Undergraduate

Chemical Engineering

Hull Chemical Engineering student, Sultan Rashid A Al-Hajri, training in lab coat, safety goggles and gloves.
BP petrochemical processing plant at Saltend Chemicals Park, Hull, lit up at night.
Hull student, Jacob Ward-Pike, smiling to the camera while on an internship at RE: Group, Hull.
Hull Chemical Engineering student, Deborah (Tosin Sepo), smiling and looking off-camera.
Three chemical engineers in hard hats and overalls at an oil refining plant.

Look around

From your very first year, you’ll get the chance to take part in process safety training at CATCH, one of the UK's best training facilities.
As the site of Britain’s ‘energy estuary’, the Humber is home to 350+ engineering and process companies including BP and Siemens Gamesa.
With so many potential employers on our doorstep, you’re in the perfect place to secure CV-boosting industry experience while you study.
Chemical Engineering at Hull is supported by a diverse and welcoming department. Our open-door policy creates a friendly, supportive atmosphere.
Our degrees are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), and can put you on the pathway to becoming a Chartered Engineer.
Practise the role of a plant operator and oversee a real-time 3D simulation of a chemical process plant in our Virtual Control Room.
Hull Chemical Engineering student, Sultan Rashid A Al-Hajri, training in lab coat, safety goggles and gloves.
BP petrochemical processing plant at Saltend Chemicals Park, Hull, lit up at night.
Hull student, Jacob Ward-Pike, smiling to the camera while on an internship at RE: Group, Hull.
Hull Chemical Engineering student, Deborah (Tosin Sepo), smiling and looking off-camera.
Three chemical engineers in hard hats and overalls at an oil refining plant.
Chemical Engineering Virtual Control Room 1

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Code

Duration

Mode

  • Standard course
  • With a foundation year
  • With a placement year
  • Integrated masters
  • Integrated masters with a placement year
  • September 2025

Typical offer

What does this mean?

Close to industry giants. Access to some of the UK’s best training facilities. A friendly, supportive department. This is why Hull is the ideal place to study a chemical engineering degree.

We’re in a region with a high concentration of process industry companies. BP, Total, Phillips 66, Smith & Nephew, Reckitt, INEOS, Centrica Storage, Croda, and many more are right on our doorstep.

Our accredited course is a recognised qualification towards Chartered Engineer status. Plus, we offer an integrated Masters (MEng) option. So a degree from Hull will open doors to even more opportunities.

  • 95.2% of students

    in work or further study 15 months after graduating 1

  • 1st in the UK

    for Value Added 2

  • Train at CATCH

    one of the UK's best facilities 3

  • Boost your CV

    with a placement year

  • Direct route

    to Chartered Engineer status

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

Chemical engineering applies science to the design, construction and operation of processes used to change raw materials into useful everyday products. Food and drink. Pharmaceuticals. Fertilisers. Energy. Fuels.

Ranked 4th out of 34 institutions for student satisfaction4, Hull provides you with everything you need to excel after graduating. In your first year, you get the chance to do process safety training, including visits to CATCH, one of the UK's best training facilities. There, you can experience life as a chemical engineer, using real equipment and operating procedures to identify the type of hazards you could come across in your career. Back on campus, you can oversee a real-time 3D simulation of a chemical process plant in our virtual control room.

Our third-year design project is sponsored by some of the biggest names in the industry. Croda, Cristal, INEOS, Vivergo and BP Acetyls have all supported it and awarded prizes for the best project.

As well as our three-year course, we offer four- and five-year options. Choose from a built-in placement year or an integrated Masters (MEng) – or both. And like all our engineering courses, Chemical Engineering shares a common first year. That means you can switch degrees in second year if you want to choose a different pathway.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time is divided across the year varies and depends on the module you are studying.

How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.

Choose your modules

Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education

This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.

Core•20 credits

Foundation Mathematics A

You will study pure mathematics topics, including proof, algebra, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, exponentials, logarithms, sequences and series. The applied topic is probability and statistics.

Core•20 credits

Foundation Mathematics B

This module extends the knowledge gained in the Foundation Mathematics A - pure mathematics topics. You will also study functions and vectors. The applied topic is mechanics.

Core•20 credits

Introduction to Physics 1

This is the first of two foundation year modules that prepare you for studying physics or mathematics at degree level. You will study the basics of mechanics, properties of matter, electricity and magnetism.

Core•20 credits

Introduction to Physics 2

This is the second of two foundation year modules that prepare you for studying physics or mathematics at degree level. You will study the basics of oscillations, waves, and quantum and nuclear physics.

Core•20 credits

Group Challenge (Engineering and Technology)

Address one of the 21 key global challenges in engineering set out by the United Nations. Work in teams to identify key stakeholders, end users and potential funding sources, as well as producing an engineering solution for topics such as clean water, reusable energy, access to medical treatment and cleaner cities.

