Key information
Heriot-Watt is ranked 1st in the UK based on overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2024) and Top 200 in the world (2026 World University Subject Rankings). <br>
- UCAS code
- H800
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- BEng (Hons)
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
Our BEng programme explores the fundamentals of chemical and process engineering. This grounding in science, maths and engineering will provide you with the practical abilities highly sought after by industry. After graduation, you can build upon these skills to become professional engineers.
The BEng in Chemical Engineering is a four-year degree. At the end of fourth year, you can choose whether to swap to the five-year, more advanced MEng degree. The career-focused degree has specialist pathways in pharmaceutical chemistry, computational chemistry, biology or materials and nanoscience. This offers the flexibility to decide which degree and pathway best suits your career ambitions.
In the final year of the BEng, you will undertake a group project, drawing upon the knowledge gained through your studies.
As part of the programme, you will receive a student membership for the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), paid for by the department.
Your student experience
Our Chemical Engineering programmes have recently been ranked 1st in the UK by the National Student Survey 2024.
Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active chemical engineers and academics. The research relevance of this undergraduate programme ensures your studies remain cutting-edge and industry focused.
96% of Heriot-Watt University’s engineering research was classed as world-leading in the REF 2021 review, which ranked us 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for engineering research through a joint submission with the University of Edinburgh.
Our BEng Chemical Engineering is directly informed by the world class research carried out by Heriot-Watt’s Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE) and the Research Institute for Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering.
Research Institute for Biological, Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering focuses on four main themes:
- Biological Chemistry
- Bioengineering
- Brewing and Distilling
- Health Research
IMPEE research institute focuses on promoting excellence across four main research themes:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Digital Engineering
- Energy Harvesting and Conversion
- Multiphase Flow
Heriot-Watt University is the leader amongst UK universities in promoting energy activities through its Energy Academy, a virtual centre which connects all energy-related research across the University.
Go Global
Go Global is our student mobility programme, allowing you to seamlessly transfer your studies to one of our global campuses, or to a partner university. Live and learn in a new country, experience different cultures and build a global perspective, while continuing your degree without interruption.
European Exchange
Worldwide Exchange
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Provides a general introduction to the subject, emphasising the role of basic mathematics and science. Courses introduce basic techniques and principles of chemical engineering including: Mass Balances; Basic Thermodynamics and Energy Balances. An awareness of professional and personal development forms a critical part of the teaching in this year.
Mandatory September
- Principles of Chemistry
- Engineering Professionalism and Technical Communication
- Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 1
Mandatory January
- Chemical Reactivity
- Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 2
Mandatory AY
- Introduction to Process Engineering
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Programme Video
Chemical Engineering UG video
Student testimonials
Student testimonial
The diversity that chemical engineering offers. Allows you to gain a wide range of knowledge in all engineering fields and teaches you how to apply it. Does not limit opportunities Take part in the go global programme to gain independence and experience a different lifestyle and culture. Those lessons will be invaluable.
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,790 |
| International | £25,808 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Standard entry requirements
- Highers AABB (over two sittings). Must include Chemistry and Maths with one at A.
- A-Levels BBC. Must include Chemistry and Maths, with both at B.
- International Baccalaureate 29 points. Must include Chemistry and Maths, both at Higher Level 5.
- BTEC Extended Diploma DMM. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths.
- HNC A in graded unit. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths.
- HND BB in graded unit. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths.
- Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
Minimum entry requirements *
- Highers BBBC (over two sittings). Must include Chemistry and Maths at B.
- A-Levels BCC. Must include Chemistry and Maths, with one at B.
- International Baccalaureate 28 points. Must include Chemistry and Maths, both at Higher Level 5.
- BTEC Extended Diploma MMM. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths.
- HNC B in graded unit. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths.•
- HND BB. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Chemistry and Maths.
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish and Rest of UK status students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) or POLAR4 Quintile 1 regions (RUK)
- or are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Employability
Work and study
Salary
Potential career paths
- Energy, water and utilities
- Biochemical Industry
- Pharmaceuticals
- Design/manufacture of process equipment
- Health and Safety
- Sustainable Development
- Environmental protection
- Food processing
- Beverages - brewing and distilling
Student life
Explore facilities, and chat to staff and students
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