Chemical Engineers create innovative solutions to some of our world’s greatest problems. They are involved in making medicines, safe water treatments, renewable energy and so much more. Our Chemical Engineering course focuses on sustainable solutions, hands-on learning, and industry experience. It will prepare you for a career in tackling global challenges.
Introduction
If you want to make a real difference in addressing the world’s major challenges including sustainability, climate change, food security, and ensuring good health for all, then chemical engineering is for you. It will equip you with skills and knowledge that are in high global demand and that can really change the world! Chemical engineers play a pivotal role in how we all live, working across societies and industries worldwide to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Chemical engineering enables you to use a unique mix of your creativity, knowledge and problem-solving skills to make our planet a better place.
Yvonne Baker OBE, CENG, MICHEME, Chief Executive Officer of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (ICHEME)
Our Chemical Engineering programme* offers an exciting blend of learning experiences, delivered by leaders in their field. Teaching the fundamentals of Chemical Engineering through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials and seminars equipping you with the skills, attitudes, and experience demanded by 21st century engineering and society.
You’ll learn in a modern, well-equipped environment that fosters world-class digital innovation including our Active Learning Laboratories. You will also gain unique skills operating our pilot plant facility. You will join the UK professional chemical engineering community from day one because we will sign you up for student membership of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and cover the fees for the duration of your degree course.
Years One and Two are shaped to give you an understanding of the theory and skills needed to become a successful Chemical Engineer. As you progress into Year Three, you will focus on more advanced topics such as process safety alongside the all-important Design Project. We give you everything you need to walk out of the door to begin your professional journey toward charted engineer.
This programme is available from September 2025, subject to approval. The modules listed are an indication of what will be studied, though may be subject to change.
*pending approval and accreditation
What you'll learn
Underpinning science and mathematics of engineering systems
Advanced information technology
Collaborative engineering design
Sustainable manufacturing
Quantitative risk assessment and economic analysis
Creative problem solving and critical thinking
Accreditation
As a new programme, our Chemical Engineering courses are pending accreditation by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). This degree has been designed in consultation with the IChemE and industry experts, and will be fully accredited (subject to approval) in 2028 as soon as students from the first cohort graduate.
This is the first step in becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023
We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a
Gold rating for educational excellence.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
Year one gives students the scientific principles that underpin the practice of professional chemical engineering. You’ll also get a fast-track, activity-based introduction to the key principles of engineering design requiring teamwork and communication.
Compulsory modules:
ENGG151: Chemical Engineering Design Principles 1
ENGG152: Chemistry and Biochemistry for Engineers
ENGG153: Soft Matter Science
ENGG111: Professional Engineering: A Skills Toolkit
ENGG198: Engineering Mathematics
ENGG116: Energy Science
Compulsory modules
Professional Engineering: a skills toolkit (ENGG111)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 3
This module aims to provide students with an interesting and engaging project that will help them to immediately relate the material being taught,both within and without this module, to a practical problem that is identifiable to their engineering discipline, thus reinforcing its relevance to the topixc.
The module:
1) Seeks to provide students with an early understanding of the preliminary design processes
2) Will introduce students to formal engineering drawing and visualisation
3) Will expose the students to group work and the dynamics of working in a team
4) Will expose students to the complexity of an engineering design task
5) Will enable students to develop data analysis and plotting skills
6) Will embody an approach to learning that will engage the students for the remainder of their lives
7) Seeks to provide students with an early understanding of the detail design and manufacturing process
8. Will introduce students to industry standard computer aided engineering drawing tools and practice
9. Will enable students to develop report writing and oral presentation skills
10. Will provide students with a basic understanding of engineering components and mechanisms
11. Will embody an approach to learning that will engage the students for the remainder of their lives
Engineering Mathematics (ENGG198)
Credits: 22.5 /
Semester: semester 3
ENGG198 is a Year 1 mathematics module for students of programmes taught in the School of Engineering, e.g. Aerospace, Civil, Architectural, Mechanical, Product Design and Industrial Design Engineering. It is designed to reinforce and build upon A-level (or equivalent) mathematics, providing you with the strong background required in your engineering studies and preparing you for Year 2 mathematics modules.
Energy Science (ENGG116)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 3
To develop an understanding of the basic principles of fluid mechanics, the laws of thermodynamics, and an appreciation of how to solve simple engineering problems. To develop skills in performing and reporting simple experiments.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
Year two extends core principles from year one and applies them to the flagship chemical engineering topics of separations, reaction engineering and process control. This learning is reinforced with the Year Two Design Exercise. You are also given time to become proficient in industry standard process simulation software.
