Chemical Engineering BEng (Hons) Level: Undergraduate Subject: Engineering Year of entry: 2026 Key facts UCAS Code H800 Award BEng (Hons) Duration of study 4 years Delivery Full-time Study location King's Buildings campus Start date September 2026 School School of Engineering College College of Science and Engineering Study abroad Available Accreditation Available Placement No Second year entry Available Open days and events Overview About the degree programme Chemical engineers are innovators who can be found at the leading edge of new and emerging technologies such as:nanotechnology carbon capture renewable energyThey help make the world a better place by using scientific principles to design and operate clean, safe and sustainable processes that transform materials and help tackle tomorrow’s grand challenges.They develop, design and produce many of the products and materials that underpin or enhance our everyday lives; from the water we drink and the gas that powers our homes to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, silicon chips and even synthetic skin. How long it takes to complete this degree programme This programme takes 4 years to complete.If you are eligible for a direct entry into the second year, this programme takes 3 years to complete.Second year entry Our course structure is designed in such a way that we permit Year 2 direct entry. You will receive support and resources to allow you to catch-up with relevant Year 1 material. If you are eligible for a direct entry into the second year, this programme takes 3/4 years to complete.(Revised 12 March 2025 to add in second year entry information) Programme rankings Consistently ranked in the UK's top 10 universities for engineering (THE Rankings by subject 2024 and QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Programme benefits We educate students to become visionary professional engineers, critical thinkers and leaders.We give students skills to tackle tomorrow’s major societal challenges using chemical engineering principles.We maintain close links with industry to deliver relevant teaching, professional development and innovation.We foster a community of global thought leaders through research-led teaching.We build equality in society through our values of inclusion, diversity, and internationalism.All our degrees are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). The Chemical Engineering programme improved my data analysis, report writing and team working skills, which are invaluable for a lot of career paths. I feel that the programme sets you up well wherever you decide to work in the future. Wiktoria 5th Year MEng Chemical Engineering student Entry requirements Find your entry requirementsUse the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.Select the qualification you are studying or studied. Where you are studying or where you studied United KingdomAfghanistanAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBhutanBoliviaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLithuaniaLuxembourgMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanYemenZambiaZimbabweMy country is not listed Qualification - Select a qualification -SQA Highers: standard requirementsSQA Highers: widening access requirementsA levels: standard requirementsA levels: widening access requirementsIB: standard requirementsIB: widening access requirementsOther UK qualificationsMature applicants (including adult returners)International qualifications by country United Kingdom, Fees and funding Tuition fees for BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering View the tuition fees for one academic year of BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering. Additional costs Some key academic textbooks are purchased by students, but all essential reading materials will be freely available through the University library. Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.This estimate covers the costs of:accommodationfoodutility billstravel within Edinburghhealth and wellbeing costsSee a breakdown of living costs Scholarships and funding Funding information You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section. Funding Programme details What you will study Curriculum renewalThe School of Engineering is currently undertaking an ongoing curriculum renewal, which may result in changes to this degree programme.The renewal is being carried out with:our industrial partnersaccreditation bodiesstudentsThis renewal makes sure we equip you for an exciting career in the ever-changing world of engineering. Year 1 Introductory courses In Year 1, you will take introductory courses and develop skills that you will later rely on as a professional engineer, including:confidenceadvanced thinkingteamworkproblem-solving skills Additional courses You will also study mathematics and chemistry topics. These topics provide the essential groundwork for your advanced engineering studies. Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 2 In Year 2, you will specialise in core chemical engineering topics including:separation processesfluid mechanicschemistry and materialsthermodynamicsbiochemical engineeringchemical engineering technologyThese courses prepare you for further specialisation at honours level. They cover technical concepts and, where possible, give you the opportunity to apply these in a practical situation.You will also study essentials in the engineer's toolkit to develop your skills in:programmingengineering mathematicsprofessional skills for engineers Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 3 In Year 3, you will deepen your understanding of chemical engineering with topics usually including: thermodynamics and unit operations heat, mass and momentum transfer process dynamics and control process safety and environmental issuesYou will also put your knowledge into practice in the laboratory. Progression routes At the end of Year 3, you will have the option to complete one more year for a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree, or a further two years for a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree. The latter is subject to you achieving an average of 55% or higher in Year 3. Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 4 Year 4 puts a strong emphasis on design. You will complete individual and group projects, usually complemented by courses covering topics such as:engineering project management fluid mechanics reaction engineeringSpecialist study and innovative coursework will prepare you for your professional career. Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Study abroad In Year 3, you will have opportunities to study abroad.The University has a variety of agreements with international institutions that allow you to study there in Year 3. Common destinations include:USA CanadaAustraliaEuropeAsiaThis is enhanced by subject-specific agreements which provide additional destinations.Where can I go?