Compulsory•20 credits

The foundation year is ideal if you have little or no background in the sciences or mathematics, but would still like to study engineering. It provides a solid grounding in the theory and expertise you need to advance to Year 1 of BEng study.
6 Modules

Mathematics for Engineers

Gain knowledge of the characteristics of a range of functions and techniques appropriate to engineering, developing expertise in analysis, interpretation and problem solving.

Compulsory•20 credits

Fundamentals of Engineering

Introducing the key principles and concepts of mechanical and electrical and electronic engineering; ranging from digital electronics to basic stress analysis concepts.

Compulsory•20 credits

Practical Skills for Engineers

An introduction to key experiments and construction skills required for electrical and electronic engineers, as well as hands-on experience in the mechanical engineering manufacturing workshop.

Compulsory•20 credits

Thermofluids

Gain knowledge, comprehension and hands-on experience of using a range of mathematical functions and techniques appropriate to the application of Engineering Thermofluids to engineering processes.

Compulsory•20 credits

Programming and Control

Communication of mathematical problems and solutions, as well as logic simulation and C programming results for academic, specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Compulsory•20 credits

Engineering Design Challenge

Develop and enhance a range of professional skills as a basis for professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer. 

Compulsory• credits
6 Modules

Transport Processes

The aim of this module is to equip students with the competencies required to solve problems involving Transport Processes – specifically fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer as commonly encountered in the chemical and process industries.

Compulsory•20 credits

Chemistry and BioChemistry

You will acquire skills in data collection, use of computer packages to analyse data obtained from experimental work, understand how to set up experiments in chemistry, be aware of health and safety in the laboratory.

Compulsory•20 credits

Process Control and Instrumentation for Chemical Engineers

 You'll focus on mathematical techniques used to model and control dynamical systems. You'll also be introduced to Laplace and Fourier transform techniques.

Compulsory•20 credits

Chemical Engineering Practice and Process Safety

This module develops your interpersonal skills, as well as your own personal commitment to professional standards, ability to recognise their own obligations to society, the profession and the environment.

Compulsory•20 credits

Chemical Thermodynamics and Process Simulation

You'll be introduced to the concepts behind the chemical process industry and the underlying principles of energy and material balances, together with concepts of chemical thermodynamics and lays the theoretical and practical foundations of Chemical Engineering.

 

Compulsory•20 credits

Separation Processes and Particle Technology

The aim of this module is to introduce the concepts surrounding the solid particles and fine powders handling in Chemical process industries and the underlying principles of the physical separation processes of solids from waste stream fluids and mixtures of solids.

Compulsory•20 credits
6 Modules

Technology Selection and Process Economics

The Design project is our core activity and an important gateway to industry and employment. You will participate in group work, chemical plant design, use of computer simulation and design software, individual and group presentations, work with industry specialists in an environment in which competencies for the world of work can be acquired in an atmosphere that includes students from various backgrounds and cultures.

Compulsory•20 credits

Chemical Reactor Design

This module separates the chemical engineer from other engineers. It aims to produce graduates with the ability to develop new processes and improve existing technologies POLYMATH is an intuitive interface and allows the student to apply effective numerical analysis techniques during interactive problem solving. This module will build, operate and optimise many essential crude oil refineries using POLYMATH.

Compulsory•20 credits

Process Equipment Design

You'll become competent in performing process heat integration and equipment design. These are typical responsibilities of Chemical Engineers in the process industry and also satisfies the “knowledge and understanding” requirement for recognition as a Chartered Chemical Engineer.

Compulsory•20 credits

Process Simulation and Heat Integration

You'll become competent in process modelling and simulation using commercial process simulation software such as the Aspen HYSYS. This is a typical responsibility of Chemical Engineers in the process industry and also satisfies the “knowledge and understanding” requirement for recognition as a Chartered Chemical Engineer.

Compulsory• credits

Biochemical Engineering, Environment and Sustainability

Learn about the impact of the chemical process industry on the environment and the chemical principles of industrial scale processes and biochemical engineering, to deliver topics in biochemical engineering, as well as industrial concepts that inform the production and manufacture of a wide range of bulk and fine chemicals.

Compulsory•20 credits

Chemical Engineering Design Project

Build your skills, knowledge and understanding in chemical engineering process design, involving various unit operations such as distillation, fractionation, extraction and separation.

Compulsory•20 credits
6 Modules

Your placement is your opportunity to get some real-world work experience under your belt.

Just like in the real world, you’ll be responsible for finding and applying for opportunities, with the added benefit of help and support from university services such as the Careers and Employability service based in Student Central.

