BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering Bachelor's degree at Lancaster University
BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering at Lancaster University. Chemical engineering at Lancaster develops the scientific and technical foundations to work across industries where chemistry meets engineering, pharmaceuticals, energy, food processing, and materials.
About this course
Find out more about studying Chemical Engineering BEng Hons (H800) at Lancaster University From the provider’s course page.
BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering is a Bachelor's degree (BEng (Hons)) at Lancaster University, based in Bailrigg Campus, Lancaster. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Chemical, process and energy engineering graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 80% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Engineering, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Applied Engineering MathematicsCore
Module details
In this module you will strengthen your mathematical skills and apply them to important engineering problems. Theory is presented in the context of real engineering scenarios so that both the mathematical technique itself and the engineering concept are both better understood. This includes extending integration into higher dimensions, and introducing linear algebra, including vectors and matrices, which are applied to solving problems on structural mechanics and electronic networks, for example. Methods of approximating and solving non-linear functions are discussed in order to show how hard problems can be simplified. Laplace transforms are introduced which reduce the complexity of differe
- Engineering ScienceCore
Module details
This module explores the core principles of engineering science, connecting key concepts to chemical, mechanical, nuclear, and electrical/electronic systems. You will discover how physical principles associated with energy transfer, forces, kinetics, and atomic behaviour shape the function of structures, processes, and components laying the foundation for all engineering disciplines. Topics include atomic and molecular behaviour in materials, charge movement, compound formation, and reaction kinetics. You will also examine forces from electrostatic, electromagnetic, and mechanical interactions, along with their effects on displacement, stress, current flow, and the behaviour of solids and fl
- Engineering SkillsCore
Module details
This module will provide you with key practical skills that will allow you to design physical components, structures and systems and create functionality across all engineering disciplines. Whether you are a chemical engineer designing a heat exchanger, or a nuclear engineer designing a reactor, all engineers need to be able to generate and understand engineering drawings. Here you will use industry standard Computer Aided Design software to realise your designs. You will also learn the formal design process so that you can create innovative and robust designs. Using a ‘Design for Manufacture’ focus, you will learn how your designs can be manufactured from a range of subtractive, additive an
- Engineering SystemsCore
Module details
This module bridges engineering science with real-world applications, enabling you to design and implement industrially relevant systems. One stream focuses on sensor technology, amplifier design, and "front-end" circuits. You’ll apply electronics theory to build practical circuits and networks, exploring operational amplifiers, key components of analogue systems. You'll also develop an understanding of signals in both the time and frequency domains. Systems within the field of chemical engineering will be explored where essential concepts including batch, semi-batch, and continuous processes, as well as purge and recycle streams are fundamental. You’ll perform material balance and phase equ
- Engineering ThermofluidsCore
Module details
This module introduces thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics, core principles that drive engineering solutions across all disciplines. Understanding how heat and fluid behave is crucial for engineers tackling real-world challenges, from designing efficient thermal management systems and heat exchangers to optimizing industrial processes. You will explore the fundamental laws governing energy transfer and fluid flow, learning how these principles apply to practical engineering scenarios. In this module theoretical concepts are reinforced through experiments and observations. By directly engaging with real-world examples, you will develop a deep understanding of the mechanisms at p
- Fundamental Engineering MathematicsCore
Module details
This module covers key analytical techniques providing a foundation for all engineering programmes. Whether you are already familiar with these concepts or not, this module will bring everyone to the same level and make sure you have the mathematical tools to succeed. Techniques of primary importance to engineering such as complex numbers, differentiation and integration are covered to ensure you can understand and apply all the different methods available and solve real engineering problems during the supported sessions and beyond. This analysis is supported by practical lessons in the use of numerical techniques using tools such as MATLAB. These tools are used not only to show how techniqu
Year 2 6 modules
- Chemical Engineering DesignCore
Module details
This module will allow you to put your Chemical Engineering skills into practice. This design-based module will reinforce principles of mass transfer, mass and energy balances. It will introduce distillation as a separation process based on the principles of mass transfer and lead to the design of a specific unit of process equipment, with a focus on distillation. Working in groups, you will design a distillation column, using computer simulations programs like ASPEN. You will learn the fundamentals of distillation column design, then implement your knowledge to design the column in detail, considering not only technical aspects, but also Legislation, Codes and Standards and costing. At the
