Chemical Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng MEng

2025-26 entry
School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering

If you don't have appropriate qualifications in maths or science, this course is for you: the foundation year provides you with a concentrated course of maths, chemistry or physics, and engineering. On successful completion, you move straight into the first year of either our BEng or MEng degree course.

Key details

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    Course description

    Why study this course?

    World-class facilities, practical training

    Experience our industrial-scale equipment for energy, pharmaceutical engineering and biological engineering. This is all part of the Diamond Pilot Plant, which includes a first ever UK university powder processing line.

    Pursue your dream career

    We’ve embedded employability throughout our course, and our dedicated chemical engineering employability team runs a careers and employability conference every year. Previous speakers have come from companies including Nestlé, Pepsico, GTC, and Reckitt.

    Chemical Engineering Society

    ChemEngSoc is one of many societies in engineering alone which offer a chance to make friends with similar academic interests and be part of a supportive community. ChemEngSoc offers fun socials like board game nights, as well as academic trips.

    CBE students in Pilot Plant

    Sustainable manufacturing and clean energy are just two of the myriad challenges facing humanity, that need the skills of chemical engineers.

    If you don't have the usual scientific or mathematical background for an engineering degree, a foundation year is for you. After successfully completing the foundation year, you can start a BEng or MEng degree.

    From food to energy and pharmaceuticals, chemical engineering is embedded in so many different sectors, and a Chemical Engineering BEng from 91̽»¨ can open doors to a huge range of careers.

    As a department, we emphasise learning through practical experience. That means lab work, projects and open-ended problem-solving. And our state-of-the-art pilot plant gives you the chance to apply what you learn by experimenting with large-scale process equipment. In fact, hands-on experience of using industry standard equipment is integrated throughout the course.

    And of course, we’ll teach how to work in an increasingly digitised manufacturing sector, including computer modelling.

    Along with a fascinating variety of core and optional modules, you’ll also have the option to either study abroad for a year or spend a year working in industry, gaining real-world experience and connections.

    In your third year, you'll take part in a design project to create a real-world process in its entirety. The design projects recreate what chemical engineers do out in the real world, bringing together everything you’ve learned into one project and preparing you for your first step into the industry.

    The Chemical Engineering BEng is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers on behalf of the Engineering Council, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer, and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer. The Chemical Engineering MEng fully meets the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

    Modules

    After successfully completing the foundation year modules, you can start your main degree.

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Title: Chemical Engineering with a Foundation Year MEng or BEng course structure
    UCAS code: H801
    Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
    Foundation year

    Semester 1 Core Modules:

    Advanced Level Chemistry

    The unit covers a selection of the major concepts from areas of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry in order to develop a sound basic knowledge of chemistry corresponding to the common core A level curriculum as preparation for successful studies in the Material Sciences and Chemical Engineering.

    20 credits

    Full Academic Year Core modules:

    Introduction to Engineering

    This module will introduce the application of engineering principles to foundation year students and give the student an appreciation of the breadth of engineering activities across the faculty and identify to students what knowledge areas and skills are needed in order to contribute to their development and be successful. It will also help create links with departments and draw on the other modules that students will take in the foundation year especially maths and physics.

    40 credits
    Elements of Physics

    PHY010 provides students with the elements of Physics required to enter the first year of an engineering course where some knowledge of Physics is needed.

    Understanding will be developed by taking a sub- set of the lectures of the more comprehensive module PHY009, namely those covering Dynamics/Mechanics; Electricity and Magnetism (autumn semester); and Oscillations, Waves, and Optics; Properties of Matter (spring semester). These will be delivered in the first 2/3rds of either semester. Problem solving and example classes are integrated into lectures.

    As PHY008 teachings no practical Physics, this module is complemented by laboratory components of the 40 credit foundation year module (FCE001).

    20 credits

    Optional Modules

    Core Foundation Mathematics

    The syllabus for MPS002 covers the common core A Level curriculum. The unit is tailored for students who have been away from mathematics for a period of time, but who will have gained some A-Level or similar qualifications. The unit covers the basic principles of algebra, geometry and calculus. Following the introduction of new material in the lectures, students have the opportunity of extensive problem solving, both in the tutorial sessions with the lecturers and in their own time.

    40 credits
    Foundation Core and Enhanced Mathematics

    This module builds on the common core curriculum from A level maths (which is a prerequisite). This unit covers enhanced comprehension of topics in pure maths, statistics, probability, and numerical methods. These topics are chosen to further prepare students for their undergraduate studies in the science and engineering faculties.

