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

Your course during COVID-19
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.

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

View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2021-22.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information

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
Advanced Design Project	20
Bioprocess Engineering	10
MEng Research Project	60

Optional Modules	Credits
Sustainable Industry	10
Process Intensification	10
Advanced Transport Processes	10

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.

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 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

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, 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 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

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.

Read our detailed explanation

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2021 entry (per year)

Home Fee Students

£9250

International Fee Students

£23400

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

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.

For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.

If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.

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
• 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