Pursuing chemical engineering in the UK comes with numerous advantages, including world-class education, research opportunities, industry connections, and post-study work options. Thus, it remains the top choice among international students for chemical engineering courses. UK universities offer both undergraduate and graduate courses in the field of chemical engineering, whilst some also offer integrated degrees that both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These courses are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), a globally recognized industrial body for chemical engineers in the UK. Since chemical engineering is a regulated field in the country, graduates need to register with the Engineering Council, the UK regulatory body to receive the Chartered Engineers (CEng) status. This can be accomplished by completing a four-year (five-year in Scotland) integrated MEng program or an acknowledged BEng program, followed by a master’s degree, an accredited master’s degree, or an engineering doctorate.
In this blog, we will discuss the courses offered by the top 5 chemical engineering institutions in the UK including the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Aberdeen, University College London, and Loughborough University. We will also explore the reasons why studying chemical engineering in the UK is a great choice.
Overview of Chemical Engineering in the UK
| Number of universities | 44 (source: Guardian) |
| Number of courses | 199 (source: Guardian) |
| Course levels | Undergraduate, integrated, and graduate |
| Duration | 3-4 years (undergraduate and integrated) and 1 year (graduate) |
| Annual tuition fees for international students | £19,000 to 37,000 (undergraduate and integrated) and £28,000 to 59,000 (graduate) |
Why Study Chemical Engineering in the UK?
Academic excellence: The UK is ranked #2 in the 2023 Education Rankings by the U.S. News. Its universities are also consistently ranked among the top countries in global university rankings. They are renowned for their world-class education, high academic standards, cutting-edge research facilities, and robust faculty. This ensures that students receive an excellent quality education in various engineering fields including chemical engineering.
Diverse course options: It offers a wide variety of programs in chemical engineering catering to students with different interests and career goals. Whether you are interested in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, or allied specializations, you will find suitable courses in the UK.
Multicultural environment: Studying in the UK exposes students to a variety of cultures resulting in a diverse and active learning environment that equips graduates for an international employment market.
Research opportunities: The UK is ranked fifth in the world for research and innovation. Chemical engineering universities in the country are renowned for their contributions to the field. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research projects that allow them to work on real-world problems, fostering innovation and critical thinking.
Strong industry connections: Strong connections between many UK universities and major business players give students access to networking, internship, and placement possibilities.
Post-study visa options: The UK government has introduced post-study work visa policies for international students. This allows them to work in the country after completing their degrees. They can also work while studying.
Rankings: Top Chemical Engineering Universities in the UK
| University Name | Guardian Ranking 2023 |
| University of Cambridge | 1 |
| Imperial College London | 2 |
| University of Aberdeen | 3 |
| University College London | 4 |
| Loughborough University | 5 |
| Lancaster University | 6 |
| Aston University | 7 |
| University of Huddersfield | 8 |
| University of Birmingham | 9 |
| University of Nottingham | 10 |
Top Universities for Chemical Engineering in the UK
Let us delve into the top five prestigious universities in the UK for chemical engineering.
University of Cambridge
It is an iconic public research institution in Cambridge, England. The University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious and renowned educational institutions in the world with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1209, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. The university is known for its unique collegiate system, which consists of 31 autonomous colleges and six “permanent private halls.” Each college has its own traditions, facilities, and student communities for a more personalized learning experience. The University of Cambridge delivers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in various fields, including sciences, arts, engineering, and humanities. It is also a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation
The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology offers an integrated undergraduate degree program and two master’s level programs in chemical engineering. These courses are accredited by the IChemE.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| BA/MEng in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (integrated) | 4 years | £37,293 |
| MPhil in Advanced Chemical Engineering | 11 months | £58,767 |
| MPhil in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology | 1 year | £41,694 |
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a world-class public research university located in South Kensington. It came into existence in July 1907 with a merger of the Royal College of Science, the Royal School of Mines, and the City & Guilds College. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world and is particularly renowned for its excellence in medicine, business, science, technology, and engineering. Today, it is home to 17,000 students from 125 countries. Imperial College London is the recipient of the Silver Athena Swan Award, which honors the academic advancement of women in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine.
The Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London offers several programs in chemical engineering at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| MEng Chemical Engineering | 4 years | £37,900 |
| MEng Chemical with Nuclear Engineering | 4 years | £37,900 |
| MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering | 1 year | £38,600 |
| Advanced Chemical Engineering with Materials Engineering | 1 year | £38,600 |
| Advanced Chemical Engineering with Biotechnology | 1 year | £38,600 |
| Advanced Chemical Engineering with Process Systems Engineering | 1 year | £38,600 |
University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen is a public research university in Scotland. It has a rich academic history dating back to 1495 that has significantly contributed to the development of education and research in the country. The university ranks among the top universities in the UK and is highly regarded internationally for its various academic programs. It has several campuses, the King’s College campus and the Foresterhill campus are the main ones. The University of Aberdeen offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs across various disciplines, including sciences, engineering, business, arts and humanities, and health sciences. Its diverse student body has students from all over the world. It also has partnerships and collaborations with universities and institutions worldwide, which further enhances its global reach.
The university offers an Undergraduate Foundation Program of 3 terms. After completing this pathway and achieving the required grades, the students can progress to the Chemical Engineering BEng degree.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Chemical Engineering BEng | 4 years | £19,250 |
University College London
Abbreviated as UCL, the University College London is a member institution of the federal University of London. The university was founded in 1826 as a public university in the heart of London. The institution provides a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs in a number of subject areas, including engineering, business, humanities, and social sciences. It is a pioneer in research and has numerous research centers and institutes dedicated to advancing knowledge and addressing global challenges.
The Chemical Engineering Department at UCL offers two programs in chemical engineering: BEng (3 years) and MEng (4 years). BEng candidates have to complete a period of further training before being granted CEng status, whereas MEng is a direct route to IChemE membership and CEng status.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Chemical Engineering BEng | 3 years | £37,500 |
| Chemical Engineering MEng | 4 years | £37,500 |
Loughborough University
Located in Leicestershire, England, Loughborough University is one of the top 20 research lead universities in the country. It is home to a total of eight institutes spread across a modern and well-equipped campus. Loughborough University offers a vibrant and diverse student life. Students at Loughborough University can pursue programs in engineering, business, science, arts, social sciences, and health-related fields.
It offers two undergraduate and two postgraduate courses in chemical engineering. Both the undergraduate programs, MEng and BEng, are accredited by the IChemE; only the MEng degree fully meets all educational requirements for CEng status.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Chemical Engineering BEng (Hons) degree | 3 years | £27,250 |
| Chemical Engineering MEng (Hons) degree | 4 years | £27,250 |
| Advanced Chemical Engineering MSc | 1 year | £28,100 |
| Advanced Chemical Engineering with Information Technology and Management MSc | 1 year | £28,100 |
Admission Requirements for Chemical Engineering in the UK
Undergraduate Courses
High school education: Chemical engineering universities in the UK require students to have high school level education which can be an International Baccalaureate Diploma, A levels, international qualifications, etc.
English language proficiency: Submitting English language proficiency scores is compulsory for applicants whose first language is not English. UK universities accept IELTS normally with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 (no individual band less than 5.5).
Other admission requirements: As a part of the admission process, international students are also required to have a study visa, a valid passport, reference letters, a statement of purpose, etc. They must also provide financial proof to cover their fees and living expenses in the UK.
Graduate Courses
Bachelor’s education: To be admitted to graduate-level courses, students must have a first-class honors degree in chemical engineering or any other related field from an accredited university.
GRE/GMT: Most universities ask applicants without a UK undergraduate degree to submit GRE/GMAT test scores with their application.
English language proficiency: Submitting English language proficiency scores is compulsory for applicants whose first language is not English. Students can prove their English language proficiency through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Universities usually require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent.
Other admission requirements: International students are also required to submit transcripts, a study visa, a valid passport, reference letters ( at least two academic references), a statement of purpose, etc. Some programs may require an interview as part of the admission process.
Job Opportunities
Chemical engineers use cutting-edge technologies to develop raw materials into a range of useful products. Their employers cover a range of industrial sectors like energy, food and drinks, plastics, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, etc. Here are some typical job roles in this field
- Chemical engineer
- Energy engineer
- Petroleum engineer
- Product/process development scientist
- Manufacturing production technician
- Biotechnologist
- Food scientist
- Color technologist
Graduates make a median salary of about £28,600, according to a recent wage survey by the IChemE. They get paid about £30,000 yearly in the early stages of their career. More experienced candidates earn a salary above £54,000 per year. Whereas chartered chemical engineers can earn around £78,500 per year.
Conclusion
The UK universities offer exceptional chemical engineering courses providing a solid foundation for a successful career in this field. When choosing a program, it is essential to consider your career goals, the course content, and the university’s location and industry connections. The best chemical engineering courses in the country are offered at the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Aberdeen, University College London, Loughborough University, etc. Studying chemical engineering in the UK requires a high level of dedication and passion. You will also need to consider the tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, student visas, and career prospects. As such it is important to make a balanced and informed decision. To know more reach out to us at Gyanberry. Book your free video call now!
