What do chemical engineers do?

Chemical, process and biochemical engineers are involved in the design, modification and operation of processes to produce the things we rely on everyday - chocolate, petrol, cosmetics, electricity, cars, aspirin, the list is endless... They are employed across a huge variety of sectors including:

Chemicals and allied products Pharmaceuticals Energy Water Food and drink Materials Mining and minerals Oil and gas Process plant and equipment Biotechnology Business and management Consultancy

Chemical engineers play a crucial role in everyday life. To find out more about the real life chemical engineers working in today's industries, please click here. Chemical engineers make decisions concerning:

Which reaction pathway should be used to make the product? How to purify the desired product How to control the process and ensure it's safe How to make the process cost effective What should be done with any by-products formed? How to reduce the amounts of unwanted by-products What to do with unreacted raw materials How to recycle energy within the process

Job roles
When you graduate, the knowledge and transferable skills you learned at university will allow you to work in many different roles across a huge number of industries. Here are just a few examples of job descriptions for chemical engineers across different industries: Chemical engineer in the water industry

Your functions include the design and development of the wide range of physical, chemical and biological unit operations needed to remove contaminants economically from water and wastewater. You will project manage new works construction, and the management and operation of treatment plant and distribution networks. You need to understand new technologies which will enable us to meet new legislative quality standards for water supply and wastewater discharge, and to minimise waste streams from treatment processes. Bioproduct engineer You are required to understand and keep up-to-date with developments in diverse areas of technology such as tissue culture, genetics, biochemistry and biochemical engineering. Working with medical specialists, lab-based bioscientists and manufacturing specialists, you are required to translate very specific scientific concepts into practical bioproduct specifications. Your products will range from fundamental research through product development to highly targeted technical sales activities. You may work in diverse environments including academic, small technology-based enterprises, or large research-led companies. Food processing engineer Your key skill is in understanding the application of heat transfer and fluid flow principles to the manufacture of foods. Processes generally require measurement and analysis at the design or troubleshooting stage. You need to understand the role that food science and microbiology play in the design, manufacture and distribution of food products to meet consumer expectation. Youll use simulation tools to aid design and process optimisation. Youll often work as part of a larger team of engineers and scientists. Consultant in the pharmaceutical industry You need to understand the technologies behind biochemical engineering to provide the services that our biopharmaceutical clients expect. You have to understand production and regulatory issues together with the commercial constraints on products.

Youll often work on pharmaceutical projects based on other technologies. Your projects will range from small consultancy questions to the design, commissioning and validation of large pharmaceutical production facilities. You will work with our clients, and with the multidisciplinary teams needed to complete large projects. Process engineer in the energy industry As a process engineer working in the energy industry you need to understand the energy supply and demand requirements, and the implications of our usage of it. This means keeping up-to-date with the technology that affects this balance, and understanding how and when it can be implemented. Your work involves providing services to design, procure or operate energy infrastructure. You also evaluate energy needs for clients and help them source energy supplies, advise on appropriate methods of extracting and supplying their energy products. Youll forecast future requirements for both the supply and demand side, and the clients can vary from conventional operating companies to financial companies operating in the commodity markets.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is chemical engineering?

Chemical engineering is all about change - chemical and biochemical engineers create and develop processes to make useful products from raw materials, in a cost effective and safe manner.
2. What does the work involve?

Chemical engineers are trained to apply fundamental engineering principles, maximise economic returns and reduce environmental impact. Chemical engineers need to work as part of a team and develop good communication skills. Strong problem solving and analytical skills are also a bonus.
3. What subjects should I take at school?

Maths and chemistry are usually essential. Either physics or biology are also useful additional subjects.

4. What qualifications do I need for a chemical engineering degree course?

The general entry standard is:

280 - 380 UCAS points, including A-level passes in maths and chemistry, preferable with another science; or, Scottish Advanced Highers in maths and chemistry with at least two other Highers; or, Typically 400 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate including at least a grade C3 in higher level maths; or, An International or European Baccalaureate

Each university's entry requirements will differ slightly - always check with the university you plan to apply to. You'll find links to universities offering chemical, biochemical and process engineering degree courses in the university section of this website. Direct entry to the second year at Scottish universities may be possible with appropriate Alevels, Advanced Highers or equivalent.
5. Are there other entry routes into chemical engineering apart from a degree?

