MEng Chemical Engineering

Overview

The 2021 National Student Survey ranked Heriot-Watt University as 1st in Scotland and 5th in the UK for Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering, based on students’ overall satisfaction with our degrees.

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 ranked Heriot-Watt University as 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for Chemical Engineering. 

Our MEng in Chemical Engineering provides students with both the theory and practical application expected by industry. We have strong links with professional communities, allowing us to enhance the career prospects of our graduates.

This is a highly employable degree. 95% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating and 90% of those were in highly skilled work, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey sited on Discover Uni.

Programme structure

The MEng programme is a five-year degree which shares the same first four years with the BEng programme. You choose which route to follow at the end of your 4th year, giving you the flexibility to decide which degree best suits your career ambitions.

Our MEng programme gives you a sound understanding of both the chemical and process engineering fundamentals that you need to become a professional chartered engineer. In addition to a grounding in science, maths and engineering, our students acquire practical abilities that are highly sought after by industry.

The final year of the MEng programme offers a range of advanced courses to broaden and deepen students’ understanding of chemical and process engineering. Students study optional courses from a range of specialist engineering subjects along with an extensive research project. Final year MEng students also undertake a commercial tender-based exercise taking on the role of an engineering design house pitching for business to our industrial advisory board.

Facilities and labs

We have invested in our lab facilities to provide students with equipment of industrial standard. Our labs have a full range of services including modern cooling, steam and compressed air systems. Electronics and programming have been integrated into our teaching, with Arduino and Labview being used as graphical programming platforms. Students gain a basic understanding of electronics in the first two years to allow them to use these platforms.

Industrial placements

Students wishing to obtain a Diploma in Industrial Training (DIT) linked to their degree will be assisted to find suitable placements, which may be abroad. The 10-month placement takes place in the penultimate year of the programme and is supported by Chemical & Process Engineering staff. On successful completion of a DIT placement, students will be eligible to apply for professional registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech TIChemE) with the IChemE and Engineering Council.

Strong links with industry

Our Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) is comprised of both alumni and company representatives, who provide input into the development of our degree programme. The involvement of the IAB ensures our programmes stay relevant to the needs of industry and that our graduates are prepared for the jobs of the future.

"The degree programmes in chemical and process engineering produce graduates who are ready to ‘hit the ground running’. Students are exposed to external industry and the appreciation of where and how the theories fit in practice.

The involvement of the IAB brings real world knowledge and experience to the course. It provides graduates with a different perspective on the work they produce. In particular, the requirement to present final year group design projects to the IAB as a technical and commercial pitch, in competition with other groups, give the students a real flavour of what they can expect to face as they make their way in industry."

Andrew Scott | Business Development Director - LGE
Energy & Marine | Marine & Technology
Babcock International Group

Find out more about some of the careers our graduates have progressed to.

Chemical Engineering Research

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.

The Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering promotes excellence across our main research themes: Biomedical Engineering, Energy Harvesting and Conversion, Multiphase Flow and Digital Engineering. 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.

Global College pathway for this degree

If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, have a look at Heriot-Watt Global College, where you can follow an accelerated pathway which will get you onto the second year of this degree.

Accreditation

The MEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering is fully accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) on behalf of the Engineering Council.* All students are provided with a student membership of the IChemE, which is paid for by the department.  

*for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.