- Chemical Engineering PracticeCore
Module details
This lab-based module prepares you for chemical engineering challenges by strengthening your ability to assess risks, operate equipment, and interpret engineering data in a structured and scientific manner. During this module, you will apply fundamental chemical engineering principles to real-world scenarios through hands-on experiments with unit operations. You will learn essential health and safety practices for laboratory and semi-technical scale equipment. You will collect and analyse data, and develop key professional skills, including teamwork, laboratory record-keeping, and scientific report writing. You will gain experience operating lab-scale process equipment safely and effectively
- Chemical Reaction EngineeringCore
Module details
This module introduces to the fundamentals of chemical reaction engineering, covering key concepts and practical applications essential for designing and analysing reactors. It explores various reaction kinetics, including simple integer and non-integer order reaction rates, and provides an understanding of how to classify reactions based on their characteristics. The course delves into ideal reactor systems and the principles of reactor sizing. The design and evaluation of reactor performance are integrated with energy balance considerations. This module serves as an introduction to homogeneous and heterogeneous systems and provides a comprehensive understanding of the basic reaction engine
- Fluid Mechanics and Mass TransferCore
Module details
Understanding how fluids move and how mass is transported is essential in engineering as these principles are applied across various industries, from energy production and manufacturing design to chemical and nuclear plants. In this module, you will explore the nature of fluids and their fundamental properties. You will develop a solid understanding of how fluids behave at rest (fluid mechanics) and in motion (fluid dynamics), and you will test your understanding in the lab. You will also gain insight into mass transfer principles, including molecular diffusion, convective mass transfer, and interfacial transport. These concepts are crucial for designing efficient separation processes, optim
- Particle Technology & Separation ProcessesCore
Module details
This module introduces you to the fundamental concepts and practical applications of separation processes based on mass transfer and particulate technology in engineering. You will explore the key concepts that govern both the interaction of the powder with the fluids and the interdependence of mass transfer-based systems that lead to their sequential integration for confidently designing and operating them. Through hands-on experience with industrial practical examples, you will solve problems, including interphase mass transfer, absorption of gases, liquid-liquid extraction and solid-liquid extraction as well as the problems like the particulate processing, motion, packed beds and fluidise
- Thermodynamics and Heat TransferCore
Module details
The module provides an integrated understanding of energy exchange mechanisms in engineering systems, focusing on heat and work transfer across different states and phases of matter. The module emphasises analysing gas and steam systems, refrigeration cycles, heat pump technologies, and reciprocating engines, enabling a competitive edge in shaping the future of sustainable energy solutions. You will understand how to measure and calculate thermodynamic properties for ideal and real fluids, analyse gas and steam systems, evaluate refrigeration and heat pump cycles and master the methods for heat transfer analysis, optimisation of energy processes and systems in consideration of heat transfer,
Year 3 5 modules
- Applied Reaction EngineeringCore
Module details
In this module, you will explore advanced concepts and practical applications of reaction engineering to clean chemical synthesis, environmental protection and manufacture of commodity chemicals. Through the study of established industrially relevant processes, you will develop a comprehensive understanding and practical competence in chemical and biochemical reactors of heterogeneous systems, enabling you to design and analyse effective processes. Beginning with the kinetics concept in homogeneous chemical and biochemical systems and progressing throughout the heterogeneous systems to the transport phenomena of heat, mass and flow, you will gain hands-on experience in designing, implementin
- Chemical Engineering ProjectCore
Module details
Take your chemical engineering skills to the next level with this hands-on project module. You will dive deep into the design of a traditional chemical process, tackling real-world engineering challenges from conceptual design to detailed process configuration. Gain practical experience in process design, equipment sizing, and mechanical configuration while applying your knowledge to solve industry-relevant problems. Develop expertise in hazard identification and process safety, ensuring your designs meet economic, safety, health and environmental standards. Recognised globally as the most demanding yet rewarding part of a chemical engineering programme, this project tests your ability to th
- Engineering Management and EntrepreneurshipCore
Module details
In this module, you will gain essential skills in engineering management, covering key areas such as scheduling, project risk management, quality management, and cost and resource management. You will also explore entrepreneurial topics, including business model generation, market segmentation, and effective communication of business proposals. At the heart of the module is a group business proposal, where you will apply management theory from lectures and entrepreneurial workshops. Through presentations, pitches, and valuable insights from industry experts, you will develop your business ideas with creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial mindset, focusing on idea generation, start-ups
