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Undergraduate study
Students looking at a distillation column, Chemical Engineering Degree

Chemical Engineering (with Foundation Year) BEng (Hons)

The modern world needs competent engineers who can design and operate industrial processes in a green and sustainable way. Our chemical engineering degree provides cutting-edge and sought-after knowledge and expertise within sustainable chemical and process engineering.

 

H814 BEng/CEFY

Course routes:

 

Course overview

Accredited Integrated masters Work placement

As a skilled professional, you develop processes to reduce hazardous and life-threatening emissions to the environment, improve energy efficiency and optimise the use of renewable resources and raw materials.

You develop sustainable solutions that protect the environment, assuring sound use of resources in line with the UN’s sustainable development goals, focusing on energy, water and climate action.

This course includes a foundation year - ideal if you need additional preparation or if you don't have sufficient grades to join Year 1 of a degree.

Top reasons to study chemical engineering at Teesside

  • Financial awards: you may be eligible for a number of scholarships and awards.
  • Maths support: strengthen your maths with a free online Mathematics for University course before you start your course.
  • Industry links: we have long-term industrial links and joint projects with the top employers, offering you significant opportunities to gain practical experience and work on industry-focused projects.
  • Research: we hold a leading position in chemical process research across a range of areas including development of energy-efficient chemical processes for a circular economy, catalytic reaction processes for renewable fuel and chemical production and sustainable waste treatment and novel recycling processes.

Download pdf Order prospectus

 

Course details

Course structure

Foundation year core modules

Engineering in Practice

This module supports you to use knowledge that you already possess and combine it with engineering knowledge gained through teaching and learning, experimentation, analysis and reflection. Problem-based learning and project-based learning provides core methodologies in the teaching and learning strategy. You are introduced to concepts, techniques and equipment in a guided programme of teaching that uses foundational study skills to think about new concepts, promote ideas development and introduce project management techniques. This culminates in an objective, written review of progress and development though the module and a reflective assessment of personal development.

Engineering Principles

You gain an introduction to engineering physical, thermal, fluid, electrical and mechanical systems in engineering and the scientific laws and principles that govern them. You are prepared for further studies involving these principles of engineering science.

The module is delivered in combined lecture/problem solving tutorial sessions. Laboratory practical sessions support the learning objectives. The problem solving tutorials and the practical sessions enhance the understanding of principles.

Engineering the Future

You are introduced to the importance of design, modelling and simulation in engineering context. You explore the design process and how it is applied in a holistic way. Design ideas are communicated using a number of techniques including sketching and formal engineering drawing, design calculations and written commentary. The technical aspects of engineering design such as manufacturing drawing, modelling, rapid prototyping are introduced.

Global Grand Challenges

You focus on how science can help address some of the global grand challenges that face society. A group project enables you to develop innovative answers to some of the biggest issues of our time based on health and wellbeing, resilient and secure societies, digital and creative economy, sustainable environments and learning for the 21st century. The themes reflect the University’s focus on externally facing research that makes a real, practical difference to the lives of people and the success of businesses and economies.

Materials Science

You gain foundational knowledge of important properties of engineering materials and learn engineering project-based research methods within a guided group learning context.

Flipped learning introduces you to material properties of the four basic categories of engineering materials. Tutorial sessions and group exercises highlight the factors affecting the material usage and sustainability for engineering applications. Practical sessions allow you to explore variables within material recycling methodologies.

Mathematics in Engineering

You are introduced to mathematical notation and techniques. The emphasis is on developing the skills that enable you to analyse and solve engineering problems. Topics studied include algebraic manipulation and equations, trigonometry, trigonometric functions and an introduction to descriptive statistics.

The module is delivered during combined lecture/tutorial sessions. Worked examples illustrate how each mathematical technique is applied. Problem solving tutorial exercises give you the opportunity to practice each skills or techniques.

 

Year 1 core modules

Engineering Mathematics

This module introduces the range of mathematical skills that are relevant to an engineering degree. You revisit and develop your knowledge of the fundamentals of algebra, trigonometry and basic statistics. The central ideas of vectors, matrices, complex numbers, and differential and integral calculus are also examined.

Throughout the module you develop a range of mathematical skills and techniques fundamental to the solution of engineering problems. You also advance your skills in selecting and applying mathematical techniques.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorial sessions.

Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics

You gain a fundamental knowledge of fluid flow through pipe-work systems and the associated design tasks. You are introduced to the techniques used to predict the behaviour of fluids in Chemical Engineering applications and investigate the differences between Newtonian and Non-Newtonian fluids.

