 should you find your interests change, providing you achieve the appropriate academic standard. 

Transfer to or from our Industry degree is also possible up to the end of Stage 2, providing you achieve the appropriate academic standard.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Stage 1 will provide an introduction to the core principles of engineering, mathematics and science. You will focus on chemistry, thermodynamics, the principles of chemical engineering, and engineering mathematics.

The modules listed below are for 2023 entry. Details of the modules on offer for 2024 entry can be found in this course regulations document (PDF: 114KB).

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Chemistry	25
Thermodynamics	10
Transfer Processes	25
Principles of Chemical Engineering	25
Computing and Numerical Methods	10
Data Analysis in Process Industries	5
Engineering Mathematics I	20

During Stage 2, you will further develop the knowledge and skills gained in Stage 1, alongside areas such as separation processes, reactor engineering, and process measurement. 

The modules listed below are for 2023 entry. Details of the modules on offer for 2024 entry can be found in this course regulations document (PDF: 114KB).

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Separation Processes 1	20
Transfer Processes 2	20
Reactor Engineering	10
Process Development Science and Analysis	10
Thermodynamics 2	10
Process Measurement, Dynamics & Control	10
Chemical Engineering Laboratory I	10
Safety, Risk and Engineering Practice	20
Engineering Mathematics II	10

Stage 3 will be spent on placement within a chemical/process engineering company. During this time, you'll work as part of a team of professional engineers on an industrial problem defined by your host company. You'll also be able to complete chemical engineering modules via distance learning. 

This is subject to successful completion of Stage 2 with an overall pass threshold of 65%.

The modules listed below are for 2023 entry. Details of the modules on offer for 2024 entry can be found in this course regulations document (PDF: 114KB).

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Industrial Design Project	50
Separation Processes 2 (Industry)	15
Placement Log Book	5
Chemical Engineering Knowledge (Industry)	50

In your final year, you will return to the University and study carefully selected modules, chosen to enhance the technical experience gained during your placement. You will also complete a research project and individual design project. 

The modules listed below are for 2023 entry. Details of the modules on offer for 2024 entry can be found in this course regulations document (PDF: 114KB).

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Process Control	10
Design for Process Safety	10
Reactor Systems Engineering	15
Process Intensification	10
MEng Research Project	55
Advanced Design Project	20

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2022-23.

Teaching time is made up of:

• scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
• structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Our strong links with industry experts and focus on industry skills ensure you'll graduate fully equipped for a career in the chemical engineering sector.

Your studies include:

• problem-based learning for the first three years based around industrial case studies – excellent preparation for life as a professional engineer
• lectures delivered by practising industry experts covering issues surrounding safety management and environmental protection
• industry representation on our Board of Studies with direct input into our degrees
• industry links with over 100 chemical engineering companies, resulting in sponsorship and placement opportunities and plant visits

We use case study-led teaching, so your learning has real-world relevance. Teaching is through a combination of:

• lectures
• tutorials
• seminars
• computer practice sessions
• extensive practical laboratory work
• group work on case studies and design projects 

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Assessments

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Interviews

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Reports

Skills and experience

Research skills

During your final year, you will complete a substantial research project. You will also develop comprehensive research skills throughout your degree and during your year in industry. 

Business skills

In your third year, you will embark on a fully accredited, paid work placement with an approved company. This will allow you to gain invaluable work experience while also building an enviable network of industry contacts. 

Practical skills

Throughout your studies you'll reinforce your learning and gain hands-on experience through:

• a 12-month placement in industry
• practical sessions carried out in our Pilot Plant and Millennium Lab
• work on real-world engineering projects informed by industry-leading companies
• experience with industry-standard chemical engineering software in our dedicated computer suites
• access to small-scale unit operations and the latest equipment in our state-of-the-art BioLab

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.

If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year. 

Find out more about study abroad

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You'll apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place in Stage 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Facilities and environment

Facilities

You'll have access to a great range of facilities and equipment during your time at Newcastle, including:

• a state-of-the-art BioLab, providing access to a range of small-scale unit operations and the latest equipment
• a recently upgraded pilot plant laboratory
• modern bench-top experimental equipment
• an interactive video teaching system
• high-specification fume cupboards for handling volatile chemicals
• two dedicated computing suites, running specialised industry-standard computer software

Support

To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive:

• a tablet so you can download the online learning resources you'll need for your course (helping us to make our campus more sustainable)
• a start-up pack containing essential personal protective equipment

You'll be supported by a personal tutor (an academic member of staff) throughout your degree. They can help you with academic and personal issues.

You'll also have access to a peer mentor (a fellow student) in your first year. They can help you settle in and answer any questions you have.

Your future

Chemical Engineering is a truly global profession with worldwide opportunities leading to well-paid and rewarding careers.

As a chemical engineering graduate with industry experience, you'll be highly employable across a diverse range of sectors, having developed desirable skills such as problem-solving and innovation.

Our graduates are targeted by high-profile employers from sectors including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, oil and gas, water, environment, and biotechnology.

Former students have gone on to work in varied roles, including:

• chemical engineer
• protective coatings intern
• treating and FCCU development engineer
• safety consultant
• energy marketing
• trading graduate analyst

Graduates have taken on these roles at leading companies such as Affinity Water, ExxonMobil, Air Products, Uniper SE, Nestle, Fujifilm, British Steel, Proctor and Gamble, and PwC.

Industry links

Strong industry links ensure you will receive the most relevant, up-to-date teaching, while providing opportunities for guest lectures, plant visits, and your industry placement.

Consultants from industry deliver classes on current industrial practice, providing the latest insight into issues such as safety and sustainability.

Make a difference

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Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

Qualification: MEng Honours
Home students full time 4 years	Tuition fees (per year) 9250
International students full time 4 years	Tuition fees (per year) 26400

Home Fee Students

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

International Fee Students

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages