Course overview
Ideal if you wish to study flexibly from anywhere in the world.
You explore topics including renewable energy and low carbon systems, sustainable processing, chemical process operations and chemical engineering in industry. Your major project allows you to focus on a relevant area of interest to you and is agreed in consultation with your project supervisor.
This course helps you build your current knowledge and skills to degree level in chemical and process engineering, opening doors to new opportunities in designing, analysing, and optimising processes across many industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
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 process operations enable the safe, efficient, cost-effective and environment-friendly production of high-quality products.
You broaden your understanding of chemical process unit operations and the underpinning science. You cover design and operation of typical process unit operations, focusing on reaction and separation.
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.
This module advances the development of your independent learning skills by allowing you to investigate an area of engineering for an extended period. You are given training in writing technical reports for knowledgeable readers and you produce a report or dissertation of the work covered. You also give an oral presentation, a poster presentation or both. The topic can be in the form of a research project or a design project. You develop key skills in research, knowledge application and creation through keynote lectures where appropriate and self-managed independent study. You are supported through regular tutorial sessions and project supervision meetings.
Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Systems
The demand for energy continues to grow and places strain on the natural environment. The pressures of supporting economic growth, while minimising our environmental impact, has driven the research and development of new sources of energy.
You gain the knowledge and skills to implement alternative energy technologies and understand their economic, social and environmental benefit.
This is a 20-credit module.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You learn through pre-recorded and online seminars using the online learning platform, giving you flexibility to manage study time around your personal and work commitments.
Your self-directed learning time is used to review lecture notes, prepare coursework assignments, work on projects and revise for exams.
How you are assessed
Assessment methods include exams and in-course assessments using approaches such as project-work or verbal and poster presentations.
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
A Level 5 qualification such as a Higher National Diploma (HND) or Diploma in higher education (DipHE) in a closely related discipline.
A Level 5 is the equivalent of the first two years of a three year bachelors degree.
International students must also provide evidence of English language skills equivalent to IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each component. International students should also read the information on our international pages.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements.
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
You gain vital and versatile skills in designing, analysing, and optimising processes – opening the door to a range of industries and sectors:
Pharmaceutical industry
Chemical engineers develop and refine processes for manufacturing medicines, ensuring production is efficient, safe, and compliant with strict regulations. Their work supports the creation of life-saving treatments and vaccines.
Energy sector
In traditional and renewable energy industries, chemical engineers play a key role in refining fuels, improving energy systems, and advancing sustainable technologies such as hydrogen production and carbon capture.
Recycling and waste management
Engineers in this area develop sustainable processes to recover valuable materials, reduce waste, and lower environmental impact. They also contribute to the design of facilities that comply with environmental legislation.
Battery production
With increasing demand for energy storage, chemical engineers contribute to the development and manufacture of batteries, working to improve energy density, safety, and the sustainability of production methods.
Pulp and paper
In this sector, chemical engineers enhance the efficiency of converting raw materials into paper products. Their focus includes reducing water and energy usage, recycling chemicals, and improving product quality.
Cement and construction materials
Engineers develop advanced materials and optimise manufacturing processes for construction products. They aim to lower carbon emissions and improve the durability and performance of materials like cement and concrete.
Fertiliser production
Chemical engineers in the agricultural sector design efficient systems for producing fertilisers that support global food production, balancing productivity with environmental responsibility.
Chemical manufacturing
This broad sector includes the production of industrial chemicals, plastics, detergents, and more. Engineers ensure safe, consistent, and cost-effective production, meeting environmental and quality standards.
Food production
Engineers design and improve processes for mass-producing food, ensuring quality, safety, and shelf-life. They also innovate in packaging and preservation technologies to reduce waste and energy use.
Biochemical and biotechnology
In biotechnology, chemical engineers scale up processes for producing biopharmaceuticals, biofuels, and other bio-based products. Their work bridges laboratory research with full-scale production.
Consultancy
Many chemical engineers work as consultants, offering expertise in process design, troubleshooting, safety audits, and compliance. Their analytical and technical skills are valued across all sectors.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.
