Course overview

This four-year degree will allow you to explore and develop core chemical engineering skills and knowledge, as well as the specialist mathematics and computer skills needed to design, build, and manage sophisticated control systems.

Studying at one of World University Ranking's top 150 institutions for Chemical Engineering, you'll benefit from strong industry links and first-class facilities, including interactive video teaching systems, industry-standard software and our pilot lab.

Developing a comprehensive understanding of transfer processes, separation processes, plant design, and the principles of chemical engineering, you'll become a highly skilled process engineer, equipped with the knowledge and skills to help companies gain a competitive edge.

Download information about this course as a PDF

COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.

See our terms and conditions for more information

View our Frequently Asked Questions

Your course during COVID-19

Whilst things will not be the same when you join us in September, this course page is intended to give you insight into what to expect from your course and your learning experience for the duration of your degree.

We have updated all course information where there are specific changes in the first semester.

Facilities

Most of our student services are now available online. As COVID-19 restrictions lift, we'll be opening up our on-campus facilities as soon as it is safe to do so, so that you can get the best out of your studies.

Your learning experience

Your teaching will be a mixture of online and in-person on-campus teaching. In semester one, as a result of physical distancing requirements, all lecture materials will be delivered online along with many tutorials, workshops and labs.

Our aim, if Government guidance allows us, is to deliver up to three hours of labs, seminars and tutorial teaching in-person on campus where this is possible and safe to do so. We'll review this regularly and plan to return to full in-person, on-campus teaching in semester two if restrictions allow.

Assessment

In semester one, we will not be running face-to-face, on-campus examinations. We will instead use different approaches to assessment. These will test and support your learning.

Field trips

We will be running some but not all of our planned field trips. Some of those that do run, will be run virtually. For those that do not run, we will be offering alternative learning activities. These learning activities will give you the opportunity to achieve the same learning.

Terms and conditions and student complaints

The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.

Further information

Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University 2020 study experience.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.

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

We have a top 5 UK ranking for Chemical Engineering in The Guardian University Guide 2020. We also rank in the top 150 for Chemical Engineering in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020.

Teaching excellence

TEF Gold

A ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

Professional accreditation

All of our degrees are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and the Institute of Measurement and Control.

IChemE accreditation means employers will recognise the quality of your degree because it meets high professional standards.

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.

During your first year, you will develop key skills in engineering, maths, and science, focussing on chemistry, thermodynamics, the principles of chemical engineering, and engineering mathematics.

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

In Stage 2, you will develop a deeper understand of the topics covered in year one, as well as exploring areas such as separation processes, reactor engineering and process measurement, dynamics, and control. 

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

Alongside your core modules, in your third year you will work as part of a team to design a process plant. In preparation for your specialism, you will take on the role of process control engineer, designing a way of monitoring the plant's performance. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Process Control 2	10
Process Design & Economics	15
Separation Processes 2	15
Design for Process Safety	10
Reactor Systems Engineering	15
Process and Product Engineering	10
Plant Design	40
Chemical Engineering Laboratory II	5

In your final year, you will be introduced to the latest, industrial modern control theory, covering robust, digital, model-based, and non-linear control. You will also complete an extensive research project and a design project. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Process Control 3 - Design of Robust Control Algorithms	10
Process Control 4 - Design of Digital Control Algorithms	10
Process Intensification	10
Advanced Design Project	20
Bioprocess Engineering	10

Optional Modules	Credits
Sustainable Industry	10

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Our strong links with industry experts and focus on industry skills ensure you'll graduate fully equipped with the skills you need.

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:

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Interviews

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Reports

Skills and experience

Research skills

During your final year, you will complete a substantial research project into an aspect of process engineering, this will give you the opportunity to work with internal experts, develop high-quality research skills, and make a genuine contribution to the sector. 

Your project may be carried out with an industrial partner, in an overseas university, or within the School. 

Business skills

Between years 3 and 4, you'll have the opportunity to complete a 9 to 12-month placement in industry, giving you first-hand experience of working in the sector. This can be completed in the UK or abroad. 

Practical skills

Throughout your studies you'll reinforce your learning through:

• 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 can 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 between stages 3 and 4.

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

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. 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, you 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), and a start-up pack containing essential personal protective equipment and text books.

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 well-respected degree, which will allow you to develop a broad spectrum of industry-specific and transferable skills. 

Having specialised in process engineering, you'll have opportunities across numerous sectors, as companies are increasingly looking to employ state-of-the-art processes that will give them a competitive advantage. 

Former students have gone on to roles including:

• process engineer
• scientist
• building services engineer
• brewery worker

Graduates have taken on these roles with organisations such as Tyne Bank Brewery, UPNorth Group, Stantec Global Capital, and BWA Water Additives. 

86% of our 2016/2017 graduates were in work or further study within six months of graduating*.

*Destinations of (undergraduate, UK and EU) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17

Benefit from our industry links

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

Engineers from the British Chemical Engineering Contractors Association (BCECA) deliver sessions on chemical plant design that reflects current industrial practice. These engineers are from:

• ABB
• Air Products
• Aker Solutions
• Bechtel
• Costain
• Fluor
• Honeywell UOP
• Johnson
• Matthey
• KBR
• McDermott
• SABIC
• Wood Group
• Worley Parsons

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

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2020 entry (per year)

UK Students

£9250

International Students

£22800

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UK 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

You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).

The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

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.

Find out more about:

• different tuition fees
• additional costs

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• scholarships for students applying to study at our London campus
• 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