Mass and Energy Balances

The importance of stoichiometry, mass and energy balances and recycle operations is widely known and accepted in the chemical, biochemical and other related industries. You explore concepts and skills necessary to develop the skills necessary to work as a chemical engineer.

Practical Skills for Chemical Engineers

You work in a team in order to solve a process industry based problem. It gives you an understanding of your own knowledge and limitations and the importance of working with other people to solve a chemical engineering based problem. You gain a fundamental understanding of the operation of the chemical industry with respect to commercial project delivery; health and safety and ethical considerations.

Science for Chemical Engineers

This module introduces a range of key concepts in chemistry which provide a basis for understanding subsequent study in areas including analysing, synthesising and identifying compounds, and industrial production.

You learn about the nature of matter and why different substances behave the way they do. Understanding the properties of a substance is essential whether you’re designing a plant to manufacture it on a multi-tonne scale or working out how to alter its structure to improve its properties, for example as a drug or construction material. You also learn how the fundamental principles of chemical equilibrium, energetics and reaction rate are developed, and come to understand the prediction of reaction behaviour when process conditions are changed.

This is a 20-credit module.

Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers

You explore the concepts of chemical engineering thermodynamics.
Develop an understanding of the engineering thermodynamic properties of pure working fluids. A series of thermodynamic principles are defined, developed and then applied to solve chemical engineering related problems of increasing difficulty, in particular derivation of the first and second laws of thermodynamics are explored and then applied to real world analysis of a range of heat-power cycles.

 

Year 2 core modules

Applied Mathematical Methods

You develop mathematical knowledge in differential equations and numerical methods and extend your base of techniques to solve a variety of problems which arise in engineering domains. The emphasis is on developing competence in the identification of the most appropriate method to solve a given problem and its subsequent application.

Chemical Process Design

This module provides you with the opportunity to solve industrially relevant process design problems as part of a team. You develop employability skills such as project management, presentation of work, research and commercial awareness to support problem solving in a technical context.

Control and Simulation

You learn about the importance of control systems in industrial production processes, and describe fundamental concepts of linear control including feedback, Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control, system dynamic response and controller tuning.

Mathematical modeling of systems based upon rate and balance equations are demonstrated, together with methods of designing feedback controllers. You use computer software to develop models of typical industrial systems and simulate their dynamic response under stated conditions.

Practical and Professional Skills

This module allows you to carry out appropriate experiments in support of mass transfer, heat transfer, reaction engineering and process control. This involves carrying out supervised experiments and producing appropriate reports in an approved format. You make some formal presentations to outline efficient laboratory reporting, error analysis techniques and preparation of risk assessments.

Process Operations

In most production units, chemical engineers separate the desired product from the other compounds and concentrate it to give the desired product specification.
You gain a sound understanding of mass transfer theory. You learn about mass and energy conservation and particle technology and the basic concepts behind the design and operation of mass-transfer equipment.

Reactors and Bioreactors

The core of most chemical processes is a chemical reactor to produce the desired product. Sometimes the components of the reaction may be biologically active.
You gain a sound understanding of the fundamental concepts of reaction engineering in chemical and biochemical systems. You make use of the essential knowledge of mass and energy conservation, reaction equilibria and kinetics and are introduced to the basic concepts behind the design of different types of chemical and biochemical reactors.

 

Optional work placement year

Work placement

You have the option to spend one year in industry learning and developing your skills. We encourage and support you with applying for a placement, job hunting and networking.

You gain experience favoured by graduate recruiters and develop your technical skillset. You also obtain the transferable skills required in any professional environment, including communication, negotiation, teamwork, leadership, organisation, confidence, self-reliance, problem-solving, being able to work under pressure, and commercial awareness.

Many employers view a placement as a year-long interview, therefore placements are increasingly becoming an essential part of an organisation's pre-selection strategy in their graduate recruitment process. Benefits include:

· improved job prospects
· enhanced employment skills and improved career progression opportunities
· a higher starting salary than your full-time counterparts
· a better degree classification
· a richer CV
· a year's salary before completing your degree
· experience of workplace culture
· the opportunity to design and base your final-year project within a working environment.

If you are unable to secure a work placement with an employer, then you simply continue on a course without the work placement.

 

Final-year core modules

Advanced Process Operations

You broaden your knowledge and deepen your understanding of process unit operations and the underpinning science. It provides you with design methodologies for complex unit operations involving multicomponent distillation, liquid-liquid extraction, gas absorption, membrane processes and chromatography. You gain an in-depth understanding of the application of thermodynamics to mixtures.

Chemical Engineering in Industry

Develop your appreciation and understanding of process safety, and learn to broaden your understanding of the current industrial landscape of chemical engineering.

