Chemical Engineering, MEng

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Chemical Engineering, MEng

Introduction

Chemical engineering involves developing more sustainable ways of manufacturing the products we use every day while addressing the global challenges of climate change, energy, sustainability, and human health.

Study Information

At a Glance

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
MEng
Duration
60 months
Study Mode
Full Time
Start Month
September
UCAS Code
H810

Chemical engineers design processes to transform raw materials into products such as chemicals, fuels, foods and pharmaceuticals at an industrial scale safely, sustainably and cost-effectively. Chemical engineers also contribute enormously to wider society, for example, by manufacturing new drugs at affordable costs and by tackling environmental problems such as pollution and global warming.

You will develop a wide understanding of chemical and process engineering and learn how chemical engineers play a critical role in making key decisions including:

  • selecting the best reaction pathway to the desired product in order to minimize formation of unwanted by-products
  • determining how to purify the product
  • designing the best control system to ensure the process is safe
  • developing the most cost-effective process
  • how to deal with unreacted raw materials
  • optimising the process to maximise yield and recycle energy to maximise efficiency.

Our interdisciplinary approach means that you study the fundamentals of each engineering discipline before specialising in your third year. You can therefore keep your options open while gaining a wide range of perspectives and skills - something that makes Aberdeen graduates better equipped to collaborate, innovate and lead in the workplace.

Our location in Aberdeen, the energy capital of Europe, and our strong industry links means that you will have the opportunity to engage with both the local upstream oil and gas industry and with the latest developments in the energy transition through the School of Engineering’s work in energy from biomass, energy conversion and storage, biorefinery and the production of chemicals from biomass.

If you are interested in chemical reactions and understanding how the physical properties of matter can be harnessed to create world-changing technologies, then you should consider Chemical Engineering at Aberdeen.

What You'll Study

The first two years cover general Engineering, with elements of Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum and Electrical/Electronics, as well as Civil. In the later years you specialise, following your chosen discipline in greater depth. You do not need to finalise your choice of specialisation until you begin third year.

It is possible to move between MEng and BEng and this can be accomplished at any point until the second half session of fourth year. Successful BEng candidates will be offered the chance to change to the MEng and there is no quota, meaning that if grade requirements are met that transfer is guaranteed.

Year 1

Compulsory Courses

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.

Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

Principles of Electronics (EG1008)

15 Credit Points

The aim of the course is to introduce basic concepts of electrical & electronics within a context of general engineering. The topics covered are kept at an elementary level with the aim of providing the foundational material for subsequent courses at levels 1 and 2. The course adopts the philosophy of application oriented teaching. During each topic the students will be provided with examples of day-to-day devices. Topics covered include dc circuit analysis, electronic amplifiers, digital circuits, optoelectronics, and ac theory.

CAD and Communication in Engineering Practice (EG1010)

15 Credit Points

The course is designed to introduce the students to different methods of communication in the process of interchanging ideas and information. Oral presentation and writing of technical reports are introduced. The importing data from web-based and library-based sources will be integrated through information retrieval and investigative skills training. Professional ethics are covered on plagiarism, copyright and intellectual property. Engineering drawing skills and knowledge of relevant British and International Standards will be developed through intensive training in the use of computer aided design and modelling package, SolidWorks. Standard drawing formats including 3D depiction of stand alone parts and assemblies are covered.

Fundamentals of Engineering Materials (EG1012)

15 Credit Points

Engineering design depends on materials being shaped, finished and joined together. Design requirements define the performance required of the materials. What do engineers need to know about materials to choose and use them successfully? They need a perspective of the world of materials. They need understanding of material properties. They need methods and tools to select the right material for the job. This course will help you develop knowledge and skills required for the successful selection and use of engineering materials.

Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 2 (CM1513)

15 Credit Points

Chemistry plays a central role in physical science and engineering, not only because of the insights it gives on the composition, properties and reactivity of matter but also because of its wide-ranging applications. This course seeks to consolidate some of the important fundamentals of chemistry that underlie many topics and principles across the physical sciences and engineering, bringing together theories of molecular structure, organic reaction mechanisms, the driving forces behind chemical reactions, and methods of chemical analysis and structure determination.

