Chemical Engineering

Description

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the MEng in Chemical Engineering we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts and develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society. We make use of innovative technologies and a world class library to enhance their development as independent, lifelong learners.

Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).

Other Employer Links

Many of the research projects within the School have industrial input, and are in collaboration with a wide variety of companies operating in the chemical sector. Given the close working relationships between industry and the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, new opportunities to expand placements, industrial contact and career opportunities are continually developing.

Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers. Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plus initiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer.

• Practicals: these are essential to the training in this laboratory-based subject area. You will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. Most of the core taught modules at Stages 1 and 2 have practical components associated with them, whilst stage 3 has a double weighted practical module (CHM3015). Typically at stage 1 you would be in the lab for two afternoons and in stages 2 to 3 it is two full days per week.

• E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is typically communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. Opportunities to use IT programmes associated with data manipulation and presentation are embedded in the practicals and the project- based work.

• Seminars/tutorials: Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 6-10 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups as well as using them as a route to providing individual feedback.

• Design Classes: Design classes and embedded throughout taught modules in Stages 1 to 2. IChemE accredited design modules CHE3013 and CHE3014 are taken at Stage 3, a significant aspects are: problem solving; sustainability, environmental awareness, and safe working practices and transferable skills (such as, report writing, oral presentations, IT, teamwork, critical thought, entrepreneurship).

• Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, preparation for seminars / tutorials, writing of laboratory reports can be completed. You are encouraged to undertake private reflection on feedback, and at the later stages undertake independent research using the primary literature to support project work and critically review taught course material.

• Supervised projects: In the final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology that you have chosen. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research. The supervisor and a second academic member of staff will formally meet, interview and review the work at the half way stage, and then provide support in the write up stage, although weekly contact is anticipated in most projects within the School.

• Personal Tutor: Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic and professional development through the discussion of selected topics.

Careers

Overview

Studying for a chemical engineering degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including chemistry.

Chemical Engineering is a vocational degree, with the majority of our graduates pursuing careers in the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, manufacturing and food industries although opportunities are available todevelop careers in a wide range of other sectors.

Degree Plus and other related initiatives: Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s. Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students). Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts. As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4160 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13380 Year (Non-EEA)

England, Scotland and Wales £9,000; EU £3,575; International: £11,500

• English

Course Content

All degrees are modular with six modules (or the equivalent in half-modules) each year. Students take a range of modules in engineering, chemistry and science. To obtain professional accreditation students must follow a defined pathway.

Stage 1

Students take several Chemical Engineering modules as well as modules in Chemistry, Mathematics and Electrical Engineering.

Stage 2

Students extend their knowledge of Chemical Engineering, and study associated subjects such as computer-aided design and applications, laboratory practice, and professional studies.

Stage 3

Comprises more advanced Chemical Engineering modules, various modules covering aspects of management and professional studies, an in-depth design project and an optional research project.

MEng

MEng students at the end of Stage 3 are eligible to apply for a year-long study programme in the USA through Study USA, formerly the Business Education Initiative. MEng students take a fourth year, when they study research-led modules in advanced Chemical Engineering as well as specialist topics such as analysis and computer simulation of advanced chemical processes, energy and quality management, and safety and environmental management. There are further professional studies modules involving an entrepreneurial project in this year, and students carry out a major industrial project. There are opportunities to study abroad under the Erasmus exchange programme. We have exchanges with Chalmers Technical University in Gothenburg, Sweden, and with Delft Technical University in Delft, The Netherlands.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

MEng

• A-level AAB including Mathematics and a Science subject.
  Note: applicants not offering Chemistry or Physics at A-level should have a minimum of a grade B in GCSE Chemistry and Physics or Double Award Science.
• BTEC National Diploma A relevant BTEC National Diploma with 16 Distinctions and 2 Merits. Distinctions will be required in stipulated relevant units.
• Irish Leaving Certificate AB2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grades A and B2 in any order in Mathematics and a Science subject.

Option to Transfer

Transfers between BEng and MEng may be possible at the end of Stage 2.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Queen's University Belfast.

Accreditation

The degrees are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers.