Chemical EngineeringBEng

From advanced heat and mass transfer to reactors, thermodynamics and low-carbon energy processing, join us to explore the world of chemical, product and energy engineering. You’ll graduate with technical, analytical and professional skills for roles in various industries including healthcare, energy and manufacturing.

Course structure

Join our three year full-time BEng programme comprising of taught and optional modules including a research project in year 3 on a topic that interests you. You'll be assessed using a combination of exams, written assignments, oral presentations, computer-based tests, laboratory and project reports.

Our unique links with key employers will give you a route into different career paths. Industry experts deliver guest lectures, you’ll have work experience opportunities and you’ll take part in industry related projects, building teamworking experience. Your studies will be closely aligned to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals so you’re ready for roles with global importance.

• Benefit from our unique facilities. We are the the first School in the UK to have a research facility for energy storage using cryogenic liquids, comprising new laboratories, state-of-the-art equipment, and a major demonstration plant - The Birmingham Centre for Cryogenic Energy Storage.
• Undertake an industry relevant project to design a particular chemical process and apply your learning
• Join a welcoming, inclusive and collaborative academic community
• Thrive individually and collectively with an emphasis on team-based project work
• Benefit from close industry ties, with expert guest lectures, potential for placements and networking opportunities
• You will be taught by academic staff, who are global leaders in their field

• Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields
• Take part in tutorials that promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning
• Develop a spectrum of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management, and communication through project work
• Gain valuable experience by engaging in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills

Assessment

Your learning with us is diverse, and the way you'll be assessed is equally so. Each module will be assessed in a number of ways, such as via exams, written assignments and laboratory and project reports. The balance between exams and coursework varies across each module. As you move towards employment or further study, you'll find your final year has a strong emphasis on project work.

Each year contains 120 credits of taught material, delivered in modules that are typically worth 10 or 20 credits. Years 1 and 2 are exclusively compulsory modules as we ensure that our teaching complies with IChemE accreditation. In your final year you will complete an industry linked design project. 

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A-levels required: 3.

Required subjects and grades: A level Mathematics and Chemistry or Physics.
General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Maths A Levels are not accepted.

Foundation Year

Would you like to study this course but lack the entry qualifications? If you are not studying A-level Mathematics, you can consider a Foundation Year programme which can lead to entry onto one of our courses. Learn more:

• UK students (not eligible if studying A-level Mathematics)
• international students

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
• IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
• Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
• Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
• Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill

Presessional English courses

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students.  If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay.  If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

Course scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships which are exclusive to our programmes.

Apply

The UCAS code for this course is H800

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.