Laboratory classes complement the lectures by consolidating learning and developing problem-solving and hands-on practical skills.

Engineering Mathematics 1 (EG1504)

15 Credit Points

The course presents fundamental mathematical ideas useful in the study of Engineering. A major focus of the course is on differential and integral calculus. Applications to Engineering problems involving rates of change and averaging processes are emphasized. Complex numbers are introduced and developed. The course provides the necessary mathematical background for other engineering courses in level 2.

Fundamental Engineering Mechanics (EG1510)

15 Credit Points

Engineering Mechanics is concerned with the state of rest or motion of objects subject to the action of forces. The topic is divided into two parts: STATICS which considers the equilibrium of objects which are either at rest or move at a constant velocity, and DYNAMICS which deals with the motion and associated forces of accelerating bodies. The former is particularly applied to beams and truss structures. The latter includes a range of applications, such as car suspension systems, motion of a racing car, missiles, vibration isolation systems, and so on.

Optional Courses

Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice at Levels 1 or 2

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics (CM2015)

15 Credit Points

This course covers key concepts in physical chemistry which underpin our understanding and ability to control chemical and biological processes. The principal points include thermodynamics (enthalpy, entropy and free energies), chemical kinetics (zero, 1st and 2nd order reactions, rate laws and half-lives and the relationship of rate laws to reaction mechanisms), and basic principles of electrochemistry (redox chemistry and the Nernst equation). A strong emphasis on calculations helps students get to grips with the course material and develops numeracy skills. Laboratory experiments support and complement the taught material.

Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (EG2004)

15 Credit Points

The fluid mechanics section of the course begins with the material properties of fluids. This is followed by studying fluid statics and principles of fluid motion. Bernoulli’s equation is used to explain the relationship between pressure and velocity. The final fluids section introduces the students to incompressible flow in pipelines.

The thermodynamics section presents: the gas laws, including Van Der Waals’ equation; the first law of thermodynamics with work done, heat supply, and the definitions of internal energy and enthalpy. The second law is introduced including entropy through the Carnot cycle.

Process Engineering (EG2011)

15 Credit Points

A general engineering course that provides insight into the two main conservation principles, mass and energy. Processes are usually described through block diagrams. This language, common to many disciplines in engineering, helps the engineer to look at their processes with an analytical view. Degree of freedom analysis is addressed, emphasising its importance to solve a set of linear equations that model fundamental balances of mass. Practical examples of Energy balances are displayed, bringing Thermodynamics to a practical level. Heat Transfer is introduced. Process control is introduced, explaining basic control techniques and concepts, i.e sensors, feedback, control loops and PID controllers.

Engineering Mathematics 2 (EG2012)

15 Credit Points

This course follows Engineering Mathematics 1 in introducing all the mathematical objects and techniques needed by engineers. It has three parts:

  • Matrices: definitions, operations, inverse and determinant; application to systems of linear equations.
  • Ordinary differential equations: 1st order (linear and separable), 2nd order with constant coefficients, forced oscillations and resonance.
  • Functions of two variables: partial derivatives and extrema, the chain rule, the heat equation and the wave equation.
Organic & Biological Chemistry (CM2514)

15 Credit Points

Modern organic and biological chemistry comprise the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds, which are natural (e.g. foods, fuel, perfumes) as well as synthetic (e.g. soaps, textile fabrics, pharmaceuticals). This course investigates some key areas in organic chemistry: shape, conformation, stereochemistry, and chemical properties of organic and biological compounds. Reactions and reactivity of aliphatic derivatives, olefins and aromatic compounds will be considered with particular reference to spatial and electronic effects. The experiments performed in the lab will help students understand key organic concepts and develop their synthetic/analytical skills.

Design and Computing in Engineering Practice (EG2501)

15 Credit Points

A general engineering course that provides an insight into the principles of engineering design process, computer programming in MATLAB and its application in parametric study and basic design optimisation, environmental ethics and sustainability in the context of design, and Computer Aided Design (CAD) using Solidworks. The course also includes hands-on exercises on the manufacture of simple parts using a variety of machine tools and joining processes.

