Program Overview

Chemical Engineering is concerned with the design and operation of processes which convert materials and energy into the higher value products we use every day. It understands the processes which occur at the small scale and relates these to the larger scale production of, for example: pharmaceuticals, food stuffs, energy, polymers, lubricants, fuels, semiconductors, batteries, paints and coatings. The main tools of the Chemical Engineer are the applied sciences, engineering, technology, finance and management in that as a Chemical Engineer you become proficient in not only identifying how to convert materials into functional products but also in how to construct, operate and manage facilities so that they are economical, ethical and sustainable. It borders and overlaps with other engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical and civil engineering as well as business studies and entrepreneurship.
Four-year MEng degrees are available for high-calibre students with the ability and aspiration to study Chemical Engineering at the highest levels. BEng students with excellent performance may transfer to the MEng up to the end of Stage 2.

Chemical Engineering Degree Highlights

A common curriculum in the 1st semester for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering students offers the possibility of transfers between these subjects.

Professional Accreditations

• Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers

Industry Links

• We regularly consult with, and develop links with, a large number of global employers from a variety of sectors spanning the pharmaceutical industry (including Eli Lilly, MSD, Pfizer, Alexion, Abbvie and GSK), energy (including Shell, Petronas and BP) and Chemicals/Speciality products (Invista, Seagate, and Johnson Matthey). Furthermore, we work with a range of local and start-up/spin-out companies including Almac, GLT and MOF Technologies.

Career Development

• QUB Chemical Engineering degrees facilitate careers in a wide range of global and national industries including renewable energy, safety, chemicals, the environment and waste management. Employers value the transferable skill sets our degrees contain and this is reflected in both salary levels and the demand for our chemical engineers who can excel in critical problem solving and work in multidisciplinary teams. Our students learn the skills which enable them to work in diverse high level careers.

World Class Facilities

• Significant investment has resulted in the installation and use of some of the most modern instrumentation available as well as a new state of the art digital learning platform.

Student Experience

• The School is targeting two of the biggest challenges of the 21st century – Sustainability and Healthcare. As the UK’s only combined Chemistry and Chemical Engineering School within the Russell group, we are expertly placed to equip the next generation of scientists to address these issues.