Chemical Engineering Research Project

Apply and extend engineering knowledge and professional skills by working on a substantial individual project throughout the academic year, supported by an academic project supervisor. Activities include project management; research; engineering design and development; and reporting and presentation.

Core•40 credits

Advanced Process Safety, Industrial Process Control and Instrumentation

You'll explore specialised topics in advanced industrial process safety and control of chemical processes in this module.

Core•20 credits

Chemical Engineering of Nano-materials

​This module introduces modern carbon and metal based nano-materials. You'll explore the nano-materials synthesis, properties modification and application fields. 

Optional•20 credits

Energy Technologies

Explore a diverse range of contemporary technologies related to the energy generation sector. This module also focuses on sustainability issues.

Optional•20 credits

Advanced Process Modelling and Simulation Techniques

​This module delivers advanced skills on the Aspen HYSYS and COMSOL modelling packages functionality and application to design and optimisation of the core chemical engineering equipment.

Optional•20 credits

Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer

Get hands-on experience with a major commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics package and demonstrate your skills for a practical engineering application. 

Optional•20 credits

Energy Generation from Conventional and Renewable Fuels

You will be introduced to the core technical and socioeconomic aspects, such as sustainability, which determine the selection of conventional and alternative fuel balances for energy generation.

Optional•20 credits

Petroleum and Gas Engineering for Energy and Chemical Feedstock

The oil industry is continuously developing and is therefore both recognised and expected to remain a major contributor to the economies of many developed and developing countries. You will develop insights into the petroleum and petrochemical engineering sector, with respect to their practical application to chemical engineering process analysis and design. You will utilise Aspen HYSYS applications to explore practical crude oil refinery processes such as oil characterisation, desalting, blending, preheating, distillation and optimisation.

Optional•20 credits

Advanced Process Engineering

With the electrification of chemical manufacturing and the deployment of critical minerals needed for both the energy and digital transitions, this module covers electrochemical and mineral process engineering, with industrial relevance highlighted.

Optional•20 credits
9 Modules

This course is accredited by

Playlist

Dr Martin Taylor

Course Overview 3 mins

Engineering facilities

Course highlight 1 min

Joshua Jones

Student story 1 min

Accommodation at Hull

University Life 2 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need…

Use UCAS's calculator to work out your estimated points

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

We pride ourselves on the friendly, supportive atmosphere we create for our students.

Our open-door policy makes it easier for you to speak to your lecturers and get help with your studies. Your personal supervisor is your main point of contact, and there to help you throughout your studies.

See more academics for this subject
Carolina Font Palma
Featured academic

Dr Carolina Font Palma

Dr Font Palma is Lecturer and Programme Director of Chemical Engineering. Carolina was awarded the prestigious RAEng/The Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship 2020/2021.

Martin Taylor
Featured academic

Dr Martin Taylor

Dr Martin Taylor became a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering in 2022. He has research interests in heteerogeneous catalysis, nanomaterials, green chemistry and sustainable chemical processes, to name a few.

Take a look at our facilities

Virtual Control Room

Virtually experience processing plants and practice the roles of a plant operator in our virtual control room, digital chemical engineering suite, and physical control room.

Mass Spectrometry Laboratory

Our continuing investment in chemistry and chemical engineering includes the latest mass spectrometry facilities.

Elemental Analysis Laboratory

You’ll also get the chance to use laser technology for elemental analysis in our dedicated lab.

Brynmor Jones Library

Our 7-storey library is home to 1 million+ books, extensive digital resources drawn from libraries and archives across the world, and stunning panoramic views of the city from the 7th floor.

See more in our virtual tour

Look around

Look around

Look around

Look around

Chemical Engineering Virtual Control Room 1
The mass spectrometry lab
Elemental Analysis Laboratory
Brynmor Jones Library Observation Deck
Two international students working together in the Chemical Engineering Lab.

Future prospects

As the site of Britain’s ‘energy estuary’, the Humber is a hotbed of placement and career opportunities. It’s home to 350+ engineering and process companies. Our students go on to work for Associated British Foods, Croda, Smith and Nephew, Ineos, RB (formerly Reckitt Benckiser), BP, Siemens Gamesa, and more.

Our degrees are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and meet the academic criteria for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Our students get free membership of the IChemE and the Energy Institute. This gives you the chance to visit local employers, listen to expert speakers and network with local employers.

University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

How to apply

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

Book your place now

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1. 95.2% employability (Chemical Engineering) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2021/22, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2024.

2. Chemical Engineering is ranked joint 1st  out of 28 institutions for in the UK for Value Added, The Guardian University Rankings 2025

3. The Centre for Assessment of Technical Competency Humber (CATCH) offers realistic equipment, physical environment and operating procedures.

4. Ranked 4th out of 34 institutions for Student Satisfaction. Complete University Guide 2025

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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