Electrical and Mechanical Systems (EG2503)

15 Credit Points

This course provides students with an integrated development of methods for modelling, analysing and designing systems comprising electrical and mechanical components. In doing so it intends to emphasise to the students the similarity in behaviour between electrical and mechanical systems. The course aims to give an introduction to both electrical machines, circuit and systems, transformers, and similar mechanical systems like gearbox, vibrating system and principles of dynamics, and thus provide the foundation material for several courses at level 3 .

Optional Courses

Select a further 15 credit points from courses of choice at Levels 1 or 2. All course choices at level 2 and above are subject to students holding the appropriate pre-requisites.

Year 3

In year 3, you have the opportunity to study from a range of courses leading to specialisation in your chosen discipline. This is also the point at which a final decision between MEng and BEng must be made.

Compulsory Courses

Engineering Analysis and Methods 1a (EG3007)

15 Credit Points

Modern engineering analysis relies on a wide range of analytical mathematical methods and computational techniques in order to solve a wide range of problems. The aim of this course is to equip students with the necessary skills to quantitatively investigate engineering problems. Examples applying the methods taught to practical situations from across the full range of engineering disciplines will feature heavily in the course.

Fluid Mechanics (EM3019)

15 Credit Points

The course begins with dimensional analysis and the concept of dynamic similarity applied to fluid flow phenomena. This is followed by sections on the energy and momentum equations applied to a range of problems in civil, mechanical, chemical and petroleum engineering, including steady flow in pipes, design of pump-pipeline systems, cavitation, forces on bends, nozzles and solid bodies, turbomachinery and propeller theory. A section on unsteady flow applies inertia and water hammer theory to the calculation of pressure surge in pipes. The final section deals with flow through porous media such as flow through soils and rocks.

Chemical Thermodynamics (EX3029)

15 Credit Points

The course aims to give a thorough treatment of the real PVT behaviour exhibited by multicomponent, multiphase systems by giving candidates the knowledge required to determine: a) the heat and/or work required to bring about a given change of state; b) the change of state resulting from a transfer of energy in the form of heat and/or work, or as a result of a chemical reaction. To build on the knowledge of process simulation gained in Level 2 and emphasize the importance of selecting an appropriate fluid package.

Heat, Mass and Momentum Transfer (EX3030)

15 Credit Points

This course focuses on applied momentum, heat, and mass transport in engineering problems. It demonstrates how fundamental design equations can be derived for a wide range of real engineering problems (e.g. nuclear fuel rods, coal combustion, radiation shielding, electrical heaters, toothpaste etc). This course makes it clear that engineering is the art of applying mathematics to the real world and develops the tools required to tackle a wide range of challenges.

The analytical results of transport phenomena are demonstrated in simple systems before discussing more complex systems, such as multiphase flow, which require the use of semi-empirical correlations to solve.

Project and Safety Management (EG3599)

10 Credit Points

To course aims to provide students with an awareness of purpose, principals, fundamental concepts and strategies of safety and project management.

Chemical Reaction Engineering (EX3501)

15 Credit Points

Starting from previously attained knowledge and understanding of equilibrium, kinetics, thermochemistry and material and energy balancing on reactive processes, the course sets about developing skills in the design and sizing of industrial chemical reactors. Batch and continuous reactors of different types are covered with design equations being derived from fist principles for a variety of systems with different degrees of complexity. The course focuses on homogeneous reactions, design for single and parallel reactions, reactor modelling for non-ideal flow, temperature and pressure effects and chemical reaction process safety. Other elements of chemical reaction engineering are introduced.

Separation Processes 1 (EX3502)

15 Credit Points

This course covers the fundamental concepts of equilibrium and rate-based analysis of separation processes, and gives examples of relevant separation processes. It introduces the concept and analysis of a unit operation as applied to separation processes and demonstrates the analysis of relevant separation processes by applying mass and energy balance methods.

Chemical Engineering Design (EX3503)

10 Credit Points

Chemical Engineering Design takes the learning from the first two and a half years of the degree and ties it together whilst formally introducing student to the overall process of chemical engineering design.

Employability and professional attributes are embedded in the course with design engineers (students) being line managed. Professional attributes such as time management, project management, communication and team working are developed through the course. Within the course, design engineers will also significantly develop

Process Modelling (EX3504)

10 Credit Points

This course aims to develop students? ability in process simulation, broadly, in two areas: 1) the use of commercially available steady-state process simulation engines; 2) the development of process models and simulations from first principles using other applications such as Matlab, MathCad and Excel. In achieving these aims, the course will allow students to further develop their skillset in Process Thermodynamics, Process Analysis and Chemical Engineering Computer Applications.

