Swansea University

What you'll study

The Chemical Engineering programme at Swansea covers the fundamental sciences and the practical engineering skills required to design, analyse and operate chemical processes. Teaching blends lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and group design projects, with an emphasis on industrially relevant software and experimental techniques.

• Core science and engineering: mathematics for engineers, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering and transport phenomena.
• Process and design: process systems engineering, process design and control, separations (distillation, absorption, membranes), safety and hazard analysis, and scale-up.
• Materials and sustainability: materials for process industries, corrosion and materials selection, energy systems, process intensification and principles of sustainable chemical engineering.
• Practical learning: laboratory modules involving experimental techniques and data analysis, computing and process simulation, plus group-based final-year design projects that mirror industrial design work.
• Optional placement or study abroad: there is the opportunity to take a year-long industrial placement (sandwich year) or a period studying overseas to gain workplace experience and enhance employability.

Entry requirements

Typical applicants will present strong qualifications in relevant subjects. Successful candidates normally have strong A-levels (or equivalent) with Mathematics and Chemistry among their subjects, or an appropriate combined qualification such as a science/engineering BTEC or the International Baccalaureate with a substantial science and mathematics component. Mature students and applicants with Access to Higher Education diplomas are welcome; they should demonstrate readiness for a numerate, laboratory-based course. All applicants must meet Swansea University's general admissions policies and, where applicable, satisfy any conditions on GCSE English and Mathematics or equivalent.

Career prospects

Graduates from Swansea's Chemical Engineering programme are prepared for technical and professional roles across process industries. Common career paths include:

• Process or production engineer roles in petrochemicals, fine chemicals, food and drink, pharmaceuticals and consumer products.
• Design and consultancy positions in process design houses and engineering consultancies.
• Roles in energy and utilities sectors, including low-carbon and renewable energy technologies, carbon capture and hydrogen production.
• Quality, safety, environmental and plant management positions, including process safety and regulatory compliance.
• Further study and research leading to specialised MEng, MSc or PhD pathways in process engineering, materials, catalysis or process systems engineering.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea offers an engineering curriculum shaped by regional industry needs and internationally active research groups, particularly in energy, materials and sustainable process technologies. Teaching is delivered by academic staff who combine research expertise with industrial experience, and students benefit from modern laboratory facilities, process simulation suites and project opportunities with industry partners. The programme holds professional recognition from the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), providing a recognised route towards chartered status when combined with appropriate further learning and professional experience.