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Chemical Engineering MEng

Key Information

Course code

H500

H5P0 with placement

Start date

September

Placement available

Mode of study

4 years full-time

5 years full-time with placement

Fees

2024/25

UK £9,250

International £23,615

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Entry requirements

AAA - AAB (see specific subjects) (A-level)

DDD (see specific subjects) and A-level Maths at grade A. (BTEC)

33 (IB)

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Overview

Ranked no.3 in London by the Complete University Guide 2024. 

Our Chemical Engineering MEng degree is an innovative course that has been developed to equip you with a broad range of knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the chemical and biochemical industry. The course is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). This innovative approach means modern subjects are taught and delivered through flipped classrooms, problem-based learning and virtual reality.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a new, modern laboratory with equipment and rigs for your experimental work. The latest industry standard engineering software packages are available for you to use in the purpose-built computer laboratories.

Our MEng chemical engineering course can be studied full-time over four years, or five years with a placement year. We encourage the placement year option. This time in industry helps you to further prepare for the world of work and you’ll have a year’s worth of invaluable professional experience when you graduate. If you opt for the placement year, you could find yourself making a difference in the real world working in energy, pharmaceutical or consumer goods.

At the end of their final year, engineering and maths students are invited to showcase their project work at Brunel Engineers +, an event that both celebrates their achievements and gives them the chance to network with industry figures and employers. This video shows some of the projects exhibited at the 2024 Brunel Engineers + event, with explanations by the students themselves.

National salary surveys consistently place chemical engineers at the top of the engineering pay scales, meaning you will be studying for a lucrative and successful career with our degree.

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Course content

Course delivery is a well-balanced mix of theory and practical sessions. In your first two years, you will gain solid knowledge and understanding of key areas in chemical engineering. You’ll also be introduced to process plant operation, control and safety through the Chemical Engineer’s Toolbox module. In later years, you move on to modern topics such as big data analytics, industrial internet of things and cybersecurity. You will work on your major design project in your third year and your research project in your MEng final year.

Compulsory

  • Engineering Mathematics and Programming I

    Aims: To develop students’ ability to understand and apply fundamental methods of engineering mathematics; to introduce the use of programming in engineering, and develop students’ ability to represent and solve problems algorithmically.

  • Engineering Mathematics and Programming II

    Aims:  To develop students’ ability to understand and apply fundamental methods of engineering  mathematics; to introduce the use of programming in engineering, and develop students’ ability to represent and solve problems algorithmically.

  • Engineering Practice

    Aims: To develop the skills required by students studying in all engineering disciplines, thereby supporting their journey through Higher Education and into their professional life with the intention of maximising their employability. Skills development in the following areas will be addressed: problem solving; personal development; professional development; career planning; basic engineering design; introductory project management; communication; working in inclusive teams; health and safety; security.

  • Engineering Systems and Energy 1

    Aims: To provide a grounding in concepts of measurement and uncertainty; to provide knowledge about applied physics relations that govern engineering systems within their boundaries and via their variables of interaction; to establish ability to define system boundaries and apply relevant simple models.

  • Engineering Systems and Energy 2

    Aims: To provide a grounding in concepts of measurement and uncertainty; to provide knowledge about applied physics relations that govern engineering systems within their boundaries and via their variables of interaction; to establish ability to define system boundaries and apply relevant simple models.

  • Engineering Mechanics - Statics

    Aims: To provide a grounding in the fundamental principles of engineering mechanics; to provide knowledge and understanding of Newton’s laws and their application for the solution of static problems; to provide experience and confidence in problem-solving.

  • Engineering Mechanics and Materials

    Aims: To provide a grounding in the fundamental principles of engineering mechanics, including statics and dynamics; to provide knowledge and understanding of the common and important material properties for various engineering applications; to provide experience and confidence in problem-solving.

  • Chemical Engineering Introduction

    The aim of this module is to provide an overview of the roles chemical engineers play both from an industrial perspective and in research in development. The module will cover the basic principles of chemical engineering aspects, processes and their applications. It will provide students with examples of successfully implemented industrial processes, processes under development, and open-ended challenges by incorporating principles of heat and mass balances, safety and sustainability, and finally process economics.

Compulsory

  • Chemical Engineer’s Toolbox
    The primary aim of this module is to prepare and arm our graduates with interpersonal skill sets, practical hands-on experience, and tools essential for a modern chemical engineer to approach, develop and solve day to day challenges attractive to employers. Topics include unit operations, process control, computer-aided simulation, and all aspects of process safety.
  • Engineering Computing and Statistics
    The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and skills of applied mathematics and statistical concepts useful to solve engineering problems. This includes the ability to develop simple mathematical models that represent experimental data set, estimate relevant model parameters and assess model performance as well solving differential equations describing chemical engineering phenomena. Students will be introduced to relevant statistical software (e.g. R, Python).
  • Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
    The aim of this module is to introduce the theory and applications of chemical-engineering thermodynamics including the fundamentals of phase equilibria, solution thermodynamics and chemical-reaction equilibria, various types of power generation systems and main thermodynamic cycles. The students will learn to interpret and apply theories in analysing equilibrium thermodynamic systems.
  • Chemical Reaction Engineering
    The aim of this module is to introduce chemical and biochemical reaction engineering and basic (bio)reactor system design. It includes studying the principles of reaction kinetics and their optimisation, in order to define the best reactor design for homogeneous and heterogeneous processes. The application of fundamental theory will be demonstrated using traditional and modern industrial examples.
  • Fluids Mechanics
    The main aim of this module is to present the various forms of transport phenomena and their mechanisms (momentum, heat and mass transfer) and to apply knowledge to typical chemical engineering problems.
  • Engineering Chemistry
    This module aims to provide fundamental chemical science knowledge and deliver principles of scientific problem analysis and problem-solving skills through the integration of chemical concepts, materials processing, and analytical methodology
  • Heat and Mass Transfer
    This module introduces the basic concepts and governing laws of heat and mass transfer.
  • Separation Processes I
    The primary aim of this module is to introduce the unit operations of distillation absorption/desorption, humidification, adsorption and solvent extraction, based both on equilibrium stage design and on transfer rate limited operation deploying varying analytical and numerical methods. Rigorous calculation of binary and multicomponent system and back mixing will be taught. Concept of stage efficiency will be introduced to address real life scale up challenges for industrial applications.

Compulsory

  • Process Design and Safety

    The aim of this module is for students to enhance their understanding of various elements, assumptions and considerations involved in designing chemical processes and low carbon technologies. This advanced knowledge will enable them to create detailed designs, to analyse and to synthesise chemical processes and low carbon technologies including techno-economic, environmental and societal impacts. This will be further supported by learning process safety concepts and by applying appropriate techniques in safe process designs. The students will acquire and apply engineering management skills such as project management, reflective practices, critical thinking, decision-making and conflict resolution skills, while solving complex engineering problems.

  • Chemical Engineering Design Project
    The aim of the design project is to allow students to take full responsibility for a major “individual” design exercise in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering which allows them to be innovative and creative while balancing technical risk versus profit with full economic evaluation. The complexity arising from the interaction and integration of the different parts of the process or system will be addressed. The major project will be undertaken by teams of students so contributing to the development of the students’ transferable skills including communication and team working.
  • Separation Processes II
    The primary aim of this module is to meet the growing need of industry for graduates with high level knowledge and skills in materials processing and separation technology. The students will develop an understanding of the unit operations processes which incorporate adsorption and membrane technologies, such organic or ceramic systems, as alternatives to equilibrium stage traditional processes.
  • Process Design and Safety II
    This module helps students to understand process synthesis through proper selection and integration, develop and evaluate reaction-operation-recycle flowsheet together with process design optimisation, process safety concepts and basics of design of experiment in quality engineering
  • Biochemical Engineering
    The main aim of this module is to provide the students with knowledge and understanding of the grand challenges and key principles in energy, water and food sustainability. The students will be introduced to energy and economic policies as well as knowledge of technology aspects and skills needed to analyse energy systems. They will learn to use analytical methods to critically assess and compare energy systems with respect to sustainability issues.
  • Process Control
    The main aim of this module is to teach graduates how to design and implement control systems for continuous chemical processes in modern chemical plants which are dynamic systems and therefore require automated control. Students will be introduced to key process variables (and how they change with time), control methods, control philosophy and examples of control systems for common unit operations, including combustion, compressors and distillation.
  • Big Data Analytics
    The main aim of this module is to familiarise students with the key concepts in Big Data Analytics, enabling the students to identify appropriate advanced statistical methodologies to gain insights in process plant operations. Students will be exposed to the practical use of advanced statistical packages (e.g. R) to consolidate their understanding.

