Chemical Engineering 2012
"Within the Chemical Engineering course, the opportunity to apply taught principles to plausible and sometimes real-life situations is invaluable."
Oluwaseun Adarijo-Akindele
Our Chemical Engineering programmes will appeal to you if you are interested in the application of science and technology to problems that affect almost everything we use in our lives. Chemical engineers make a difference to society today and for the future.
Without the contributions of chemical engineers we would be living in the 1930s with no planes or cars, just steam trains. There would be no soap powders or shampoo, the NHS could afford fewer drugs, and electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers would be true luxuries.
If you want to learn how to make this sort of difference, then our exciting programmes are perfect for you.
Factfile
| Minimum Entry Requirements | MEng: A level grades AAB BEng: A level grades ABB If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year. All applicants should also adhere to the University's General Entrance Requirements. |
|---|---|
| Required Subjects | Mathematics and Chemistry A level required. |
| English Language Requirements | An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent for non-native-English-speaking applicants. If you are an international student and you are concerned that your English is not to the required standard, you may benefit from our International Foundation Year. Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre. |
| Other Suitable Qualifications | Higher grades refer to MEng programmes. BTEC National Diploma - DDD-DDM (in an appropriate subject) A wide range of other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. International students studying for an overseas qualification that does not meet the standard required for entry into the first year of degree programmes in Chemical Engineering will be referred to the International Foundation Year run by the University of Surrey, which has a Chemical Engineering option. |
| Planned Intake | 42 |
| Selection Process | Offers are normally made in terms of grades. We do not include General Studies in our offers. Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview. During the visit to the University the candidate can find out more about the programme and meet staff and students. Candidates unable to visit the University will be considered based on their UCAS application. |
| Professional Recognition | All programmes are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). |
Degrees
Degree Programmes
BEng (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering | H802 | 3 years |
| BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering | H800 | 4* years |
| BEng (Hons) Chemical and Bio-Systems Engineering | H8CD | 3 years |
| BEng (Hons) Chemical and Bio-Systems Engineering | H8CA | 4* years |
MEng Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| MEng Chemical Engineering | H803 | 4 years |
| MEng Chemical Engineering | H801 | 5* years |
| MEng Chemical and Bio-Systems Engineering | H8C1 | 4 years |
| MEng Chemical and Bio-Systems Engineering | H8CC | 5* years |
Degrees
Degree Programmes
BEng (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering | H802 | 3 years |
| BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering | H800 | 4* years |
| BEng (Hons) Chemical and Bio-Systems Engineering | H8CD | 3 years |
| BEng (Hons) Chemical and Bio-Systems Engineering | H8CA | 4* years |
MEng Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| MEng Chemical Engineering | H803 | 4 years |
| MEng Chemical Engineering | H801 | 5* years |
| MEng Chemical and Bio-Systems Engineering | H8C1 | 4 years |
| MEng Chemical and Bio-Systems Engineering | H8CC | 5* years |
Our Degrees
We believe that to keep pace with industry, tomorrow’s engineers must not only be able to design, implement and operate increasingly diverse processes, but must also be equipped with an adaptable skills and knowledge base that can evaluate the ‘true costs’ of investment decisions to society and the natural environment.
Our degree programmes in Chemical Engineering will prepare you to meet the challenges in the pharmaceutical, health care, energy, waste management, oil and chemical industries. With a strong environmental, biological and life sciences content, they provide an integrated and overarching systems view and are designed for decision-makers in future technical and scientific environments.
We have allied a strong base of traditional chemical engineering modules with systems engineering, biology and sustainability. These additions to the programmes have been developed in consultation with our industrial advisors and reflect our understanding of the new skills required for the future.
One of the unique features of the four programmes available is the opportunity to put into practice the theory learnt in lectures in a hands-on fashion. This theme of ‘preparation for the real world’ is also apparent in our approach to professional placements, where our student support programme is second to none.
This experience, together with purpose-built facilities, enables us to provide one of the best teaching environments in the country. All of our programmes are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
Other degrees you may be interested in:
Aerospace Engineering
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Medical Engineering
Programme
Programme Overview
Traditional chemical engineering subject areas form the basis of both the Chemical Engineering and the Chemical and Bio-Systems Engineering programmes, and as a result all the degree programmes are accredited by the IChemE.
At Level 1 our aim is to provide you with a strong base of experience in the scientific fundamentals of chemical engineering. The first year is common across all of our programmes.
At Level 2 and Level 3 we will deepen your knowledge of core chemical engineering subjects whilst developing knowledge specific to your chosen pathway. This allows you to consolidate a strong common set of competencies whilst developing your specialist skills and understanding. At Level 3 you will also undertake a process design project and an equipment design project.
At Level M (MEng only) students work in multidisciplinary teams, under the supervision of senior industrial experts, where you will design a whole industrial process, factory or system.
Because Levels 1 and 2 are the same for all programmes, it is possible to transfer between them at any point up to the start of Level 3.
You will study the same material at Level 1 and Level 2, whether you are an MEng or BEng student. There is no formal language option in the programmes, although foreign languages can be taken informally.
