Chemical Engineering

About the course

Chemical Engineering concerns the science, technology and management involved in making the materials and products needed by our society.

You study a range of core materials incorporating the fundamentals of chemical engineering as well as supporting mathematics and science.

The technical aspects revolve around managing the behaviour of materials and chemical reactions - this means predicting and manipulating compositions, flows, temperatures and pressures of solids, liquids and gases.

You learn about chemical, physical and biological processes using mathematical equations as well as learning about the equipment and techniques used by industry for large-scale manufacturing and the safety issues surrounding the industry. 

As well as core chemical engineering, you choose a specialist subject in Advanced Chemical Engineering. This enables you to gain a deeper understanding of fundamental chemical engineering subjects. The programmes are very flexible so you can find out what interests you and what you are best at before you choose your specialist subject.

Level 1 course units

• CHEN10011 - Engineering Mathematics 1 (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN10021 - Engineering Chemistry (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN10031 - Transport Phenomena 1 (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN10041 - Chemical Engineering Design 1 (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN10072 - Engineering Mathematics 2 (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN10082 - Fundamentals of Thermodynamics (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN10092 - Transport Phenomena 2 (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN10102 - Chemical Engineering Design 2 (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN10112 - Introduction to Chemical Reaction Engineering (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN10122 - Chemical Engineering Design Project (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN10050 - Engineering Computation (semester 1 and 2; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN10060 - Laboratory Projects 1 (semester 1 and 2; mandatory; credit rating - 10)

Level 2 course units

• CHEN20031 - Managing My Future (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 0)
• CHEN20041 - Mathematical Methods 2 (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN20061 - Solid-Fluid Systems (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN20091 - Chemical Thermodynamics (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN20111 - Momentum, Heat & Mass Transfer (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN20141 - Chemical Reaction Engineering (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN20151 - Safety & Reliability Engineering (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN20022 - Laboratory Projects 2 (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 20)
• CHEN20072 - Distillation & Absorption (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN20082 - Heat Transfer & Process Integration (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN20162 - Biotechnology & Environmental Engineering (semester 2; optional; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN21112 - Process Design & Simulation (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• UCOL20022 - Leadership in Action Unit (semester 2; optional; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN20020 - Laboratory Projects 2 (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 20)

Level 3 course units

• CHEN30021 - Laboratory Projects 3 (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 15)
• CHEN30031 - Design Appraisal (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN30051 - Catalytic Reaction Engineering (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN30061 - Process Fluid Dynamics (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN30071 - Advanced Engineering Separations (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN30091 - Process Control (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN30101 - Mathematical Methods 3 (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN30012 - Design Project 3 - Part 1 (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 20)
• CHEN30022 - Design Project 3 - Part 2 (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 30)
• CHEN30032 - Design Project 3 - Part 3 (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN30102 - Mathematical Methods 3 (semester 1; mandatory; credit rating - 10)

Level 4 course units

• CHEN40061 - Adsorption & Ion Exchange (semester 1; optional; credit rating - 15)
• CHEN40171 - Computer Aided Process Design (semester 1; optional; credit rating - 15)
• CHEN40431 - Utility Systems (semester 1; optional; credit rating - 15)
• CHEN41101 - Flow & Transport Processes in Porous Media (semester 1; optional; credit rating - 15)
• CHEN41201 - Sustainable Development & Industry (semester 1; optional; credit rating - 15)
• CHEN40052 - Interface & Colloid Science (semester 2; optional; credit rating - 15)
• CHEN40122 - Dissertation: Poster & Presentation (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 10)
• CHEN40132 - Dissertation (semester 2; mandatory; credit rating - 40)
• CHEN40222 - The Nuclear Fuel Cycle (semester 2; optional; credit rating - 15)
• CHEN40100 - Dissertation: Semester 1 Report & Individual Performance (semester 1 and 2; mandatory; credit rating - 10)

Selected entry requirements

• A-level

Grades AAA. This should include Mathematics, a science subject and one other academic subject. This excludes General Studies.

• Unit grade information

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.  Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes.

• GCSE

Minimum grade C in English Language, Mathematics and either Physics, Chemistry or Double Award Science.