(Revised 12 March 2025 to update study abroad information) Teaching and assessment Teaching The exciting nature of engineering means you will have a diverse learning experience throughout your degree programme.We will teach you through a combination of:lecturestutorialslaboratory sessionsprojectsgroup workIn your final years, you will dedicate more time to private study, so you will need to be well-motivated and organised. You will also receive individual supervision with projects. Assessment You will be assessed through coursework and examinations.For detailed information on compulsory and option courses you should review the Programme Structure - Degree Programme Table. You can find links to this information under the individual years of study.Refer to individual course details to see the types of assessment included. Support for your studies You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.Support for your studies Our academic staff Our research directly informs what you study. You will learn from academics who are researching solutions to the world’s grand challenges and delivering critical societal, economic and environmental outcomes. Where you will study Study location The majority of your learning will take place at the King’s Buildings campus, depending on courses selected. The King’s Buildings campus is around 15 minutes from central Edinburgh by bus or bike.You may also study at various University campus locations in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, depending on the option courses selected. Academic facilities You can access a wide range of academic facilities, including:librariesstudy spaces (some spaces are open 24 hours)IT facilitiessocial spacesleisure facilitiesYou can also take advantage of the University’s computing resources. This includes a laptop loan service offered through the library, with extended loans available for those in financial hardship.Borrowing a laptopAll essential reading materials are freely accessible through the University library or on our online learning platform LEARN.Engineering MakerspaceYou will get hands-on practical experience in the form of laboratory sessions and access to a dedicated makerspace workshop.Engineering Makerspace Virtual tour You can take a closer look at the School of Engineering and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.Virtual visit - School of Engineering Career paths and further study Accreditation Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer, and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).Candidates must hold a masters degree or doctorate accredited as further learning for CEng to hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration. Career paths A chemical engineering degree opens the door to a fulfilling and varied career.Where our graduates find employmentAs a graduate, you will have many exciting opportunities for employment in technical and management roles in areas like:food and drink productionthe energy industryelectronics manufacturebiotechnologypharmaceuticalspersonal products InternshipsThe School of Engineering funds a number of internships each year to enable students to work on research or teaching focused projects over the summer and gain relevant work experience here in the School. Internships are allocated on a competitive basis, across each of the four disciplines: Chemical, Civil, Electronics & Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Applications are open to non-finalist undergraduate students who are at least in the second year of their programme.We advertise internship opportunities and arrange company presentations with the Careers Service. These experiences can feature on your transcript after completing an Edinburgh Award.About the Edinburgh Award(Revised 12 March 2025 to update internships information) Careers Service We support you to recognise the wealth of possibilities ahead, during your time at the University and after graduation.Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience and provides:tailored adviceindividual guidance and personal assistanceinternships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)access to the experience of our worldwide alumni networkWe invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success.Careers Service Further study After you complete your programme, you may want to go onto further study at Edinburgh or a different university. You could progress to:a masters degreea postgraduate diploma or certificatea PhDa second undergraduate degreeFind out about options for further study Applying How to apply You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.Guidance on applying through UCAS What you need to apply As part of your application, you will need:your academic qualificationsa personal statementevidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)a reference How we select If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.How we select applicants When to apply 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.Search degrees that are open on the UCAS websiteKey application dates and deadlines After you apply After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:How to submit your qualificationsAttend an offer holder eventReceiving our decisionAccepting your offerAfter you’ve accepted your offerIf you have a disability and need more support at university Applying as an international student As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS. Find out more about applying through UCAS Visas and immigration If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme. Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. Applying for a visa Agents An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact. Find contact details for an education agent Academic Technology Approval Scheme If you need to apply for a Student visa, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme. Academic Technology Approval Scheme Life at Edinburgh Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.University accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs You will be able to gain practical experience through design projects run with our industrial partners, internships and placements or by joining our student-led projects such as:Engineering for Change (sustainability)Edinburgh University Formula Student (automotive technology)HYPED (Hyperloop)Endeavour (rocketry)Asteria (space and satellites)HumanEd (robotics)Precious plastics (recycling)Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.SocietiesSports clubs The city of Edinburgh Edinburgh is regularly voted among the UK’s top student cities (top 2 in the UK, QS 2024).Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life.Find out more about living in EdinburghOur communityThe School of Engineering fosters a vibrant and inclusive community for all its members. Our students, from diverse backgrounds, come together to collaborate on innovative projects, and participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities. The supportive environment encourages personal and academic growth, with numerous opportunities for community-building and networking. Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities to daily life, including: sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include:a student counselling servicea health centre (doctor's surgery)support if you're living in University accommodationdedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentHealth and wellbeing support services Contact and events
