Chemical Engineering, BEng (Hons) / MEng (Hons)

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Chemical engineering equipment

Course Overview

Chemical engineers design, optimise, and manage the processes that turn raw materials into products society relies on. Their expertise helps ensure natural resources are used sustainably and that byproducts are handled safely and responsibly. 

Our BEng (Hons)/ MEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering provides expert training in modern process engineering, helping you develop analytical and problem-solving skills essential for applying engineering principles in realworld industries. 

Throughout the programme, you will combine theory with hands-on experience, progressing from from laboratory work to pilot-plant operations, process simulation, and design projects. With access to our chemical engineering pilot plant, you will gain valuable experience to operate pilot-scale process units, bridging laboratory studies with industrial site visits that are embedded within the curriculum. 

Graduates develop the skills needed for careers across sectors including chemicals, energy, water and wastewater, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, advanced materials, and consultancy, as well as emerging fields such clean energy and biotechnology. 

Why Chemical Engineering at Swansea?

  • In the UK Top 20 (Times Good University Guide 2026) 
  • 5th in the UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025)* 
  • Top 251 - 300 in the World (QS World University Rankings 2025) 

*Based on the overall positivity score for questions 1 -26 in the NSS 2025, when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide 

Swansea offers a vibrant and wellresourced environment for studying chemical engineering. Our advanced facilities include a modern Pilot Chemical Laboratory with 15 pilotscale rigs covering a wide range of unit operations. You will also work with cuttingedge equipment used in research and industry, such as atomic force microscopy, fermentation systems, surface plasmon resonance, and hydrodynamic shear adhesion rigs. 

You’ll study within a dynamic research community where academics are contributing to global advances in areas including water and wastewater treatment, advanced materials, and sustainable process technologies. This research-led environment ensures that your learning is informed by the latest developments across the discipline. 

Your Chemical Engineering Experience

Your learning experience is designed to build strong technical, analytical, and professional skills that prepare you for a successful career in chemical engineering. The overall programme design will strengthen your abilities in: 

  • Applying scientific and mathematical principles 
  • Engineering analysis and problem‑solving 
  • Designing chemical and biochemical processes 
  • Practical and technical competence, including laboratory, pilot‑plant, and digital tools 
  • Teamwork, communication, and leadership 
  • Project and resource management 
  • Health, safety, sustainability, ethics, and professional responsibility 

You will have the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry in the UK or overseas, gaining invaluable workplace experience. We provide dedicated support to help you secure your placement. Alternatively, you can choose to spend a Year Abroad at one of our partner universities, giving you an international perspective and enhancing your employability. 

Our MEng pathway is a four‑year integrated degree that offers advanced technical depth, leadership development, and a streamlined route towards a master’s qualification. The final year includes an extended industrial or research placement, enabling you to apply your learning in a real‑world environment and develop professional independence. 

If you’re concerned about meeting the entry requirements, the BEng Chemical Engineering with a Foundation Year offers an ideal route into the degree. It provides an introduction to higher‑level study and builds your confidence, knowledge, and academic skills before progressing to Year 1 of the BEng. 

Chemical Engineering Employment Opportunities

When you graduate, you will have the transferable and professional skills that enhance your prospects across the chemical engineering sector and beyond. These include critical thinking, evidence‑based analysis, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly in written and oral form. You will also gain experience in independent research, teamwork, and project management, and be encouraged to apply creativity and innovation when solving engineering challenges.  

Graduates learn to apply core chemical engineering principles to global problems and develop the confidence to implement solutions within established organisations or through their own ventures.  

Our Chemical Engineering graduates are set on course for a range of exciting employment opportunities including:  

  • Chemical Engineer 
  • Energy Engineer 
  • Petroleum Engineer 
  • Product/Process Development Scientist  
  • Mining Engineer 
  • Technical Plant Manager 
  • Applications Engineer 
  • Wellsite Drilling Engineer 

Our graduates go on to pursue diverse and rewarding careers with companies such as, The Dow Chemical Company, GSK, Tata Steel, 3M, BP, Worley Parsons, BASF, AkzoNobel

The Pilot Plant

Our ITN Programme

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Chemical Engineering, BEng (Hons)

Chemical Engineering, MEng (Hons)

Chemical Engineering with a Year Abroad, MEng (Hons)

Chemical Engineering with a Foundation Year, BEng (Hons)

Chemical Engineering with a Year Abroad, BEng (Hons)

Chemical Engineering with a Year in Industry, BEng (Hons)