Chemical Engineering (Industrial) MEng, BEng

Course overview

Chemical engineering addresses many of the world’s greatest challenges faced by society in areas such as energy, environment, health, water and food. The ability to design and optimise processes and solve problems means that chemical engineers are in high demand.

As we move to a more technologically advanced and sustainable future, chemical engineers will provide the innovation and leadership to decarbonise industry, manufacture products from sustainable feedstocks, advance healthcare by designing and manufacturing personalised medicines and digitally transform the chemicals industry.

Our team of expert academics will educate you in core chemical engineering subjects, along with chemical engineering practice and design. You’ll have the opportunity to learn advanced chemical engineering topics such as digital design, machine learning, intensified processes and product formulation – disciplines that are the future of chemical engineering.

Studying a chemical engineering degree at Leeds will provide you with the fundamental concepts and new skills used by the modern chemical engineer. You’ll develop the specialist knowledge, skills and experience you need to begin your career in this highly valued profession and make a real impact in the field of chemical sciences and engineering.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA including Mathematics and either Physics or Chemistry.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and International Project Qualification (IPQ): We recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, and where an applicant offers an A in the EPQ or IPQ we may make an offer of AAB at A-Level with an A in Mathematics and an A in either Physics or Chemistry.

GCSE: English Language at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB including an A in Mathematics and B in either Physics or Chemistry.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Career opportunities

The employment opportunities in the field of chemical engineering are far-reaching, with the potential to take you all over the world.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Qualifying with a degree in chemical engineering from Leeds will set you up with the core foundations you need to pursue an exciting career across a wide range of industries, including:

• Chemical process industries (fine chemicals, speciality chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, coatings)
• Energy
• Nuclear
• Electronic and advanced materials
• Biotechnology
• Healthcare
• Petrochemicals
• Environmental engineering
• Resource management
• Finance

The breadth of knowledge and experience, along with the teamwork, problem-solving, communication and IT skills taught on the course are widely transferable and desirable to a whole host of employers.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our most recent chemical engineering graduates have obtained:

• Production Scientist, Anglian Water Services
• Project Manager, AstraZeneca
• Process Engineer, Pfizer
• Process Engineer, Eli Lilly
• Chemical Engineer, Heineken
• Chemical Engineer, Nestlé
• Industrial Engineer, Estée Lauder Companies
• Commercial Graduate Trainee, EDF Energy
• Graduate Process Engineer, Siemens
• Design Engineer, National Nuclear Laboratory
• Nuclear Safety Case Author, Areva RMC
• Process Engineer, Sellafield Ltd
• Instrument and Control Engineer, BP
• Junior Systems Engineer, BAE Systems
• Energy Engineer, Anglo American
• Data Analyst, Battenberg Group
• Innovation Process Engineer, Johnson Matthey
• Product Development Engineer, P&G
• Digital Consultant, KPMG
• Application Scientist, Stoli Catalysts
• Chemical Process Engineer, BOSCH

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.