This 4-year chemical engineering degree has been designed to fully meet the educational requirements for chartered engineer status.
Demand is high for chemical engineering graduates. When you complete this course, you’ll have excellent job prospects in sectors such as food and drink, energy, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and you’ll be one step ahead in your career as a chartered engineer.
Chemical engineers combine scientific knowledge with mathematical and problem-solving skills to design chemical processes. They develop reactors that transform raw materials into valuable products, and design large scale facilities such as wastewater treatment plants. They also bring new technologies out of the laboratory and into the real world, helping to create more sustainable and safe chemical industries.
The skills you’ll gain include:
On this Chemical Engineering MEng degree you’ll be able to:
As part of this degree you’ll complete a chemical engineering advanced research project. You’ll be able to draw on our expertise in low-carbon technology, fine chemicals, green energy and water/wastewater engineering to complete your research.
You’ll work in our brand new, bespoke chemical engineering laboratories, which are part of our £12m chemistry building renovation. You’ll also have access to our engineering facilities, which consist of over 10,000m² of specialist workshops, laboratories and testing services.
This is a new course. The course is currently undergoing the accreditation process for the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). Once accreditation is granted the course will qualify as meeting the educational requirements for chartered engineer status.
Enhance your employability by taking this course with a paid industrial placement year.
Apply using:
You'll spend this extra year at an engineering firm, applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.
The fee is 20% of the standard annual tuition fee.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
My research skills have significantly improved, and since my placement year I have gained additional confidence and key insights into teamworking and leadership.
The role involves working with different companies and sectors both in the UK and overseas to improve their processes in areas such as how they operate, manage people, and deliver results.
Working in the chemistry and chemical engineering labs has been a great experience. I’ve learned how to use instruments that are commonly used in industry, like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for identification of molecules
This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
AAA including mathematics and chemistry, with a pass in the Practical exam (where it is separately endorsed)
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants with A-level chemistry who have not studied A-level mathematics can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year .
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and chemistry (minimum grade A), with a pass in the Practical exam (where it is separately endorsed), plus grade A in the EPQ
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme as follows:
ABB including mathematics (minimum grade B) and chemistry (minimum grade B), with a pass in the Practical exam (where it is separately endorsed)
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry, and 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches is preferred.
Applicants with Higher Level chemistry who have not studied Higher Level mathematics can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year .
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grade A in A-level mathematics and grade A in A-level chemistry, with a pass in the Practical exam (where it is separately endorsed)
We will consider the BTEC National Diploma and BTEC National Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry and A-level mathematics.
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: AAB, including chemistry (minimum grade A) and mathematics (minimum grade A)
Applicants with A-level chemistry who have not studied A-level mathematics can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year .
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grade A in mathematics and grade A in chemistry, with a pass in the Practical exam (where it is separately endorsed)
We will consider the BTEC Diploma and BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry and A-level mathematics.
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: AAB, including chemistry (minimum grade A) and mathematics (minimum grade A)
Not accepted for this course
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry, mathematics and applied mathematics
Applicants who have studied chemistry but not mathematics can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year .
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
AAA from three A-levels including mathematics and chemistry, with a pass in the Practical exam (where it is separately endorsed) or AA from two A-levels including mathematics and chemistry, with a pass in the Practical exam (where it is separately endorsed) and a grade A in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants with A-level chemistry who have not studied A-level mathematics can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year .
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Not accepted for this course.
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
Most courses require GCSE English Language (or GCSE English) and GCSE Mathematics at grade 4/C or above, or an equivalent qualification accepted by the University. Please check the ‘UK students’ tab for this course’s specific requirements.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.
Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.
A foundation programme will give you the language skills and subject knowledge you need if you're not qualified for direct entry to your chosen undergraduate course.
You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the foundation programme.
Find out more about undergraduate foundation programmes for international students.
We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
This is a 4-year, full-time course.
The first 2 years follow the same learning as our 3 year BEng degree, meaning that you’ll learn the fundamentals of chemical engineering. As you progress through the course, you'll learn to apply these fundamentals to real-world problems.
Design and computational methods are a key focus of the course throughout.
In your third year you’ll have the option to specialise in your key areas of interest from a range of optional modules. You’ll also complete a group design project.
The final MEng year emphasises the commercial application of your learning. You’ll complete an extended individual research project.
You have the option to take this degree with an extra year in employment.
You’ll develop your understanding of the core underlying principles of chemical engineering. You'll explore topics like:
You’ll learn to apply your knowledge and skills within a practical context and analyse your results using computational methods. You'll study topics like:
You’ll deepen your understanding of the relationship between design, manufacturing and material properties.
Topics include:
You'll complete a group design project that will bring together all of your theoretical knowledge and practical skills to create a design solution. This may be a simulation, a report to meet a brief, or even building part of a chemical engineering plant. Your project may be chosen to take part in our annual engineering design show.
In the third year you’ll be able to specialise with optional modules ranging from chemical engineering for sustainable energy, to chemical engineering in the pharmaceutical sector.
In your final year you’ll cover:
You’ll complete your extended individual research project, supported by your tutor and our extensive research community.
You have the option to take this degree as a 5-year degree with a year in industry during your third year.
We'll help you find a paid placement in the UK for this year. This could be in an industry such as energy systems, pharmaceutical, food or emerging technologies. You’ll develop knowledge and skills to prepare you for the workplace, whilst you remain enrolled as a student, with access to all the University’s support services.
If you wish to apply for this degree with a year in industry you will need to use the UCAS code H803
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
This is just a sample of some of the modules that will be available.
We hope to have all the modules live soon.
You must study the following modules in year 1:
This is just a sample of some of the modules that will be available.
We hope to have all the modules live soon.
You must study the following modules in year 2:
This is just a sample of some of the modules that will be available.
We hope to have all the modules live soon.
You must study the following modules in year 3:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
This is just a sample of some of the modules that will be available.
We hope to have all the modules live soon.
You must study the following modules in year 4:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
The learning activities for this course include the following:
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Xi Yu is the course leader.
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Manufacturing,
Scientific and Technical,
Water and Waste Management,
Education,
Public Administration,
Defence,
Finance.
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees for a year's study:
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Inclusion and Respectful Behaviour Policy.
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Chemical Engineering (MEng) is a course in the Chemistry and chemical engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:
