Parents FAQs
1. What is Chemical Engineering?
Chemical Engineering is all about change – creating life-enhancing products and services by applying scientific and mathematical understanding to design and control processes that change raw materials into useful products. In simple terms, Chemical Engineers create and develop processes to make useful products from raw materials, in a cost effective and safe manner.
2. What does the work involve?
Chemical Engineers are trained to apply fundamental engineering principles, maximise economic returns and reduce environmental impact. Chemical Engineers need to work as part of a team and develop good communication skills. Strong problem solving and analytical skills are also a bonus.
3. What qualifications do you need for a Chemical Engineering degree course?
The general entry standard is:
- 240 - 320 UCAS points, including good A-level passes in maths and chemistry, preferably with another science; or,
- Scottish Advanced Highers in maths and chemistry along with at least two other Highers; or,
- Four Scottish Higher Grade Subjects including maths, and chemistry; or,
- Typically 400 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate including at least a grade C3 in higher level maths; or,
- An International or European Baccalaureate
*Direct entry to the second year at Scottish Universities may be possible with appropriate A-levels, Advanced Highers or equivalent
4. What type of person makes a good Chemical Engineer?
Chemical Engineering is ideally suited to students with ability in maths and chemistry, who enjoy problem solving and aspire to be successful.
5. How do you find out what degree courses are available?
Visit the Chemical Engineering websites of universities throughout the UK and Ireland using the links in our Universities section.
6. How do you choose a Chemical Engineering degree with a good reputation?
Any IChemE accredited course has a good reputation because IChemE has strict accreditation procedures to ensure high standards are maintained.
7. What is the difference between a BEng and MEng degree?
The MEng course lasts a year longer than the BEng course and provides a greater depth and breadth of study.
8. What components make up a Chemical Engineering degree?
Courses are comprised of a number components including lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory experiments, design projects and research projects.
9. What is the level of teaching contact?
This varies slightly, but is usually around 20-25 hours per week. Contact the Admissions Tutor at the university of choice to find out more.
10. How much does it cost?
Chemical Engineering is no more or less expensive to study than any other subject. As with any degree, where the student chooses to study Chemical Engineering may affect the total cost because of regional variations in living expenses such as rent.
More detailed information on living expenses can be obtained from the Student Welfare Office at each university.
11. Is there further study after university?
There are opportunities for post-graduate study. Opportunities vary depending on the university. Find out more by visiting the Chemical Engineering department website at the university of choice.
12. How do I find out about University accommodation?
Contact the Accommodation department at the university of choice. Details can be found within each university’s website.
13. What sort of jobs can you do with a Chemical Engineering degree?
The choice of work available is exceptionally wide. Chemical Engineers work in large international companies, as well as smaller companies, in sectors as wide ranging as chemicals, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, biotechnology and water. They are also highly sought after in business and finance.
14. What are the job prospects like?
A Chemical Engineering degree equips students with easily transferable skills. Graduates invariably take on considerable responsibility within a few years of graduation. For this reason, job prospects are excellent and often involve the chance to reach senior managerial positions at a young age.
15. What does a Chemical Engineer earn?
Chemical Engineers are the best paid group of engineers and have the potential to earn more than doctors, lawyers and accountants. The average salary is £50,000 rising to £60,400 for Chartered Chemical Engineers who are regarded as professional ‘high-fliers’. The average graduate starting salary is £27,500. (Source: IChemE Salary Survey 2010)
16. Can you use a degree in Chemical Engineering for employment outside Chemical Engineering?
Yes. An integral part of a Chemical Engineering degree is the development of interpersonal skills such as communication and teamwork. These, in addition to the numeracy, problem solving and management skills acquired, mean that Chemical Engineering graduates are highly sought after by a wide range of employers.
17. Are all courses the same at university?
Apart from the compulsory ‘core’ subjects which are usually studied in the earlier years, there is a broad range of optional subjects. In addition to ‘straight’ Chemical Engineering or Biochemical Engineering, there are some courses that combine both of these, and yet others which include other combinations such as food engineering, environmental engineering or non-engineering options such as a foreign language or European Studies.
18. Are there any courses that offer the chance of a year abroad or in industry?
Most universities offer sandwich courses giving the opportunity to spend time in industry getting relevant work experience, or studying at a university abroad.
19. What sorts of companies employ Chemical Engineers?
Sectors Chemical Engineers work in include:
| • Chemicals • Contracting • Oil and Gas • Consultancy • Pharmaceuticals • Energy • Water | • Food and Drink • Materials • Process and Equipment • Biotechnology • Business and Finance • Education |
20. Is work experience available and how do you find out about it?
Many companies offer work experience placements some as short as 1 week, others lasting 6 months or even a year. To find out more visit the website of the company you are interested in or write to them direct.
21. Are there any bursaries, grants or sponsorship awards for Chemical Engineering?
A number of companies and organisations offer schemes to financially assist Chemical Engineering students, though demand is high so competition for places is fierce. Students should contact their university of choice to find out more as many companies have particular sponsorship opportunities linked to specific university departments.
22. Are there opportunities to work outside the UK?
Yes – Chemical Engineering is a truly international profession providing many opportunities for worldwide travel.
23. Can students with a Chemical Engineering degree enter other fields of employment?
Yes! A degree in Chemical Engineering is a well respected degree that opens many career paths across industry, business and finance. Chemical Engineering graduates are highly sought after as employers recognise that they have analytical and problem-solving skills that are second to none.
24. What is IChemE?
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is the qualifying and professional body for Chemical Engineers. IChemE has continuously expanded since 1923 and currently has an international membership of around 30,000. IChemE is the only professional body licensed to award the qualification ‘Chartered Chemical Engineer’. Many Chemical Engineers regard becoming Chartered as an important milestone in their career.
25. Why should students study an IChemE accredited course?
Completing a degree that is fully accredited by IChemE at MEng level will ensure that graduates automatically meet the academic requirements for Chartered status.
26. What is a Chartered Chemical Engineer?
A Chartered Chemical Engineer has been awarded Chartered status by the IChemE. This is a highly lucrative professional qualification for a practising Chemical Engineer which also conveys a status respected in society.
27. How do you become Chartered?
Graduates of fully accredited courses in full-time employment, or pursuing a relevant postgraduate course, may be awarded the designatory letters ’AMIChemE’ as members of the Institution of Chemical Engineers. After a minimum of four years experience, the professional engineer seeks Chartered Chemical Engineer status.
28. What are the benefits of being Chartered?
This is a highly lucrative professional qualification for a practising Chemical Engineer, which also conveys a status respected in society, and gives increased earning potential.
29. What help can IChemE offer?
IChemE offers a range of products and services to help members maintain an awareness of developments in their field and support their professional development. These include a monthly magazine, courses, training packages, conferences, seminars, books, journals and careers information.