- Process Dynamics and ControlCore
Module details
This module introduces you to the fundamental principles and practical applications of process dynamics, control, and simulation in chemical engineering. You will explore two key themes: computational process simulation and control system design. Through hands-on experience with industry-standard software like Aspen Plus and MATLAB, you will solve complex chemical engineering problems, including reactor design and transport processes. The module also covers dynamic system behaviour, feedback control principles, and stability analysis, equipping you with the skills to design and evaluate control systems. By the end of the module, you will have developed a strong understanding of both theoreti
- Sustainable Process EngineeringCore
Module details
This module equips you with a deep understanding of advanced chemical engineering principles, focusing on simultaneous momentum, heat, and mass transfer for efficient process design. Gain expertise in designing essential equipment like humidifiers, dryers, evaporators and multi-component distillation systems. Go beyond traditional engineering - integrate sustainability into process design, enhance energy efficiency, and assess environmental impacts. Learn to incorporate circular economy concepts while balancing economic constraints. This dynamic module empowers you with essential skills in chemical engineering, with a strong focus on sustainable process design. Learn to create efficient, eco
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study chemical engineering through a progression from foundational theory to specialist practice and independent research. A typical course like this starts with engineering mathematics, mechanics and materials, and practical design skills. In Year 2, you'll move into discipline core work such as thermodynamics, fluids, and engineering analysis, alongside a group design project that mirrors industry standards. Year 3 focuses on specialist options, such as energy and sustainability, robotics and mechatronics, mechanical, electrical and electronic, or civil and structural engineering, combined with professional engineering practice covering safety, ethics and project management. You'll complete the degree with a substantial individual project that brings together your learning.
Who it's for
You're interested in how chemical processes work at scale and want to apply chemistry to solve real-world problems. You're comfortable with maths and science, and you enjoy practical work as much as theory. This degree suits you if you're aiming for a professional engineering career, or if you're unsure about your path and value the chance to explore specialist areas before committing. Full-time, three-year study on campus means you'll engage deeply with your cohort and benefit from hands-on lab work and facilities.
Careers & job market
Across engineering courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing. Four-fifths of those working are in highly skilled roles or postgraduate study. Nationally, starting salaries for engineering graduates range from £29,000 to £35,000; after five years this rises to £33,150–£46,800. Precise outcomes depend on your choices and the employer, so these are not guaranteed figures.
University & format
This BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering course is studied full-time over 3 years at Lancaster University, a public university founded in 1964 and located at Bailrigg Campus, Lancaster. Teaching is in English. The degree is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body, and the university was awarded Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. The course code is H800.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| a foundation course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code H800). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Lancaster University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Engineering graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £30,000 – £34,500 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £30,000 | £25,500 – £36,500 | 25 |
| 5 years after | £37,000 | £33,500 – £44,000 | 25 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in engineering · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Engineering nationally
National figures for Engineering graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Engineering courses at the same study level.
Compared with 2,256 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 30% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 25; response rate: 90%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Engineering graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Engineering graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Engineering & manufacturing firms
- Automotive & aerospace
- Energy & utilities
- Defence & consultancies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Engineering graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.7 out of 10: NSS 86.4% · in work or study 80% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Lancaster
Engineering and technology across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Bailrigg Campus, Lancaster
28 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Engineering right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Lancaster University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £33,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
This course lists IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Lancaster University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Lancaster University and gov.uk before you apply.
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What are the entry requirements?
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What will it cost me?
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