The most straightforward entry route is to complete an IChemE accredited degree. There are some HND and HNC courses available but these mostly lead to completing a chemical engineering degree in order to become fully qualified.
6. Is there anything I can do if I don't have the right entry qualifications?

If you don't have the required qualifications for direct entry, there are a number of universities that offer foundation courses that cover the necessary background.
7. What type of person makes a good chemical engineer?

Chemical engineering is ideally suited to students with ability in maths and chemistry, who enjoy problem solving and aspire to be successful.
8. How do I find out what degree courses are available?

Visit the chemical engineering websites of universities throughout the UK and Ireland using the links in our universities section.
9. How do you choose a chemical engineering degree with a good reputation?

Any IChemE accredited course has a good reputation because IChemE has very strict accreditation procedures to ensure universities maintain the highest standards. For an independent guide to the universities offering chemical engineering degrees, visit one or more of the following websites:

The Complete University Guide The Guardian's University Guide The Times' Good University Guide (subscription required)
10. What components make up a chemical engineering degree?

Courses are comprised of a number components including lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory experiments, design projects and research projects.
11. What is the difference between a BEng and MEng degree?

The MEng course lasts a year longer than the BEng course and provides a greater depth and breadth of study.
12. Is the MEng degree harder than the BEng?

Academically, more is expected from MEng degree students, but the rewards are greater too!
13. Can I move across from a BEng to a MEng degree if I want to?

Yes, but this depends on your exam results, attitude to your studies and on getting permission from your course director.
14. What sort of jobs can I do with a chemical engineering degree?

The choice of work available is exceptionally wide. Chemical engineers work in large international companies, as well as smaller companies, in sectors as wide ranging as chemicals, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, biotechnology and water. They are also highly sought after in business and finance.
15. Will I have much contact with other people at work?

Yes, as a chemical engineer you often need to work as part of a team and rely on your social and communication skills.
16. What are the job prospects like?

A chemical engineering degree equips you with easily transferable skills. Graduates invariably take on considerable responsibility within a few years of graduation. For this reason, job prospects are excellent and often involve the chance to reach senior managerial positions at a young age.
17. What does a chemical engineer earn?

Chemical engineers are the best paid group of engineers and have the potential to earn more than doctors, lawyers and accountants. The average salary is 50,000 rising to 60,400 for Chartered

Chemical Engineers who are regarded as professional high-fliers. The average graduate starting salary is 28,000. (Source: IChemE Salary Survey 2012).
18. Can I use a degree in chemical engineering for employment outside the engineering sector?

Yes. An integral part of a chemical engineering degree is the development of interpersonal skills such as communication and teamwork. These, in addition to the numeracy, problem solving and management skills acquired, mean that chemical engineering graduates are highly sought after by a wide range of employers.
19. What is the difference between chemistry and chemical engineering?

Chemical engineers take chemists laboratory discoveries and figure out how to use them to make a useful product safely and cost-effectively on a large scale. For example chemists might develop a new drug, but the chemical engineer is responsible for designing a process to make millions of tablets of this drug which all contain exactly the right amount of drug, so that it is safe. They must also do this in the most cost-effective way to avoid waste and help their company make a profit.
20. What is the difference between biochemical and chemical engineering?

Chemical engineering is concerned with changing raw materials into useful products by designing processes which change their chemical or physical composition, structure or energy content. Biochemical engineering is a branch of chemical engineering which is concerned with biological changes and is particularly important in the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs and the treatment of waste.
21. What is the difference between chemical and process engineering?

Nothing - chemical engineering and process engineering are essentially the same thing.
22. Are all courses the same at university?