Compulsory modules:
ENGG253: Separation Processes
ENGG252: Reaction Engineering
ENGG251: Chemical Engineering Design Principles 2
ENGG254: Process Dynamics and Control
ENGG255: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
ENGG256: Chemical Engineering Year 2 Design Exercise
ENGG257: Project Management and Process Operations
ENGG295: Engineering Mathematics and Computing
Compulsory modules
Engineering Mathematics and Computing (ENGG295)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 3
Engineering Mathematics and Computing will provide a fundamental understanding of mathematical techniques used to solve Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering problems. Successful completion of this module will provide students with basic skills and solution methodologies (mathematical, and using MATLAB) for various engineering applications. The module will expose the essentials of numerical methods to solve systems of linear, non-linear, ordinary and partial differential equations. A series of classic engineering problems, such as trusses, mass-spring dampeners, 2D trajectory calculation, and 2D heat flow will place the acquired knowledge in an engineering context.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
The major module studied in year three is the Chemical Engineering Capstone Design Project in which you will work like a team in industry to do the preliminary design of an entire process complete with hazard assessment and economic analysis to calculate payback time. You’ll also study advanced key modules for creating new sustainable processes, alongside process safety: techniques that are highly sought after in industry.
Compulsory modules:
ENGG356: BEng Chemical Engineering Design Project
ENGG352: Process Safety and Loss Prevention
ENGG353: Sustainable Processes
MECH301: Heat Transfer
MECH326: Engineering Fluid Mechanics
ENGG354: Enterprise Skills and Project Economics
ENGG355: Environmental Engineering
Compulsory modules
HEAT TRANSFER (MECH301)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The aim of this module is to give the students a good understanding of the basic mechanisms of heat transfer and to equip them to solve significant engineering problems.
They will also learn about different designs of heat exchanger and how to carry out performance/design calculations.
ENGINEERING FLUID MECHANICS (MECH326)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The module provides students with the fundamental concepts of Engineering Fluid Mechanics, and in particular: the role of viscosity in fluid mechanics, including the no-slip condition and the concept of vorticity; the basic principles of laminar and turbulent flow through pipes including definition and evaluation of the Fanning and Darcy friction factors; the concept of a boundary layer, including separation and transition, and basic equations for friction factor in laminar and turbulent flow with zero pressure gradient; the calculation methods of bluff-body drag using drag coefficients with qualitative explanations the potential-flow theory including the concept of irrationality and the principle of superposition; the analysis of compressible flow through constant-area ducts accounting for friction or heat transfer and to use the Fanno- and Rayleigh-flow tables; the analysis of external compressible flow including expansion and compression turns (Prandtl-Meyer expansions and oblique shock waves).
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
How you'll learn
All engineering students at the University of Liverpool benefit from an innovative educational framework for producing the next generation of engineers.
Our degree programmes encompass the development of a holistic, systems approach to engineering. Technical knowledge and skills are complemented by a sound appreciation of the life-cycle processes involved in engineering and an awareness of the ethical, safety, security, environmental, economic and social considerations involved in practicing as a professional engineer.
You will be taught through a combination of face-to-face teaching in group lectures, laboratory sessions, hands-on operation of larger scale equipment, tutorials and seminars. Our programmes include a substantial practical component, with an increasing emphasis on project work as you progress through to the final year. You will be supported throughout by an individual academic adviser.
How you're assessed
Assessment takes many forms, each appropriate to the learning outcomes of the particular module studied. The main modes of assessment are coursework and examination. Depending on the modules taken, you may encounter project work, presentations (individual and/or group), and specific tests or tasks focused on solidifying learning outcomes.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
You’ll study in the School of Engineering, which hosts modern, world-class teaching and learning facilities. This includes the Active Learning Laboratories, which feature manufacturing robots and prototyping facilities, and the brand-new chemical engineering pilot plant. You’ll also have access to industry-standard engineering software.
ou can join The Liverpool Engineers Society – the largest academic society at the university. They host frequent social, sporting and networking events, trips and promote graduate placement opportunities. Your IChemE student membership will also give you access to meetings of the North-West and Chester and North Wales IChemE member groups.
Chemical Engineering graduates have excellent employment prospects and attract some of the highest starting salaries of all the engineering disciplines. You will graduate with the technical and professional skills to pursue an exciting career in a wide range of industries, that can take you all over the world.
The average salary for early-career chemical engineers is £30,000 (source IChemE). Salaries for chartered chemical engineers can be significantly higher, for example, the average salary for chartered engineers with an undergraduate degree is around £78,500. (source: IChemE via www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/chemical-engineer).
The University of Liverpool is one of the most targeted universities by top employers, according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are in demand.
Qualifying with a Chemical Engineering degree from Liverpool will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to explore opportunities in many sectors. Modern Chemical Engineers work in a wide variety of industries including:
Fine Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals
Consumer Goods, Food and Drink
Clean Energy, Hydrogen Economy, Nuclear and Sustainable Fuels
Biotechnology, Water & Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery.
Our engineering graduates are also highly sought-after by other industries for their analytical, communications, management, business and IT skills. Some are thought leaders, policy makers and entrepreneurs delivering solutions in diverse areas, from treating diseases to tackling climate change.
Here, in the North-West region, there are many world-leading employers of Chemical Engineering graduates including:
£78,500 is the average salary for chartered chemical engineers.
ICHEME via prospects.ac.uk
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£9,250
Year in industry fee
£1,850
Year abroad fee
£1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£27,200
Fees shown are for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies..
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This may include a laptop, books or stationery. All safety equipment, other than boots, is provided free of charge by the department.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.
Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.
Narrowly missed the entry requirements on results day?
Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements.
For this course, the offer is AAB with
A
in the EPQ.
You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course.
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
Alternative entry requirements
If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
