Chemical Engineering, BEng
Course Overview
Overview
Chemical engineers contribute to society by helping to manage resources, protecting the environment and controlling health and safety procedures.
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, then you should consider Chemical Engineering.
Our BEng/MEng 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 Northampton, 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 embark on 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.
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.
AT A GLANCE
LEARNING MODE | On Campus Learning |
DEGREE QUALIFICATION | BEng |
DURATION | 48 months |
STUDY MODE | Full Time |
What You'll Study
The first two years cover general Engineering, with elements of Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum and Electrical/Electronics, as well as Civil. In the later years you specialise, following your chosen discipline in greater depth. You do not need to finalise your choice of specialisation until you begin third year.
It is possible to move between MEng and BEng and this can be accomplished at any point until the second half session of fourth year. Successful BEng candidates will be offered the chance to change to the MEng and there is no quota, meaning that if grade requirements are met that transfer is guaranteed.
Compulsory Courses
- Principles of Electronics (NT1008) – 15 Credit Points
- Fundamentals of Engineering Materials (NT1012) – 15 Credit Points
- CAD and Communication in Engineering Practice (NT1010) – 15 Credit Points
- Fundamental Engineering Mechanics (NT1510) – 15 Credit Points
- Engineering Mathematics 1 (NT1504) – 15 Credit Points
- Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 2 (NT1513) – 15 Credit Points
- Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice
Compulsory Courses
Topics covered can include Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Chemistry, Transport Processes, Fluids and Thermodynamics, Solids and Structures, Electronic Systems, Geology, Electrical and Mechanical Systems and Design & Computing.
- Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (NT2004) – 15 Credit Points
- Design and Computing in Engineering Practice (NT2501) – 15 Credit Points
- Process Engineering (NT2011) – 15 Credit Points
- Organic and Biological Chemistry (NT2514) – 15 Credit Points
- Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics (NT2015) – 15 Credit Points
- Engineering Mathematics 2 (NT2012) – 15 Credit Points
- Electrical and Mechanical Systems (NT2503) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 15 credit points from courses of choice
In year 3, you have the opportunity to study from a range of courses leading to specialisation in your chosen discipline. This is also the point at which a final decision between MEng and BEng must be made.
Compulsory Courses
- Engineering Analysis and Methods 1 (NT3007) – 15 Credit Points
- Fluid Mechanics (NT3019) – 15 Credit Points
- Chemical Thermodynamics (NT3029) – 15 Credit Points
- Heat, Mass & Momentum Transfer (NT3030) – 15 Credit Points
- Chemical Reaction Engineering (NT3501) – 15 Credit Points
- Separation Processes 1 (NT3502) – 15 Credit Points
- Chemical Engineering Design (NT3503) – 10 Credit Points
- Process Modelling (NT3504) – 10 Credit Points
- Project and Safety Management (NT3599) – 10 Credit Points
The major feature is the individual project in the area of your specialisation. The project occupies half of your study time and can be undertaken in Northampton or abroad. The opportunity exists to study a European language to support this study.
Compulsory Courses
NOTE: For the award of an accredited degree, a pass in NT 4578 Group Design Project (BEng) is required and may not be compensated by compensatory credit.
- BEng Individual Project (NT4014) – 30 Credit Points
- Biochemical Engineering (NT4016) – 10 Credit Points
- Process Safety (NT402A) – 10 Credit Points
- Process Control (NT40) – 10 Credit Points
- Separation Processes 2 (NT4530) – 15 Credit Points
- Group Design Project (BEng) (NT4578) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
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; how to deal 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 engineering areas – making you far more adaptable in employment.
- The School has produced thousands of world-class graduates over the decades, many who have progressed into Managing Director and 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.
- All of our degrees have been accredited by the relevant professional engineering institutions, providing you with your first step into becoming a chartered engineer. Undergraduate engineers intending to follow a professional engineering career should consider student membership of the appropriate Engineering Institution.
- Our award winning Society of Petroleum Engineers Student Chapter is one of the 230 student chapters around the world.
- TAU Racing was established in 2007 by a group of undergraduate engineers of various disciplines. The team’s goal each year is to design and build a single seat racing car to compete at Silverstone in the Formula Student competition.
- Hands-on experience of laboratory experiments and of industry-standard software is used to enhance your learning. Group design exercises based on real case field data and supervised by practising professionals from industry prepares you for work.
- Opportunities exist for industry sponsored scholarships and bursaries, final year individual projects undertaken with industry, and study abroad opportunities.
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 throughout your career – salaries for Chartered Chemical Engineers rival those of doctors, lawyers and accountants
- Opportunities to travel
- Plenty of variety and exciting challenges
- The potential to help create a sustainable planet
Chemical Engineers are employed across a broad spectrum of industries including: Energy; Water; Pharmaceuticals; Food & Drink; Oil & Gas; Fast Moving Consumer Goods; Agrochemicals, fine chemicals & petrochemicals; Mining & Minerals; Biotechnology; Management; Consultancy; Environmental Protection; Safety.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Graduate Operations Support Engineer
- Graduate Process Engineer
- Horizons Facilities Engineer
- Technical Safety Engineer
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: ABBB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.
Minimum: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics and Physics*)
Applicants who achieve our Minimum entry requirements over S4 and S5 are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers maybe required in order to receive an offer of admission.
Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics*)
Applicants who meet one or more of our Widening Participation criteria and who achieve good performance in Maths and one other subject may be made an adjusted offer of entry. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers maybe required in order to receive an offer of admission.
* These subjects can be either held at the time of application or be achieved during the appropriate admissions cycle.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made an offer of admission.
Minimum: BBC (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered.
Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics)
Applicants who meet one or more Widening Participation criteria and who are predicted to achieve a good performance in Mathematics and one other subject may be made an Adjusted offer of entry.
FOR CHEMICAL AND PETROLEUM ENGINEERING PROGRAMMES
Please note: for entry to Chemical and Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Northampton University it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169
How to apply
This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year.
We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test
Documentation required
Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.
Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:
- Degree certificates showing award of degree.
- Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
- A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
- Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.
If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.
After you apply
After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.
Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.
You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:
- You may be offered a place unconditionally
- You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
- Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants
Terms and conditions of admissions
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The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.
Northampton University admissions terms and conditions