Why study Chemical Engineering?
A career with purpose
Studying chemical engineering opens the door to a career with real-world impact. You’ll gain practical skills and tackle global challenges in a city known for innovation.
- Develop future-ready skills through hands-on learning in cutting-edge lab facilities
- Tackle sustainability challenges in our Industrial Hub for Sustainable Engineering
- Connect with researchers and employers to shape your career path.
Discover the birthplace of chemical engineering – Manchester!
Did you know that Manchester is where chemical engineering was born?
In this video, we explore how this vibrant city sparked a revolution in science and industry – giving rise to one of the most impactful engineering disciplines in the world.
How you’ll learn
Teaching
At The University of Manchester, you will be taught by academic staff who are leading experts in various fields in chemical engineering, in a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
We use a combination of blended teaching and learning methods including lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and problem-based learning, which are supported by lecture podcasts and supplementary video tutorials.
Coursework and assessment
Our degrees are assessed by a combination of examination, coursework and online quizzes, with taught modules typically composed of 20% coursework and 80% written examination.
Our first- and second-year laboratories are assessed by a range of methods to develop the complementary transferrable skills that will be vital in the workplace, for example: technical reports, presentations, interviews and poster displays.
Third year
The third-year ‘Design Project’ is assessed by group reports, an individual interview, and a group presentation in front of academics and representatives from industry with peer assessment being incorporated.
Watch the video: Join chemical engineering student Henrik Wong as he shares a day in his life at The University of Manchester.
Facilities
You'll learn in world-leading facilities like the James Chadwick Building, home to one of the UK’s largest pilot plants in the area of product formulation, low carbon fuel technology and advanced process control and operation.
These industry-standard spaces let you apply theory to practice, work with real equipment, and build the hands-on skills employers value, giving you a strong foundation for your future career.
Peer support
Our Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) scheme is a fantastic resource for our students. Here, you’ll be matched with a mentor who runs weekly small-group sessions to support transitioning to higher education, developing a sense of belonging, academic success, and student health and wellbeing.
Study options
Tailor your degree to your goals
Whether you want to gain industrial experience, study abroad, or pursue an integrated master’s, we offer different pathways:
- Industrial experience:
Take a year-long paid placement with top companies like Unilever or GSK, gain work-based education, earn a salary, and fast-track your professional development by applying your learning to real-world challenges. - Study abroad:
Spend an exciting year at a partner university in Europe as part of your chemical engineering master’s degree and broaden your global perspective. - Energy and environment:
Gain knowledge in energy and environmental challenges to drive sustainable solutions through engineering.
- Integrated master's:
Fast-track your career with our integrated master’s degree, gaining advanced expertise and hands-on research experience alongside leading experts in biochemical engineering, catalysis, sustainability, and more. - Foundation year:
Prepare for a degree by first undertaking our Integrated Foundation Year. This is the perfect option for students who may not yet meet the typical entry requirements for direct entry to an undergraduate degree.
Careers
What will you do with a degree in chemical engineering?
A Chemical Engineering degree from Manchester is your gateway to a wide range of careers, from energy, pharmaceuticals and food production, to consultancy, finance and project management. Our graduates use their problem-solving, technical and transferable skills to shape a more sustainable, efficient future across industries. Wherever you see yourself, this degree can take you there and beyond.
Where our students go
Some recent graduates have gone on to work for:
- Pfizer
- Barclays
- Unilever
- Siemens
- Exxon Mobil
- Air Products
- Shell
- Tesco
- BP
- ... and so much more.
Accreditation
All our degrees are accredited by IChemE, meeting industry standards and recognised internationally. Accreditation supports your path to professional registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) and is valued by employers in the UK and abroad.
Supporting your future
Roles for a chemical engineering graduate can vary, including process engineering, product design, research and development, project management and manufacturing. Your job could take you anywhere in the world and our excellent careers service is here to help you find the right path.
Courses
Find the right course for you
There are options available to you if you want to study chemical engineering at Manchester.
How to apply
Start your journey to an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering
If you’re interested in applying to the Chemical Engineering degree at Manchester, here’s what you need to know.
Contact us
Have any questions? Get in touch
Department of Chemical Engineering course enquiries
- Email: ug-chemeng@manchester.ac.uk
General undergraduate enquiries
- Tel: +44 (0)161 275 2077
- Email: study@manchester.ac.uk