Apart from the compulsory core subjects which are usually studied in the earlier years, there are a broad range of optional subjects. In addition to straight chemical engineering or biochemical engineering, there are some courses that combine both of these, and yet others which include other combinations such as food engineering, environmental engineering or nonengineering options such as a foreign language or European studies.
23. What does the course involve?

Courses are well structured with a balance of lectures, laboratory work, computing, tutorials and other sessions, such as design and research work. An important part of the course is the design

project, which consists of small groups of students working in teams to solve a practical process engineering problem.
24. Will I spend all my time studying technical subjects?

No. Chemical engineering courses include management topics and a wide range of transferable skills. These open up a range of employment opportunities.
25. How will the course be taught?

The course is taught by qualified professionals in lecture theatres, small tutorial rooms and in the laboratory. There are also occasional invited guest lecturers and site visits.
26. How much chemistry does the course contain?

A good background understanding of chemistry is essential. Chemistry is taught as part of the degree in the early years.
27. Do I need to be good at maths and how much maths is involved?

Maths is an integral part of engineering. You will use the maths you are taught in the early part of the course throughout the rest of your studies.
28. Are there any courses that offer the chance of a year abroad or in industry?

Most universities offer sandwich courses giving the opportunity to spend time in industry getting relevant work experience, or studying at a university abroad.
29. Are there further study opportunities after university?

There are opportunities for post-graduate study. Opportunities vary depending on the university. Find out more by visiting the chemical engineering department website at your university of choice.
30. What sorts of companies employ chemical engineers?

Sectors chemical engineers work in include:

Chemicals Contracting Oil and Gas Consultancy Pharmaceuticals Energy Water Food and Drink

Materials Process and Equipment Biotechnology Business and Finance Education

31. Is work experience available and how do I find out about it?

Many companies offer work experience placements some as short as one week, others lasting 6 months or even a year. To find out more visit the website of the company you are interested in or write to them directly.
32. Are there any bursaries, grants or sponsorship awards for chemical engineering?

A number of companies and organisations offer schemes to financially assist chemical engineering students, though demand is high so competition for places is fierce. Contact your university of choice to find out more as many companies have particular sponsorship opportunities linked to specific university departments. Alternatively check out www.scholarship-search.org.uk
33. Are there opportunities to work outside the UK?

Yes chemical engineering is a truly international profession providing many opportunities for worldwide travel.
34. Can I take a gap year?

If you wish to take a gap year, you should notify the Admissions Tutor at your university of choice.
35. Can students with a chemical engineering degree enter other fields of employment?

Yes! A degree in chemical engineering is a well respected degree that opens many career paths across industry, business and finance. Chemical engineering graduates are highly sought after as employers recognise that they have analytical and problem-solving skills that are second to none.
36. Who are IChemE?

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is the qualifying and professional body for chemical engineers. IChemE has continuously expanded since 1923 and currently has an international membership of over 30,000. IChemE is the only professional body licensed to award the qualification Chartered Chemical Engineer. Many chemical engineers regard becoming Chartered as an important milestone in their career.

37. What does an accredited course mean?

Accreditation by IChemE means that the course has been certified as fulfilling academic standards in education necessary for its graduates to gain professional recognition as Chartered Chemical Engineers after gaining appropriate industrial experience.
38. What is a Chartered Chemical Engineer?

A Chartered Chemical Engineer has been awarded Chartered status by IChemE. This is a professional qualification for a practicing chemical engineer which also conveys a status respected in society and is recognised by employers.
39. How do you become Chartered?

Graduates of fully accredited courses in full-time employment, or pursuing a relevant postgraduate course, may be awarded the designatory letters AMIChemE as members of the Institution of Chemical Engineers. After a minimum of four years experience, the professional engineer seeks Chartered Chemical Engineer status.
40. What are the benefits of being Chartered?

This is a highly lucrative professional qualification which not only increases your earning potential, but is recognised - and sometimes sought after - by employers.
41. What help can IChemE offer?

IChemE offers a range of products and services to help members maintain an awareness of developments in their field and support their professional development. These include a monthly magazine, courses, training packages, conferences, seminars, books, journals and careers information.