    40 credits

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    Our teaching puts engineering practice at its core with integrated laboratory activities, computer modelling and simulations, and hands-on activities in our state-of-the art pilot plant all supporting your lectures and tutorials.

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    We're an international department with 45% of our academic teaching staff coming from overseas, giving our course content truly international relevance. Many of our staff have key links with major industry including AstraZenca, Shell, BOC, Process Systems Enterprise and MedImmune.

    Programme specification

    This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.

    Entry requirements

    Standard offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    BBB; BBC
    BBB (any A Level); BBC including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

    International Baccalaureate
    32 (any subjects); 31 with Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology at Higher Level 5 or Standard Level 7
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in Engineering or Applied Science + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A
    BTEC Diploma
    DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A at A Level (no STEM at A Level) + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A; DD in Engineering or Applied Science + B in an A Level science subject (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology) + GCSE Maths grade 7/A; DD in Engineering or Applied Science + C in A Level Maths + GCSE Science grade 6/B
    T Level
    Distinction in the relevant T Level, including grade B in the core component + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A
    Scottish Highers
    AABBB (any subjects); ABBBB including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + BB (any A Level subjects); B + BC in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction (to include 12 Maths units), and 21 at Merit + GCSE Maths grade 7/A
    Other requirements
    • If you are studying any other subject combination, we require GCSE Science grade 6/B (or 65 in GCSE Double Award Science) and Maths grade 7/A

    • Relevant T Level subjects include: Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing & Control; or Design & Development for Engineering & Manufacturing

    English language requirements

    You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.

    Graduate careers

    School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering

    Our graduates work in sectors including chemicals, consumer goods, oil and gas, consultancy, pharmaceuticals, energy, water, food and drink, materials, process plant and equipment, biotechnology and the nuclear industry.

    We produce chemical engineers equipped to work in industrial teams designing and operating new processes. Our recent graduates are working for global companies including BASF, Cargill, Johnson Matthey, GlaxoSmithKline, BOC, Shell, EDF, Total Lindsey and Sellafield.

    Lucy Sherbrun

    Take advantage of everything the University and department have to offer

    Lucy Sherburn MEng Chemical Engineering

    Lucy received a global scholarship and attended a semester in South Korea and she spent her third year in the University of Pittsburgh. She is now a graduate engineer at the UK's leading heat network consultancy.

    School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering

    Top five in the UK for student satisfaction

    National Student Survey 2022

    Second in the Russell Group for student satisfaction

    National Student Survey 2022

    Chemical engineers conceive and design processes to produce, transform and transport materials - beginning with experimentation in the laboratory followed by implementation of the technology in full-scale production.

    We combine intensive teaching with practical experience to produce the kind of graduates employers want.

    All our non-foundation year courses are accredited by the IChemE, putting you on the path to chartership.

    You'll be taught in the Diamond, one of the very best teaching spaces in the UK. This unique facility will provide you with a safe environment in which you'll apply your learning from lectures, tutorials and labs on larger scale process equipment through hands-on experimentation.

    Facilities

    The Diamond Pilot Plant (DiPP) is the cornerstone for educating the 91̽»¨ chemical engineer. The plant has three cutting edge integrated manufacturing processes at a pilot scale. Its software and products are sponsored by major industrial companies including, GEA, Solaris Biotech and NiTech and is also used to up-skill employees of UK companies.

    Science and Engineering Foundation Year

    University rankings

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2024 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      University of the Year and best for Student Life
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for Students' Union
    StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report

      A top-100 university: 12th in the UK and 98th in the world
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

    Student profiles

    Anish Devdhar

    I aim on achieving my goal and contributing my bit towards sustainability of the world

    Anish Devdhar MEng Chemical Engineering with a Year in Industry

    Current student Anish has a passion for chemical engineering and is also Inclusions Officer for the Indian Society.

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    Additional costs

    The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    Funding your study

    Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

    Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

    Additional funding

    Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering scholarships

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    Offer holder days

    If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

    Campus tours

    Our weekly guided tours show you what 91̽»¨ has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Apply

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    The awarding body for this course is the University of 91̽»¨.

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read and the .

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2025-2026

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    Science and Engineering Foundation Year

    If you don't have appropriate qualifications in maths or science, this course is for you: the foundation year provides you with a concentrated course of maths, chemistry or physics, and engineering. On successful completion, you move straight into the first year of either our BEng or MEng degree course.

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