BEng (Hons) / MEng Chemical Engineering (partnership college route)
The course
- Duration
- 5 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time
Study our BEng (Hons) or MEng Chemical Engineering degree in partnership with Forth Valley College. Students complete an HND Chemical Process Technology in the first 2 years at the college, which enables direct entry to Year 3 at Heriot-Watt University.
Contact
Got questions about this programme?
Contact our enquiries team.
Overview
Heriot-Watt University's BEng or 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.
Chemical Engineering Rankings
Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University ranked 1st in Scotland and 5th in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2021.The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 ranked Heriot-Watt University as 2nd in Scotland and 8th in the UK for Chemical Engineering.
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.
Programme structure
Years 1 and 2: Forth Valley College
The course is delivered for the first two years at Forth Valley College, where you will study the fundamental principles of chemical engineering and chemistry. In the second semester of Year 2, Forth Valley College students participate in a design project at Heriot-Watt.
Years 3 to 5: Heriot-Watt University
Forth Valley College students will transfer into the third year of the Heriot-Watt BEng/MEng Chemical Engineering programme and follow its programme structure for the remainder of the degree.
Forth Valley entry requirements
The entry requirements for the Forth Valley HND are Scottish Highers BBC or equivalent. These must include chemistry and mathematics. Find out more about the partnership programme with Forth Valley College.
If you wish to apply for direct entry to first year at Heriot-Watt, please see our our main BEng Chemical Engineering or MEng Chemical Engineering course pages.
Application form
To apply for this combined programme, you can either apply via UCAS using the code H8AS or you can use the online application form for MEng/BEng Chemical Engineering at Forth Valley College.
Accreditation
The BEng (Hons) and MEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) 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 college partnership programmes are a fantastic opportunity which open many doors. You'll receive extensive support throughout your studies from Academic and Professional staff, enabling you to make the most of your time at Heriot-Watt. I worked with the careers service on my CV, and with their help I secured an internship last summer. If you are thinking of applying to Heriot-Watt through the college partnership opportunities, I highly recommend it.
Go Global
This course is currently only delivered at our Edinburgh Campus and there are no current opportunities to study at exchange partner institutions.
However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for more information
Course content
Students on this partnership route enter at Year 3 having first completed their HND Chemical Process Technology programmes at Forth Valley College.
Year 1
The course is delivered for the first two years at Forth Valley College (Falkirk Campus), studying the fundamental principles of chemical engineering and chemistry. Course content includes:
- Chemical Engineering Principles
- Heat Transfer
- Fluid Mechanics
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Unit Operations
- Equipment Design
- Process Safety
Year 2
The course is delivered for the first two years at Forth Valley College (Falkirk Campus), studying the fundamental principles of chemical engineering and chemistry. Course content includes:
- Chemical Engineering Principles
- Heat Transfer
- Fluid Mechanics
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Unit Operations
- Equipment Design
- Process Safety
Year 3
Provides opportunities to analyse key operations in the industry, particularly the processing and separation of gases and liquids. In parallel, there are courses looking at chemical reactor theory, how processes are controlled and the prediction of physical behaviour. Material on Safety, Sustainability and Economics is consolidated in a group-based project.
Year 4
A central theme is the advanced analysis of key processing operations and their control. Specialist topics include Energy Efficiency, Safety and Sustainability. A group-based design project is also undertaken.
Year 5
MEng only
Specialist and core chemical engineering subjects are studied in this year, along with the extensive research project. A central theme is the enhanced design project, where students have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in process design and commercial awareness.
Entry requirements
Year 1
For this special partnership programme, Years 1 and 2 are taken at Forth Valley College. See Forth Valley College for more information.
One of the following:
- Two Highers at grade B and one at grade C or equivalent (to include Chemistry and Mathematics)
- Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering or Foundation Apprenticeship in Scientific Technologies plus two further Highers at BB or BC to include Chemistry and Maths.
Additional Requirements:
- Please note that selection will be made via a successful interview and group task.
- The selection session will also include a tour of the College and an opportunity to ask questions about the course.
Year 2
For this special partnership programme, Years 1 and 2 are taken at Forth Valley College. See Forth Valley College for more information.
One of the following:
- Two Highers at grade B and one at grade C or equivalent (to include Chemistry and Mathematics)
- Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering or Foundation Apprenticeship in Scientific Technologies plus two further Highers at BB or BC to include Chemistry and Maths.
Additional Requirements:
- Please note that selection will be made via a successful interview and group task.
- The selection session will also include a tour of the College and an opportunity to ask questions about the course.
Year 3
You must have completed the HND Chemical Process Technology from Forth Valley College before transferring to Heriot-Watt for Year 3 of this partnership programme.
Additional information
This course refers to a special partnership entry route only. If you are interested in studying a BEng Chemical Engineering or MEng Chemical Engineering with direct entry to Heriot-Watt in Year 1 or 2, please refer to the main Chemical Engineering subject page for details.
Fees
| Status* | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Fee | Paid by SAAS |
* 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. Find out more about tuition fees.
Scholarships and bursaries
View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.