Chemical Engineering, MEng at University of Aberdeen

Chemical engineering is concerned with manipulating the chemical, biochemical or physical state of substances in order to convert raw materials into products in a safe and cost-effective manner. For example, petrol, plastics and the synthetic fibres which make up much of our clothing are all derived from oil which is extracted from the ground as a mixture of oil, water and gas.

Our MEng/BEng Chemical Engineering degrees deliver the learning outcomes required of any general chemical engineering degree programme giving our graduates the opportunity to find employment across the broad spectrum of chemical engineering employers. Our location in Aberdeen, the energy capital of Europe, and our engagement with local industry means that our students have the opportunity to engage with the local upstream oil and gas industry from the moment they commence their studies.

The University has embarked on a major programme of refurbishing and upgrading the facilities. This has seen the addition of a new dedicated chemical engineering teaching laboratory and the development of state-of-the-art computing & learning spaces within the School of Engineering.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• GROUP PROJECTS
• INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS
• LAB WORK
• LECTURES
• RESEARCH
• TUTORIALS

Why Study Chemical Engineering?

• In designing, optimising and operating the processes which make the products we use in our lives on a daily basis, chemical engineers play a critical role in making key decisions including: selecting the best reaction pathway to the desired product in order to minimize formation of unwanted by-products; determining how to purify the product; designing the best control system to ensure the process is safe; developing the most cost-effective process; dealing with unreacted raw materials; optimising the process to maximise yield and recycle energy to maximise efficiency.
• The first two years of our engineering programmes cover general engineering. This means you develop vital knowledge in all five engineering disciplines.
• The School has produced thousands of world-class graduates over the decades, many who have progressed into Managing Director, Chief Executive roles in the oil and gas and wider energy industries.
• Across a number of our programmes, we work closely with colleagues across geology, chemistry and business disciplines to ensure the teaching is fit-for purpose.
• We are well connected with local, national and international industry, particularly in the oil/gas/energy industry where you get the chance to experience real-life industry challenges and projects through guest lectures, company visits and networking events.

Careers

If you have an aptitude and fascination for how the physical world works, are interested in how chemical reactions and the physical properties of matter can be harnessed to create world changing technologies, and want to contribute positively to making the life of the human race better and to the development of a sustainable environment, then you should consider chemical engineering as a career choice.

• Excellent job prospects
• Competitive starting salaries in the region of £29,500/year
• High earning potential - salaries for Chartered Chemical Engineers rival those of doctors, lawyers and accountants
• The potential to help create a sustainable planet