Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering concerns the science, technology and management involved in making the materials and products needed by our society.

You study a range of core materials incorporating the fundamentals of chemical engineering as well as supporting mathematics and science.

The technical aspects revolve around managing the behaviour of materials and chemical reactions - this means predicting and manipulating compositions, flows, temperatures and pressures of solids, liquids and gases.

You learn about chemical, physical and biological processes using mathematical equations as well as learning about the equipment and techniques used by industry for large-scale manufacturing and the safety issues surrounding the industry.

Special features

"Students may apply to spend one semester studying abroad during the third year of their degree. Exchange partners are offered through the Erasmus Exchange scheme and/or the Worldwide Exchange scheme.

Accrediting organisations

Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers

Career opportunities

Many graduates enter roles in industry as design engineers, consultants or undertake research and development of new products. Others use the skills they have gained for a career in non chemical-engineering sectors such as business, finance, marketing, banking, insurance, accountancy and IT.

Many graduates move into senior management. Fields are as diverse as food and drink, chemicals, oil, gas and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, toiletries, energy generation and disposal of waste.

Teaching and learning

A combination of learning and teaching methods are used to maximise your understanding of the subject. Lectures are often followed by tutorials where you are given exercises to complete and advice to check your understanding.

Problem Based Learning methods are also used, where you study problems in small groups and identify your own learning objectives. Here, you direct your own learning and choose the most appropriate learning resources such as books, IT resources, notes, lectures and experiments.

Design projects bring together all the subjects you have learned on the programme, giving you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and techniques you have been studying. You do laboratory experiments throughout the programme including some large scale ones in the pilot scale laboratory, the only one of its type and size in a British university.

Coursework and assessment.

Your work is assessed by examination and course work. Laboratories and design projects are assessed by course work only. Course work includes laboratory reports, design project reports, problem sheets, oral presentations and class tests.

Requirements

Selected entry requirements

English language:

For example, GCSE grade C or above, IELTS: an overall band score of at least 6, with at least 5 in each component, TOEFL: a score of at least 540 in the paper test, 207 in the computer test or 76 in the internet test.

A level: Grades AAB. This should include Mathematics, one science subject and one other academic subject. This excludes General Studies.

Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications. Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes.

GCSE: Minimum grade C in English Language, Mathematics and either Physics, Chemistry or Double Award Science.

Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University.

International Baccalaureate: 35 points overall including 17 points at the Higher level including Mathematics and one other science subject.

Mode of Attendance: Full - time