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.
1st in the UK
for Value Added
The Guardian University Rankings, 2027
5th in the UK
for Satisfied with Feedback
The Guardian University Rankings, 2027
Joint 9th in the UK
for Student Satisfaction
The Complete University Guide, 2027
This course is accredited by
Train at CATCH
one of the UK's best facilities1
Boost your CV
with a placement year
Direct route
to Chartered Engineer status
Fully accredited
including the IChemE, the IMechE, the IET and the IPEM
Integrated Masters option
Undergraduate and postgraduate study combined
Train in virtual
and physical control rooms
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 with the chance to transfer anytime in your degree. 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.
Learn by getting your hands dirty and clean.
Placement year
Industry placements take place over a full academic year. This extends a standard undergraduate degree from three to four years, with placement taking place in year three. Once you've completed your placement year, you’ll return to complete the final year of your degree at the University of Hull.
A placement year is a great way to gain industry experience, boost your CV, and potentially earn a salary. Placements must last at least 40 weeks and can start any time after June, once second-year assessments are complete. At Hull, we’re connected with global companies like Bosch, BMW, Siemens, and Disney, giving you the chance to apply your skills in real-world settings, explore career options, and return to your final year with valuable experience and confidence.
Module options
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.
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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
Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
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 Digital Logic
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
20 credits
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
Soft skills are the strongest safeguard
Featured module- compulsory
- 20 credits
What does it take to become a truly professional engineer? This module focuses on the values, behaviours, and responsibilities that underpin a successful engineering career.
You’ll develop key interpersonal skills and reflect on your professional obligations to society, the engineering profession, and the environment. Guided by the principles promoted by the Royal Academy of Engineering – accuracy and rigour, honesty and integrity, respect for life and the public good, and responsible leadership – you’ll explore what it means to act ethically and professionally in modern engineering practice.
Through discussion, reflection and real-world scenarios, you’ll strengthen the professional mindset expected in the workplace.
Build the integrity, leadership, and responsibility that define outstanding engineers.
Our facilities
Watchlist
Dr Martin Taylor
Course overview
3 mins
Who's shaping your future? Engineering at Hull
Course Highlight
3 mins
Engineering a freer future
Course Highlight
2 mins
Teaching Facilities
University life
2 mins
The Gold Standard for Teaching
University life
1 min
Life on campus
University life
2 mins
Featured 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.
Dr Carolina Font Palma
Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Dr Font Palma is Lecturer and Programme Director of Chemical Engineering. Carolina was awarded the prestigious RAEng/The Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship 2020/2021.
Dr Martin Taylor
Lecturer
Martin earned an MChem in Chemistry from the University of Hull in 2013, then a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Aston University’s Energy and Bioproducts Institute. After British Steel, he returned to Hull in 2018 and became Lecturer in 2022.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
This course has a range of tariffs for entry. Use the interactive slider to choose a number of points and see the course entry requirements.
Slide to set your points
A levels
BBC
BTEC
DMM
Equivalent qualifications and grades are accepted.
How to apply for this course
Most importantly, you need ambition. Together with our support and opportunities, you can go further than you ever thought possible.
Our typical offer for this course is 96–112 UCAS points. Our contextual offer is 96 points. But there’s no ceiling on ambition.
At least 80 points must come from A levels, BTEC, or other equivalent qualifications.
Remember, we look at your whole application – not just grades. Achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities: they all count here. We also consider qualifications and experience from the UK and worldwide that may not exactly match those listed.
Not sure if you’ll meet the entry requirements?
Talk to our Admissions team today. We’ll look at your circumstances, give you personalised guidance and help you understand your options, one of which could be a Foundation Year.
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Tuition fees for 2028 entry have not been confirmed. Please use 2027-28 information as a guide.
For UK students, our standard course fee is £10,050 per year. Keep in mind that some courses are longer - for example, spending your third year abroad will make your degree four years in total.
If you choose to study a foundation year as part of your course, the fee is £10,050.
Thinking about a year in industry? This is £2,010 for UK students.
Standard Tuition Fee
£10,050 / year
Placement Year Fee
£2,010
The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index.
How do I pay for it?
You can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the full cost of your course. Once you’ve successfully applied for this, you don’t need to do anything else – the money is sent straight to us.
You can also take out a maintenance loan of up to £10,544 a year to cover your living costs, depending on your household income.
Remember, you won’t start paying your loans back until you’ve left university and earn more than £25,000 per year.
See our full fees and funding information for more details and to find out what support we can offer.
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.
Become part of the next generation of futuremakers
Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.
The standard way to apply is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing us with your academic qualifications.
Not ready to apply yet?
Visit our next Open Day, and see all that the University of Hull has to offer. 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.
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All modules on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.