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Chemical Engineering MEng (Hons)

4 years, starting in September 2025

Gain the technical and professional skills to pursue a wide range of careers as a chemical engineer.

Our course introduces you to the core principles and practices of chemical engineering. It develops your professional skills in engineering, mathematics, science, information technology, research, design, communication and management.

Through lectures and practical lab sessions, you’ll learn how to gather and assess data to develop industrial strategies. You’ll explore new technologies and gain a comprehensive understanding of process design. Your studies will give you the confidence to critically apply scientific and engineering knowledge.

You’ll also develop transferable skills such as problem solving, teamwork and resource management. Integrating these with your technical knowledge, you’ll learn how to tackle complex, and often open-ended, engineering problems.

Individual and group projects are a key feature of your studies and a chance for you to develop scientific ideas from the bench scale to process scale. You’ll apply your engineering knowledge to a full chemical process such as designing an anaerobic digester, a water treatment facility for a refugee camp, or a low-carbon ammonia synthesis plant.

Learn from experts in the field

Our department’s great staff and student community provides a friendly and supportive environment to learn in. We deliver teaching complemented by guest lectures from practitioners to give you a professional and practical perspective on the subject. You’ll learn from expert academic staff whose industrial collaborations, research and entrepreneurial activities feed into our teaching and contribute to your learning experience.

Use specialist facilities

Specialist facilities are central to your study experience. Our laboratory facilities range from bench scale to pilot scale and are specially equipped to enhance your education in becoming a chemical engineer. You’ll have access to:

  • teaching labs with continuous reactors, microbial bioreactors and a range of other bespoke equipment that demonstrates core chemical engineering concepts
  • reaction engineering research labs where we are making breakthroughs in sustainable products
  • advanced separation research laboratories focused on the synthesis and characterisation of low-cost membrane technology
  • high-spec biochemical engineering labs where the fuels and foods of the future are being developed

Play a video tour of our laboratory facilities to see the equipment you could be using as part of your degree.

Start your future here

Chemical engineering is one of the highest-paid professions in the UK. With a degree from Bath, you can be confident that you’ll graduate with the specific engineering knowledge as well as valuable transferable skills to help start your career. You could take on technical and managerial roles across industry and commercial sectors. For example, you could follow a career in alternative fuels, healthcare industries, water treatment, production of consumables such as foodstuffs and toiletries in the fast moving consumer goods industries, and oil and gas. When you graduate, you’ll be able to adapt to a variety of roles in a changing world and discipline.

Find out what our graduates go on to do.

2025/2026 Academic Year


Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 4 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2029. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.


Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.

As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.

All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.

Year 1

Compulsory units

  • Chemical engineering skills, practice and design 1

    15 credits

  • Principles of chemical engineering 1

    30 credits

  • Professional portfolio 1

    5 credits

  • Science and mathematics for chemical engineering

    10 credits

Year 2

Compulsory units

  • Chemical engineering skills, practice and design 2

    15 credits

  • Principles of chemical engineering 2

    30 credits

  • Process dynamics, modelling and control

    10 credits

  • Professional portfolio 2

    5 credits

Year 3

Compulsory units

  • Advanced principles of chemical engineering

    15 credits

  • Environmental and engineering project management

    15 credits

  • Product and process design (group)

    15 credits

  • Product and process design (individual)

    15 credits

Year 4

Compulsory units

  • Advanced core chemical engineering

    10 credits

  • MEng research project in chemical engineering

    30 credits

Options

  • Final Year Options

    20 credits

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.


Learning

  • Laboratory sessions
  • Lectures
  • Online resources
  • Practical sessions
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Practical work
  • Written examination

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

Contact hours

Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision.

In your first year, you'll typically have around 15 hours of timetabled sessions a week, made up of lectures, seminars, and laboratory classes. Most of your contact hours throughout the course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will make up a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. You may also carry out additional activities such as a few online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.

In later years, the amount of timetabled sessions on campus may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work. This may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.

Overall workload and independent learning

Outside your timetabled contact hours, you're expected to carry out independent learning and assessment activities to support your studies. Typically, you should expect to spend a total of 35 to 40 hours on scheduled sessions and independent study each week. Examples of independent activities may include:

  • individual research
  • reading journal articles and books
  • working on individual and group projects
  • working through problem sheets
  • preparing coursework assignments or presentations
  • revising for exams

Assessment breakdown

The balance of the assessment by examinations and assessment by coursework may depend on the optional modules you choose. As guide, approximately 60% of assessment is by coursework over the duration of the course. The final degree classification is determined by your second, third and final year marks and each contributes 20%, 40% and 40% respectively. 

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Professional accreditations

By studying a course with a professional accreditation, you could have the chance to get workplace experience, learn about new developments in the industry and apply for membership with the accrediting body. You may also be able to apply for jobs in the industry without having to do any more exams.


Recognition of professional qualifications


As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

Luke Wilson examines a biofuel cell in one of our chemical engineering laboratories
‘The research project is a good opportunity to get stuck into something that particularly interests you. I think it's furthered my ability to go out and learn new things really independently.’
Luke Wilson Luke Wilson, MEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering with placement year (Graduating year, 2017)

Entry requirements


Your application, especially your personal statement, should explain your motivation for choosing this degree and any relevant non-academic interests and achievements. Your application is more likely to be successful if you demonstrate a strong interest in chemical engineering through relevant reading, extracurricular or co-curricular activities, or work experience.

You will need a strong performance in both Chemistry and Mathematics as part of your entry qualifications.

We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

A level Typical offer

A*AA

A*AA in three A levels including Chemistry and Mathematics.

Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.

A level Contextual offer

AAB

AAB in three A levels including A in Chemistry and A in Mathematics.

Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.

We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.

Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.

A level Alternative offer

AAA or A*AB

We know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.

AAA or A*AB in three A levels including A in Chemistry and A in Mathematics plus one of:

  • grade A in an EPQ or IEPQ
  • grade A in AS level Further Mathematics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject)
  • grade B in a fourth A level, where your four A levels include A level Further Mathematics
  • an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:

AAAB or A*ABB in three A levels including A in Chemistry and A in Mathematics and B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.

Read more about how our alternative offers work.

International Baccalaureate Typical offer

7, 6, 6 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall and 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including Chemistry and either HL Mathematics.

Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.

Standard Level in essential subjects

In exceptional circumstances we may be able to consider you if you are studying Standard Level Chemistry or Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches. Our typical offer in this instance would be 36 points overall with 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Chemistry or either HL Mathematics plus 7 in Standard Level Chemistry or Mathematics: Analysis or Approaches.

We cannot accept Standard Level Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations for this course.

We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.

For this course you will normally need to study either Mathematics course at Higher Level.

Your remaining qualifications must include sufficient Chemistry or Engineering content.

International Baccalaureate Certificates

If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.

If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.

For this course you will normally need to study either Mathematics course at Higher Level.

Your remaining qualifications must include sufficient Chemistry or Engineering content.

International Baccalaureate Contextual offer

6, 6, 5 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Chemistry and 6 in either HL Mathematics.

Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.

We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.

Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.

Standard Level in essential subjects

In exceptional circumstances we may be able to consider you if you are studying Standard Level Chemistry or Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches. Our typical offer in this instance would be 36 points overall with 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Chemistry or either HL Mathematics plus 7 in Standard Level Chemistry or Mathematics: Analysis or Approaches.

We cannot accept Standard Level Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations for this course.

Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer

D*DD plus A at A level

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)

D*DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus grade A in A level Mathematics.

You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification.

We are able to consider the above qualifications in Engineering. You must be studying the following units as part of your BTEC qualification: Further Engineering Mathematics, Principles and Application of Fluid Mechanics, and Thermodynamic Principles and Practice.

If you are studying a BTEC qualification in Applied Science in combination with A level Mathematics, please contact us to discuss the suitability of your optional units before making an application.

In addition to our essential GCSE requirement in English, we also require grade 4 or C in Double Science or Physics and Biology.

Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.

BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates

We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.

You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification. Your remaining qualifications will need to include sufficient Chemistry or fluid mechanics content.

T Level Typical offer

T Levels are not considered suitable preparation for this degree programme and are therefore not accepted for entry. If you require advice on how you may academically prepare to study this degree or present with a mix of qualifications, you should contact our Admissions Progression Team at admissions-progression@bath.ac.uk.

Scottish Highers Typical offer

AA in Advanced Highers

AA in two Advanced Highers including Chemistry and Mathematics.

We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved AAAAA in their Highers.

Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Access to HE Diploma Typical offer

39 credits at Distinction

A pass in the Access to HE Diploma in Science or Engineering with at least 39 credits achieved at Distinction. This must include at least 12 credits from Mathematics units achieved at Distinction and at least 12 credits from Chemistry units achieved at Distinction.

Our Chemical Engineering courses are academically challenging and require solid foundations of knowledge in Mathematics and Chemistry. We are able to consider Access to HE Diplomas in Science or Engineering, and we are looking for you to be studying a suitable level of Mathematics and Chemistry to be able to succeed on our course. You will need to have studied Mathematics units worth at least 12 credits and Chemistry units worth at least 12 credits.

Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.

Combinations of qualifications Typical offer

We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.

To be considered for this course, your combination of qualifications must include A level Chemistry and Mathematics (or equivalent).

You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.

GCSE requirements

  • GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C)

Read more about how we consider GCSEs.

English language requirements

Category C

If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
  • TOEFL IBT and IBT Special Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
  • Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
  • Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 120, Conversation 120, Production 120
  • LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Chemical Engineering MEng (Hons)


Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

Fee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.

Find out more about student fees

Extra costs

You'll need a laptop for some of your timetabled sessions on campus. You will have access to key software to your course, including access to MS Teams and Zoom, through your university account.

Find out more about the support available for accessing technology.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.

Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.

Application information


  • Course title
    Chemical Engineering
  • Final award
    MEng (Hons)
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    P102
  • Institution code
    B16
  • Department
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    29 January 2025
  • Overseas application deadline
    29 January 2025
  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator

Selection process

We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma, you may be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process so we can better assess your studies and experiences.

Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.

Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.

Immigration requirements

This MEng degree is covered by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). Unless you are a citizen of the UK or another country exempted from ATAS clearance, you will need an ATAS Certificate to join this course. Find out more about applying for an ATAS certificate.

Exemptions include citizens of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) member state and citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and the USA.

Course enquiries


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