Programme Structure
Level 1
For all programmes, modules include:
- Engineering Design Fundamentals
- Mass and Energy Balances
- Transferable Skills
- Cell Biology
- Introduction to Systems Engineering
- Laboratories
- Heat Transfer
Level 2
For all programmes, modules include:
- Fluid Mechanics
- Mass Transfer
- Separations Processes
- Chemical Thermodynamics
- Process Control
- Mathematics
- Industrial Chemistry
Level P
- Optional professional training year
Level 3
Chemical Engineering modules include:
- Process Design Project
- Chemical Reaction Engineering
- Energy Systems
- Engineering Design for Sustainability
- Process Operation and Management
- Separation Processes
- Equipment Design Project
Chemical and Bio-Systems Engineering modules, in addition to the above, include:
- Microbial Bioprocesses
Level M (MEng only)
Modules include:
- Multidisciplinary Design Project
- Research Project
- Process and Energy Integration
- Process Optimisation
- Refinery and Petrochemical Processes
- Petroleum Exploration and Production
- Biomass Processing Technology
Professional Training
Our academic work in all areas is enhanced by strong industrial links both in the UK and overseas. These links have enabled us to arrange professional placements in which we have built up considerable experience and expertise. Placements provide the opportunity for you to gain invaluable first-hand experience of how industry operates, and apply your theoretical knowledge to real-life technical problems.
Most of our students take a professional training year and all feel that it is an outstanding opportunity to prepare for their career. Placements are generally paid, with students typically earning in excess of £15,000 per annum. Companies that have participated in our scheme include Heatric, BP, Foster Wheeler, ExxonMobil, GlaxoSmithKline and Shell.
To find out more detail regarding the Professional Training and the Centre for Chemical Engineering, please visit our professional training page.
Why Surrey?
Key reasons to study Chemical Engineering 2012 at Surrey
- A proud history with the longest continuous record of educating chemical engineers in the world
- A real-life teaching environment offering students the chance to work on a complete pilot plant
- Lectures by staff from the world-renowned Centre for Environmental Strategy
- Strong links with major industry players
- Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey rated seventh best in the country by The Times Good University Guide 2011
- A flexible degree structure with both MEng and BEng degrees with a wide range of specialist options
Careers
Top for Jobs
Over the past few years, graduates from our Chemical Engineering programmes entered employment in roles such as:
- AWE – Graduate Engineer
- Kellogg, Brown and Root (KBR) – Assistant Technical Professional
- Lonza Biologics – Project Engineer
- BP – Chemical and Process Engineer
- Fluor – Chemical Process Engineer
- GlaxoSmithKline – Plant Engineer
- UOP - Chemical Engineer
Career Opportunities
Chemical engineers work across a range of sectors in the UK and overseas and are increasingly sought by speciality chemical industries that manufacture high-value-added products. Chemical engineers on average earn more than any other engineering discipline. Graduates are consistently paid more than chemists and other scientists. The high salaries paid reflect the level of responsibility and importance which chemical engineering graduates quickly attain.
At Surrey, our graduate employment record is outstanding. This demonstrates the strength of our programmes in preparing you for the world of work and the substantial benefits of undertaking our professional training year. Our Personal and Professional Skills programme is undoubtedly another factor in the exceptional employment record of our graduates.
Demand for graduates with the specific skills and knowledge gained on our specialised programmes is expected to be high, especially within modern, high-growth sectors including pharmaceuticals, health care, cosmetics, energy, land remediation, water and waste management, as well as the more traditional industries such as oil and chemicals.
We have worked closely with industrial organisations to design these programmes around their needs, to ensure that there will be excellent opportunities available to you upon graduation.
Recent graduates have gained jobs with top employers such as Shell, BP, Air Products, Foster Wheeler, Halliburton KBR, Procter & Gamble and UOP.
More
Teaching
Teaching involves conventional lectures combined with coursework, tutorials, case studies, projects, practical and discussion classes. Methods of teaching and assessment in the early stages of the programmes aim to ensure your acquisition of techniques and relevant knowledge, including practice in finding information and deciding whether it is relevant.
The methods adopted in Level 3 and Level M (MEng) are influenced by the need to broaden and deepen the knowledge you have gained at the earlier levels, and develop the higher order skills you will need as a professional engineer.
Our degrees in Chemical Engineering will equip you with problem-solving, analytical and other transferable skills to enable you to succeed in whatever career you pursue. You will learn to assess business proposals which require capital investment but bring long-term profits. You will be allocated a personal tutor to guide you through the programme, advising on option choices and future careers.
Facilities
We are one of the very few chemical engineering departments in the world able to offer you the chance to learn on a complete chemical process, and not just pilot-scale individual operations such as distillation. You will use the pilot plant at each level of your programme, and this culminates in you undertaking a highly realistic exercise in operating the process and taking responsibility for factors such as safety, profitability and environmental impact.
Other purpose-built facilities include laboratories featuring a cooling tower, a full-scale distillation tray and a heat exchanger. You also have 24-hour access to our computer rooms.
Assessment
Continuous assessment operates in the form of written assignments associated with many modules. Laboratory modules are continually assessed on the basis of written reports and presentations. Design and research projects are assessed mainly on written reports. Written exams are held at the end of each semester. In the BEng programmes, Levels 2 and 3 contribute to the final degree award, whilst for MEng programmes it is Levels 2, 3 and M.
Personal and Professional Skills
We recognise that in order for chemical engineers to perform to the highest level, they need a wide range of skills in addition to technical proficiency. We also recognise that experience is the principal driving force in development of these skills.
Chemical engineers often work in teams to solve problems, they adopt leadership roles and are required to be effective communicators. Our Personal and Professional Skills programme is designed to give you a head start in developing your skills in these areas.
Employers will see the personal development skills which our programmes provide as giving you ‘something extra’ in addition to your technical competence.
Prizes
In addition to general University scholarships and bursaries, our extensive contacts in industry have resulted in prizes being awarded to undergraduates by Atkins, Halliburton KBR, Air Products, the Salters Company, the IChemE and the Worshipful Company of Engineers.
Taster Courses
We participate in the University of Surrey summer school for Year 12 students each July. Living on-campus, you will experience chemical engineering, what it has to offer, and what you need to know to be successful in the field. Please contact us for further details.