• Key Skills qualification

The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University.

• International Baccalaureate

37 points overall including 18 points at the Higher level including Mathematics and one other science subject.

Alternative entry requirements

Alternative entry requirements exist for this course.

• Irish Leaving Certificate: Contact the University for further information.
• Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades AAA including Maths, a science subject and one other academic subject.
• European Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications. Applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all such applicants will be considered on an individual basis. Contact the University for further information.
• Other international entry requirements: The University of Manchester has a rich academic heritage and is one of the world's leading research-intensive universities. It also has a long history of welcoming international students and seeks to continue this tradition by admitting excellent students from across the world. Contact the University for further information.
• BTEC National Diploma: BTEC Extended Diplomas will normally only be considered in conjunction with A Levels.
• Access to HE Diploma: Access to HE Diplomas are only considered in conjunction with A Levels.
• Advanced Placement tests: The University welcomes applicants with the AP qualification. Such applications will be considered on an individual basis.
• Advanced/Progression Diploma: The University of Manchester welcomes the introduction of the level 3 specialised diplomas. We look forward to providing guidance regarding progression opportunities and subject and grade requirements when further details on equivalences are published.
• Non-standard educational routes: If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information.

• Other entry requirements: Return-to-learn students are those who have had a substantial period away from any formal learning. Often such learners have pursued careers or raised a family. The University understands that students come from many different backgrounds, with varying qualifications, careers and skills, but they often bring to their studies a high degree of motivation and experience. The University recognises that standard selection measures and procedures may not enable these learners to demonstrate fully their suitability for their chosen course. Where appropriate, admissions officers will seek and consider alternative evidence in order to give such learners equivalent consideration. Where they deem this alternative evidence meets entry criteria fully the learner will not be required to meet the standard academic entry requirements.

English language

GCSE grade C (Grade 4 in newly reformed GCSE's), IELTS 6.0 with no subtest below 5.5, or an equivalent English Language qualification.

English language test validity

Some English language test results are only valid for two years. Your English language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

School specific scholarships

The following scholarships are open to you as a student studying within the School. You will be given guidance on the application process once you begin the course.

BP

• BP STEM Scholarship

Awards are available for up to £5,000 per year for first year students on our courses. Students apply to BP online (normally in November). Selection is on the basis of the application, online tests and an interview. The scholarship is renewable each year based on examination performance.

• BP Achievement Award

Awards are available of up to £2,000 per year for first and second year students on our courses. Students are invited to write a 2,000 word essay on a specific subject and there are up to three awards available to each year group. Email and poster publicity is normally launched in December with a closing date in February. Selection is on the basis of entry qualifications/first-year examination results and the application/essay.

• BP Integrated Masters Scholarship

£3,450 is available for the final year of an MEng course. Students are invited to write an essay on a specific subject, normally launched in December with a closing date at the end of February. Selection is on the basis of entry qualifications/Year 3 examination results and the application/essay.

The Tallow Chandlers' Benevolent Fund

We are proud of our focus on scholarships to students who might not otherwise be able to continue with their education.

George Davis Memorial Scholarship for Academic Excellence

The Department has recently announced the George Davis Memorial Scholarship for Academic Excellence. The School will award these Scholarships, worth £1,500, to those successful applicants who have demonstrated overall academic excellence. The awards will be to UK/EU students who have achieved A*A*A* in their A-levels (equivalent qualifications will be examined on a case by case basis), who have chosen Manchester Chemical Engineering as their firm choice through UCAS. George Davis, the founder of Chemical Engineering as a subject gave the first lectures in 1888 at Manchester Technical School which later became the University of Manchester.

International Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences is offering ten scholarships of £2,000 per annum for well qualified international undergraduate students. The awards will take the form of a scholarship against the tuition fees, which for September 2013 entry are £17,000. These scholarships will be renewed for each year of full-time study at the University, up to a maximum of four years, and will be subject to students’ sustained academic performance.

