Chemical Engineering takes different types of raw materials and chemicals and transforms them into products that benefit our lives in many different ways. Chemical engineers are optimising a chemical process to be as efficient as possible by transferring one thing into another.
Chemical Engineering is a popular branch of engineering, and international students are attracted to UK universities because of the state-of-the-art facilities, experienced teaching teams and welcoming learning environments. All UK engineering schools have close links to leading multinationals and offer exciting industrial collaborations and placement opportunities, while academic staff are some of the world's best.
The successful completion of a chemical engineering degree at a UK engineering school will provide the student with great career prospects, opening up varied opportunities all over the world.
Do you want to apply to study at a UK engineering school? Learn more about the top five chemical engineering universities in the UK below (Guardian University Guide 2022) and arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today to get your application started.
Top Five UK Universities for Chemical Engineering
1. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is considered one of the most important universities in the world and the Guardian named its chemical engineering programme as the best in the UK. The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Cambridge aims to “produce the academic, industrial and entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow.”
- Course to consider: Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
2. Imperial College London
Engineering courses at Imperial College London are considered amongst the best in the world and on its MEng Chemical Engineering programme international students will learn to apply scientific, engineering and business principles to a variety of complex practical issues. The course lasts four years in total and in the final year, students will begin advanced modules and a research project.
- Course to consider: MEng Chemical Engineering
3. University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham is a Teaching Excellence Framework Gold rated UK university and its chemical engineering course is rated the third best in the country. 92% of undergraduates from the Department of Chemical Engineering had secured work or further study within six months of graduation and the average starting salary was just over £27,000.
- Course to consider: Chemical Engineering MEng Hons
4. Lancaster University
The Chemical Engineering MEng Hons at Lancaster University features a placement year so international students can maximise their chances of securing employment after graduating, whilst also increasing confidence and industry contacts. Many Lancaster engineering graduates go on to work across a range of industries, including Energy, Oil and Gas, Water, Manufacturing and Process industries.
- Course to consider: Chemical Engineering MEng Hons
5. University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham has a long tradition of engineering excellence and its Chemical Engineering programme is ranked the fifth best in the UK. You will learn both the theory and practical application of chemical engineering at a university ranked 3rd of all Russell Group institutions for overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2021).
- Course to consider: BEng Chemical Engineering
Study Chemical Engineering in the UK
If you are interested in studying Chemical Engineering in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today. More information can also be found on our dedicated Engineering subject guide which also covers other engineering specialisms.