Year 4

Year 4 of the programme varies depending on whether or not you have chosen to go down the BEng or MEng route.

Compulsory Courses

Biochemical Engineering (EX4016)

10 Credit Points

This course introduces the fundamentals of microbiology and biochemistry, which are necessary for understanding and designing biotechnological processes. The kinetics of enzymatic reactions and of microbial growth is presented. Focus is given to mass balances for enzymatic reactions and for microbial fermentations in different types of reactors: batch, continuous, fed-batch. The mass and heat transfer theory developed as part of other courses is applied to biochemical process, with focus on substrate, oxygen and heat transfer. The design and scale-up of biochemical processes is presented. Some typical biochemical processes are described.

Process Safety (EX402A)

10 Credit Points

To build on the introduction to safety provided in previous years and move towards developing a transcendence of knowledge regarding how the core process engineering fundamentals such as material and energy balancing, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mass transfer, fluid flow and reaction engineering underpin process safety from a systems perspective.

Process Control (EX40HC)

10 Credit Points

This course focuses on the fundamental principles of control theory and the practice of automatic process control. The basic concepts involved in process control are then introduced, including the elements of control systems, feedback/forward control, block diagrams, and transfer functions. The mathematical techniques required for the analysis of process control are covered, focussing on Laplace Transform analysis. Development to more general situations is made through the study of second order systems and the application of compensation including PID control. The control theory developed is applied to a range of chemical engineering problems using simulation tools.

Separation Processes 2 (EX4030)

15 Credit Points

Separation processes are essential to many industries including pharmaceutical and chemical industries, e.g. once the drug molecules are synthesised in a reactor they need to be separated in pure form from other by-products before they can be used. This course adds breadth to students' curriculum in the core area of separation processes. Familiarises students with particulate solids and characterisation. Further, provides a broad knowledge and understanding of physical separation processes including filtration, sedimentation, centrifugation. By the end students should have a knowledge and understanding of an ability to analyse design a wide variety of physical separation unit operations

Optional Courses

Select either:

  • MEng Individual Project (EG4013) AND 30 credit points from courses of choice at Levels 3 and 4.
    • EG4013 will commence in 1st Half-Session and credits will be awarded at the 2nd Half-Session examination diet. It is an expectation that candidates allocate the equivalent of 15 credit points of effort to EG4013 during the 1st Half-Session and 30 credit points of effort during the 2nd Half-Session.
  • Individual Project Abroad (MEng) (EG4513) AND 15 credit points from courses of choice at Levels 3 and 4
Individual Project Abroad (MEng) (EG4513)

60 Credit Points

The course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to carry out a project in an approved European institution by pursuing a substantial and realistic exercise in the practice of engineering at or near a professional level, and to further enhance the student's critical and communication skills.

MEng Individual Project (EG4013)

45 Credit Points

To provide the student with the opportunity of pursuing a substantial and realistic research project in the practice of engineering at or near a professional level, and to further enhance the student's critical and communication skills. The project will usually be carried out at the University of Aberdeen but may be carried out at industry or other research location.

Year 5

Compulsory Courses

Air and Water Pollution Control (EX501U)

15 Credit Points

This course introduces the water cycle and the need for wastewater treatment. Biological wastewater treatment is covered in detail with focus on: activated sludge process for carbon and nitrogen removal and anaerobic digestion. Air pollution control is also covered in detail. The course focuses on process design based on mass balance, heat balances and kinetics.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (EG501V)

15 Credit Points

The course aims to provide understanding of main principles and techniques underpinning computational fluid dynamics (CFD) combining numerical methods with practical experience using appropriate software. The course develops a foundation for understanding, developing and analysing successful simulations of fluid flows applicable to a broad range of applications.

The Engineer in Society (EG501W)

15 Credit Points

Students will examine the societal grand challenges of water, food, medicine and energy (electricity and heat) to thread together the themes of environment, sustainability and ethics.