Chemical Engineering Project

Consider the design work introduced throughout the course in to a single cohesive design exercise. Explore the requirements set down for process design degrees by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
The project follows standard industrial design methodologies from initial design brief through to complete design of a chemical process.

Environment and Sustainable Processing

You explore the environmental impact of industrial and human activity, and the need for a sustainable approach for environmental engineering solutions. You examine sustainable strategies for air, water and land pollution, focussing on environmental management and sustainable engineering.

This is a 20-credit module.

Reactors and Catalysis

You develop your understanding of reaction engineering and apply your knowledge to complex and multi-phase reactions/reactors systems. You are also introduced to catalyst preparation and characterisation, and the use of catalysis in reaction engineering.

 

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

You learn through lectures, seminars and hands-on lab sessions. You are also expected to undertake self-guided study time to review lecture notes, prepare coursework assignments, work on projects and revise for assessments.
Some of your learning is based around case studies, following visits to local industries.

Intensive problem-solving weeks involve you working as part of a team to find a solution to an engineering problem, helping you enhance your team-working, communication, leadership and other transferrable skills.

Chemical Engineering facilities:

Within the engineering department we have world class chemical engineering facilities for teaching and research. All our labs are equipped with state-of-the-art experimental equipment and follow strict operational, hazard and safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment.

• Pilot laboratory.
• Unit process and operation laboratory.
• Wet laboratory.
• Hydrogen laboratory.
• Greenhouse gas separations laboratory.
• Process design, modelling and simulation laboratory.
• Biochar and water treatment laboratory.

How you are assessed

You are assessed through coursework assignments, project reports, lab reports, presentations and formal exams.


Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services

Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs

 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Any combination of recognised Level 3 qualifications. Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis. We look for evidence of your ability to learn and your commitment to succeed in your studies.

Maths requirements
GCSE maths at grade 4+ or an equivalent.

Helping you meet the entry requirements
We may be able to help you meet the entry requirements by studying one or more online Summer University short courses.

International students who need a student visa to study in the UK should check our international web pages on acceptable international qualifications and UKVI-compliant English language requirements.

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country


You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL

 

Employability

Career opportunities

Our graduates are working across sectors including; pharmaceutical, energy, recycling, battery production, pulp and paper, cement, fertilisers, chemical, food production, biochemical production/biotechnology, and consultancy companies.

As the world transits to sustainable and green technologies many new areas have emerged that need chemical engineers, these include hydrogen-ammonia economy, biofuels, emission mitigation, and novel materials. The sector-wise distribution of chemical engineers employed in different sectors such as oil, gas, nuclear, water, manufacturing and pharmaceutical.

You graduate qualified to work within research and the development of innovative and sustainable products and processes, production and process technologies and advanced technical support. Typical roles involve process engineers, sustainability managers, production in-charge, waste/energy managers, waste minimisation specialists, energy monitoring consultants, research scientist, environmental or carbon management officers, and government advisors.

The course trains you to start your own company or join a start-up. As a chemical engineer, you are trained to draw on resources and ideas from a variety of fields, making you adaptable, creative and able to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment.

 

Information for international applicants

Qualifications

International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.

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Useful information

Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.

Talk to us

Talk to an international student enrolment adviser

 
 

Professional accreditation

Engineering Council accredited degree

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers, under licence from the Engineering Council. It fully satisfies the requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and partially satisfies the requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. Further masters-level accredited learning is required to complete the educational base for full CEng status.

Other course routes

Integrated masters

Study this course with an integrated masters - you study three years at undergraduate level and one year at postgraduate level.

MEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering

Work placement

Study this course with an optional work placement year, at no extra cost. Alongside this, you can gain valuable experience and engagement with the sector through our shorter work placements, internships and work experience opportunities.

Work placements

Full-time

Entry to 2024/25 academic year

Fee for UK applicants
£9,250 a year

More details about our fees

Fee for international applicants
£17,000 a year

More details about our fees for international applicants


What is included in your tuition fee?

  • Length: 4 years (or 5 with a work placement)
  • UCAS code: H814 BEng/CEFY
  • Start date: September
  • Semester dates
  • Typical offer: Offers tailored to individual circumstances

Apply online (full-time) through UCAS

 

Part-time

  • Not available part-time
 

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    Ivana Almeida

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Reporting on engineering at Teesside University

A tour of Teesside University engineering facilities and employer partnerships, enabling us to produce graduates ready for the world of work.

 

Get in touch

UK students

Email: scedtadmissions@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: 01642 738801


Online chat (general enquiries)

International students

Email: internationalenquiries@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0) 1642 738900


More international contacts

 

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