Eligibility and Selection:

• This scheme applies to any undergraduate degree programme within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at The University of Manchester.
• Each scholarship will be awarded on the basis of a student demonstrating high performance in their high school final year examinations (or equivalent) and the academic reference on their UCAS form.
• Extra curricular activities may also be taken in to account such as contribution to activities in your school or community, this information will be taken from the personal statement included on the UCAS form.
• All international students who are holding an offer of a place within the Faculty will be automatically considered for a scholarship.
• Applicants must have accepted an undergraduate programme in the Faculty as their firm choice by 30th June 2014, for entry in September 2014.
• Applicants must have submitted their examination results to the Faculty by 30th August 2014.

In recent years Chemical Engineering students have been very successful in obtaining the Faculty International Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships. In the last five years the scholarship have been awarded to seven Chemical Engineering students and they have been from Nigeria, Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, Pakistan and India.

The Morton Award for International Excellence

The Morton Award for International Excellence is awarded to the 10 highest academic achievers on entry to Chemical Engineering. This prestigious award is open to all international students and has a value of £4,000. The scholarships are paid in instalments of £1,000 per year for all four years of the MEng course. Students from all over the world have been recipients of the Morton award:

• Malaysia
• Japan
• Korea
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Kenya
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Brunei
• China
• Bangladesh

Sir William Mather Engineering Entrance Scholarships

The William Mather Scholarship is for £1000 per annum, it is renewed each year of study dependent upon satisfactory exam performance. Students must also produce a short report at the end of each year on their achievements during that particular academic year.

Priority is given to students resident in the eastern wards of the City of Manchester, in the City of Manchester and those resident in Greater Manchester, in that order. Candidates should have received good A-level results (or equivalent) and be able to demonstrate other all-round qualities such as a contribution to, or participation in, school and college activities, and the community.

Nominations are made by the admissions office using only the information provided on the students UCAS application form through the personal statement and reference, there is no additional application process. Successful candidates are informed at the end of October.

General scholarships and bursaries

These are scholarships open to students studying engineering.

Whitworth Scholarship Awards for Young Engineers

£3,500 per annum Engineering Scholarships for Young Engineers

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) seeks applications for their Whitworth Scholarship Awards valued at £3,500 p.a. for full-time study for outstanding young engineers who are wishing to embark/or have already commenced on an engineering degree-level programme. Available for UK/EU students only.

Whitworth Scholarship Awards are offered in competition to:

• outstanding young engineers under the age of 31 next September 1st.
• who have pursued a vocational route in an engineering discipline for at least 2 years, after having left full-time education and before entering a degree-level engineering course.
• who have obtained an appropriate qualification for admission onto an engineering degree-level programme
• who are British Commonwealth or European Union Citizens, normally resident in the United Kingdom.

For further information about Whitworth scholarship visit the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) website.

National Scholarship Programme

The National Scholarship Programme provides students with a household income of less than £25,000 with £3,000 in support. Awards funded will be identical in length, value and criteria to the Manchester Bursary, so some students who are to be awarded the Manchester Bursary will be funded through the National Scholarship programme for Year 1 only. Available for UK/EU students only.

Opportunity Manchester Scholarship

£1,000 per year will be awarded to students who have either successfully applied for a place having completed the Manchester Access Programme (MAP), or are under the age of 25 and are currently or have been in public care for a minimum of three months. Available for UK/EU students only.

The Manchester Bursary

The Manchester Bursary is available to any student who is registered on an eligible undergraduate degree course at The University of Manchester and who has had a full financial assessment carried out by Student Finance. This bursary is additional to the government package of maintenance grants.

Accrediting organisations

Accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

Foundation Year

Would you like to study engineering here but don't have the right entry qualifications? Why not consider a Foundation Year course? 
  
Foundation Year courses are aimed at students of high academic ability who do not possess the appropriate qualifications for direct entry onto first year undergraduate courses. If you successfully complete the Foundation Year course you are guaranteed a place on the first year of your chosen course. You will study modules in pure and applied mathematics, physics, chemistry and biomolecular science according to your chosen course. You will also take supplementary modules such as communication skills and information and communications technology.

The Foundation Year course is also ideal for international students who have been awarded the National School Leaving Certificate after Year 12. British students complete their school education after Year 13. The Foundation Year course, therefore, provides education for the missing year.

International students whose English does not meet normal first year entry requirements (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550) will also study for a recognised English Language qualification.