The course also aims to provide graduates with a versatile framework for evaluating and developing business models which should prove invaluable for both potential entrepreneurs and future senior executives.

Offshore Process Engineering (EG503J)

15 Credit Points

Offshore process plants, such as subsea installations, oil rigs, FPSOs, pipelines, and captured CO2 injection sites are some of the most technically challenging environments to operate in. This course uses this context to introduce and explain the advanced engineering and innovative designs used to overcome these challenges. The focus is on developing safe, energy-efficient designs using first-principle reasoning and awareness of modern approaches.

Mathematical Optimisation (EG551T)

15 Credit Points

Ever wondered how Excel is able to draw an optimal line through a set of points? This course looks at how typical engineering problems that cannot be described mathematically (or are difficult to do so) can be solved so that the optimal solution is found. The course contains a range of examples to show how the techniques are applied to real world problems in different engineering disciplines. The course will show how to develop computational algorithms from scratch, with a fundamental understanding of how the algorithms function, both mathematically and then in real time on a computer.

MEng Group Design (EG5565)

30 Credit Points

Real-life contemporary engineering projects and challenges invariably require inputs from, and collaboration amongst, multiple disciplines. Furthermore, legal and economic aspects, as well as safety, team work and project management must also be successfully navigated through. This course enables students to immerse themselves in a realistic, multidisciplinary, multifaceted and complex team design project that will draw on their previous specialist learning and also enable gaining and practicing new skills of direct relevance to their professional career.

Process Plant Equipment and Operations (EG55P7)

15 Credit Points

The course aims to give students knowledge and understanding of how larger process systems behave and are operated and controlled. Focus is being placed on the stability of feedback control loops and on advanced control strategies aiming at enhancing safety and operability. Specific cases across the safety hierarchy (basic and advanced process control, alarm systems, emergency shutdown and interlocks, etc) are addressed.

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

  • Group Projects
  • Individual Projects
  • Lab Work
  • Lectures
  • Research
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

  • coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
  • practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
  • written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Chemical Engineering?

  • The University of Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in the UK for Chemical Engineering Guardian University Guide 2023.
  • You can apply to either the five-year MEng (Master of Engineering) or 4-year BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) in Chemical Engineering.
  • Our Chemical Engineering degrees are accredited by the Engineering Council and the Institution of Chemical Engineers and are your first step towards achieving Chartered Engineer status with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
  • Apply your engineering skills and gain experience by joining PrototAU, our student team that designs and builds a hydrogen-powered car to compete internationally.
  • The School of Engineering hosts the prestigious Leverhulme Centre for Doctoral Training in the Sustainable Production of Chemicals and Materials, home to world-leading experts who are actively researching the very latest tools, systems and techniques in this field.
  • According to the Royal Academy of Engineering, Aberdeen is one of 13 engineering hot spots in the UK with over 8,000 engineering businesses across the city and surrounding region. The School of Engineering has strong links with industry, who support our teaching through guest lectures and seminars, placement opportunities, site visits and scholarships.
  • There are many student societies directly related to engineering, where you can meet fellow engineering students and develop your interests and new skills, including Chemical Engineering Society, Civil Engineering Society, Electrical & Electronic Engineering Society, Mechanical Engineering Society, Aerospace Engineering Society, Energy Transition Society, TAU Racing Society and PrototAU.
  • The School of Engineering encompasses five disciplines: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering. The School is strongly interdisciplinary and students gain experience in each engineering discipline, making them highly sought-after by employers.
  • The breadth and flexibility of our degree programmes also mean you can keep your options open and choose your specialisation once you have experienced all five disciplines.
  • Join us here in Aberdeen if you share our passion for designing solutions that will reduce carbon emissions, protect our environments, create sustainable infrastructure and push the boundaries of robotics and AI in manufacturing, business and healthcare.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

View the Aberdeen Global Scholarship

What Our Students Say

Umama Bendaoud

Umama Bendaoud

Umama Bendaoud

Last summer, I managed to secure an internship with Centrica PLC as a commercial analyst. I was responsible to analyse the viability of using green hydrogen as an alternative fuel in the UK.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.


General Entry Requirements

2024 Entry

SQA Highers
Standard: AABB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.