Compulsory

  • Emerging Low Carbon Technologies
    This module ties closely with global environmental challenges and focuses on process intensification, which is a sustainable disruptive step change process at the core of modern Chemical and Biochemical Engineering thinking. The low carbon emerging technologies tackle and reduce capital, power and footprint through integration with advanced separation apparatus, manufacturing and thermodynamic cycles.
  • Industrial Internet of Things and Cyber Security
    The aim of the module is to introduce the key concepts of Industry 4.0 and the advances enabled by the Industrial Internet of Things. The students will gain a comprehensive understanding of Cybersecurity management relating to process industry, information integrity and validity, possible threats, attacks and appropriate response.
  • Chemical Engineering Research Project
    The research project will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding acquired during the chemical engineering programme within the broad boundaries defined by the research project brief. The project will involve a rigorous analysis of the peer reviewed literature and state-of-the-art/best practice relevant for the project. The students will carry out independent experimentation, analysis, computation according to the agreed project plan.
  • Innovation Toolbox
    This module will focus on management principles of chemical engineering projects, with respect to the project's life-cycle, the parties involved, planning, estimating, team and people management, safety management, contract strategy, contractor selection and contract management.
  • Process Systems Engineering
    The aim of this module is to introduce the key concepts in Process Systems Engineering and it will cover key aspects of the discipline, including Modelling of Dynamic Systems, Process Optimisation, and Model-Based Experiment Design. It will expose the students to the use of modern, Equation Oriented solvers for the development of first-principles mathematical models and optimisation of process systems.
  • Sustainable and Environmental Engineering
    The main aim of this module is to provide the students with advanced knowledge and understanding of the grand challenges and key principles in energy, water and food sustainability. The module will cover energy and economics of technology aspects and skills needed to analyse sustainable energy systems.
  • Advanced Process Engineering
    This module aims to deliver advanced knowledge and skills in process engineering design, advanced particulate process technologies and advanced reactor design. It will enable students to properly select various separation processes in diverse industrial applications and designs.

This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.

This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.


Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Read more about the structure of undergraduate degrees at Brunel.

Careers and your future

Brunel’s pioneering chemical engineering courses have been designed in close collaboration with the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) accreditation body to prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career in one of the fastest growing engineering disciplines.

UK entry requirements

2025/26 entry

  • GCE A-level AAA-AAB including grade A in Maths and grade B in one of the following subjects; Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Environment Studies, Computer Science, Electronics, or Design and Technology (Use of Maths, Critical Thinking, Mathematical Studies and General Studies not accepted).
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) DDD in Engineering with Distinctions in Further Mathematics for Technicians and Further Mechanical or Further Electronic/Electrical Principles modules and grade A in A Level Maths.
  • BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) DDD in Engineering with Distinctions Engineering Principles and Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems, AND grade A in A Level Maths (Use of Maths not accepted).
  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF)/BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (RQF) DD in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, with Distinction in Further Mechanical or Further Electrical Principles (QCF), Engineering Principles & Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems (RQF), AND A Level Maths at grade A. 
  • BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)/BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (RQF) D in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering with A Levels grades AB to include grade A in Maths and grade B in one of the following subjects; Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Environment Studies, Computer Science, Electronics, or Design and Technology. 
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma 33 points, including 6 in Higher Level Maths and Higher Level 5 in one of the following subjects; Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Geography or Design Technology. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 4 or HL 4.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma Applicants should apply for the BEng and those who achieve the progression requirement can then transfer to the MEng at the end of Level two.
  • T levels : Not accepted.
  • Applicants who will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate. To find out if you will need an ATAS certificate, please visit this webpage: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-out-if-you-require-an-atas-certificate#when-you-need-an-atas-certificate.

    The deadline for Admissions to make offers to applicants who will require an ATAS certificate is 2nd August 2024. This is to ensure any offer holders who need an ATAS certificate have plenty of time to obtain the certificate before their course starts.

    This course is now closed to new applications for September 2023 from visa requiring applicants who will need an ATAS certificate to study the course. This is because there will not be enough time to obtain the ATAS certificate and apply for a student visa before the start of the course

For Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year progression requirements, see the course page.

A minimum of five GCSEs are required, including GCSE Mathematics grade C or grade 4 and GCSE English Language grade C or grade 4 or GCSE English Literature grade B or grade 5.

Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We will fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.

EU and International entry requirements

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)
  • Pearson: 59 (59 in all sub scores)
  • BrunELT: 58% (min 55% in all areas)
  • TOEFL: 77 (min R18, L17, S20, W17) 

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

Fees and funding

2024/25 entry

UK

£9,250 full-time

£1,385 placement year

£3,000 fee reduction in final year

International

£23,615 full-time

£1,385 placement year

£3,000 fee reduction in final year

Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,250 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy. International fees will increase annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.

More information on any additional course-related costs.

See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.

Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.

Teaching and learning

Our chemical engineering degrees are delivered by staff with recent industrial experience. This means you’ll be learning from an enthusiastic teaching team with deep knowledge of the chemical process industry. There will also be guest lectures from our industrial collaborators, and site visits to process plants are arranged.

Study will combine lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, computer simulation, debates, self-study, and project work.

Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.

Engineering Year 1 (Level 4)

The Engineering Year 1 is common to all engineering disciplines during term 1 (Chemical; Civil; Electronic and Electrical; Mechanical; Automotive and Aerospace Engineering), providing a broad educational base and opportunities for cross-disciplinary study. While much of the teaching will remain common to all disciplines during term 2, there will also be some opportunity for discipline-specific teaching activities.

Lectures will be delivered using a variety of different methods. Some will be delivered live online or in-person on-campus, while others will be pre-recorded and made available online for you to access prior to engaging in interactive in-person tutorials or seminars on campus. Some on-campus live lectures will be simultaneously livestreamed; all live lectures, whether delivered online or on-campus, will be recorded and made available for you to review after each lecture has taken place.

All lecture-based modules will be supported by regular (in most cases, weekly) tutorials or seminars that will all be held on campus, allowing you to work with both staff and other students on the practical application of what has been discussed during lectures.

Laboratory classes will be held on campus. You'll have the opportunity to perform experiments and carry out other hands-on practical activities in the College’s labs and workshop spaces. Small group project work will also be carried out in person on campus, supported by regular on-campus interactive discussion sessions and workshops.

You'll need to come onto campus on most days to participate in all the teaching activities that make up the Engineering Year 1.

The online digital assessment platform will be used for the submission of written course work. All examinations will take place in person on campus. Other forms of assessment, such as presentations, are also expected to be run on campus.

Levels 5-7

The department aims to deliver all teaching & learning activities in-person on campus to provide students with experience of building their community to help their learning and their group work which is an essential part of the Chemical Engineering degree.

Lectures will be delivered on campus in-person. Lecture recordings will be made available online for students to access in their own time prior to engaging in interactive in-person tutorials or seminars on campus.

Lecture-based modules will be supported by regular tutorials or seminars that will all be held in-person on campus, allowing you to work with both staff and their peers on the practical application of the content delivered during lectures.

Level 5 Labs in Term 1: these will be delivered asynchronously using online specialised software. Supporting material will be provided to facilitate the completion of laboratory reports. These labs will be part of the independent learning supported by tutorials in-person on campus.

Level 5 Labs in Term 2: these will be delivered in the Chemical Engineers’ Toolbox with mandatory attendance. The computing labs will be in-person on campus, via online tutorials, or a mix of the two as appropriate. You'll be provided with access to the specialised software. The Unit Operations practical sessions are to be delivered in-person on campus.

Level 6 Group Design Project: this will include regular in-person on campus and online meetings between students, supervisors and industrial consultants.

Level 7 Individual Research Projects: you may be required to work regularly on campus in the Departmental research or computer labs throughout your projects.

Assessment in each term will be in the form of in person on campus written exams, presentations on campus, and written assignments with online submission.

Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.

We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.

Our chemical engineering degrees are delivered by staff with recent industrial experience. This means you’ll be learning from an enthusiastic teaching team with deep knowledge of the chemical process industry. There will also be guest lectures from our industrial collaborators, and site visits to process plants are arranged.

Study will combine lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, computer simulation, debates, self-study, and project work.

Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.

Assessment and feedback

Your progress will be assessed via assignments, coursework, presentations, laboratory reports and the design and research projects.

In your first two years, assessment is through a combination of exams and assignments. In your third and fourth years, assessment is assignment-based only. This gives you the opportunity to put into practice your soft skills (such as communication and teamwork) as well as your technical abilities, so better preparing you for the work environment.

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