A Levels
Standard: ABB (AB required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made a conditional offer of admission.

International Baccalaureate:

Minimum of 34 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above)

Irish Leaving Certificate:

Five subjects at Higher, with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.

* FOR CHEMICAL OR PETROLEUM ENGINEERING: Please note: For entry to Chemical or Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.

2025 Entry

SQA Highers
Standard: AABB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.

A Levels
Standard: ABB (AB required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made a conditional offer of admission.

International Baccalaureate:

Minimum of 34 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above)

Irish Leaving Certificate:

Five subjects at Higher, with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.

* FOR CHEMICAL OR PETROLEUM ENGINEERING: Please note: For entry to Chemical or Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.

The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Engineering degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.


English Language Requirements

To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

Fee Information

You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.

Fee information
Fee category Cost
RUK £9,250
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
EU / International students £24,800
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
Home Students £1,820
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year

Additional Fees

  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.

Funding Opportunities

  • We offer around 40 Entrance Scholarships of £1,000- £3,000 per annum, unless otherwise stated, to students with good academic potential while they study for an undergraduate degree at the University.
  • 2 Talisman-Sinopec (£2000), and 2 CNR International (£1000) Engineering Scholarships available for students starting an undergraduate Engineering degree in September

Scholarships and Funding

UK Scholarship

Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.

Funding Database

View all funding options in our Funding Database.

Careers

Chemical Engineers are employed across a broad spectrum of industries including: Energy; Water; Pharmaceuticals; Food & Drink; Oil & Gas; Fast Moving Consumer Goods; Agrochemicals, fine chemicals & petrochemicals; Mining & Minerals; Semiconductor, Biotechnology; Management; Consultancy; Environmental Protection; Safety.

If you have an aptitude and fascination for how the physical world works, are interested in how chemical reactions and the physical properties of matter can be harnessed to create world changing technologies, and want to contribute positively to making the life of the human race better and to the development of a sustainable environment, then you should consider chemical engineering as a career choice.

Recent graduate job roles have included:

  • Graduate Chemical/Process Engineer
  • Project Assistant for Biopharmaceuticals
  • and Technology
  • Junior Well Integrity Engineer
  • Technical Safety Engineer
  • Graduate Operations Support Engineer
  • Supply Chain Graduate
  • Recent graduate employers

Recent graduates work at companies such as:

  • Johnson Matthey
  • The Dow Chemical Company
  • BP
  • Unilever
  • Mace Group
  • Heineken
  • Genesis Oil and Gas Consultants
  • Atkins
  • Tenaris
  • Nexen

Accreditation

Our Chemical Engineering degrees are accredited by the Engineering Council and the Institution of Chemical Engineers and are your first step towards achieving Chartered Engineer status with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

This degree holds accreditation from

Engineering Work Experience

The Engineering Work Experience course develops students’ work readiness. Hear what our students and partner organisations have to say about their experience.

Focus on employability

How chemical engineers can reimagine the future

This animation from ICheme examines how joined-up thinking by chemical engineers can deliver solutions to society’s future challenges.

What our Alumni Say

Kieran Fong

Kieran Fong

Kieran Fong

Job Details
Graduate Process Engineer
Graduated 2014

The course is tailored towards the energy industry, particularly upstream oil and gas. I was given the technical knowledge necessary to make an impact in my career.

Our Experts

Our courses in Chemical Engineering are taught by experts in their field. Your teachers will include, among others:

Programme Coordinator
Dr Marcus Campbell Bannerman, The University of Aberdeen

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Features

Image for Institution of Chemical Engineers
Institution of Chemical Engineers

Institution of Chemical Engineers

If you're studying a chemical engineering (or a related subject) at undergraduate level you can join online and start enjoying the benefits of Student Membership today.

Find out more
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Chemical Engineering Student Society

Chemical Engineering Student Society

We work closely with Aberdeen Young Members IChemE group to organise networking events, careers workshops and technical presentations from graduates working in the industry.

Find out more
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Chemical Engineering Placements

Chemical Engineering Placements

Graeme Brown and Heather Watson worked on the Shah Deniz project at BP in summer 2016. Graeme completed a Process Safety Engineering internship and Heather completed a Petroleum Engineering internship.

Different opportunities are available each year

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Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX

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