Chemical Engineering BEng

Ranked no.3 in London by the Complete University Guide 2024.

Our Chemical Engineering BEng degree is an innovative course that has been developed to equip you with a broad range of knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the chemical and biochemical industry.

The course is internationally accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a new, modern laboratory with equipment and rigs for your experimental work. The latest industry standard engineering software packages are available for you to use in the purpose-built computer laboratories.

Our BEng chemical engineering course can be studied full-time over three years, or four years with a placement year. We encourage the placement year option because time spent in industry prepares you for the world of work and you’ll benefit from a year’s professional experience when you graduate. If you opt for the placement year, you could find yourself making a difference in the real world working in energy, pharmaceutical or consumer goods.

Brunel Engineers is an annual exhibition that showcases our engineering talent at its finest. It’s a great way for you to network with key engineering professionals and show them the innovative, creative and enterprising work you have produced during your time at Brunel.

National salary surveys consistently place chemical engineers at the top of the engineering pay scales, meaning you will be studying for a lucrative and successful career with our degree.

Course delivery is a well-balanced mix of theory and practical sessions. In your first two years, you will gain solid knowledge and understanding of key areas in chemical engineering. You’ll also be introduced to process plant operation, control and safety through the Chemical Engineer’s Toolbox module. In your final year, you move on to modern topics such as big data analytics and you will work on your major design project.

This course can be studied 3 years full-time or 4 years full-time with placement, starting in September.

Brunel’s pioneering chemical engineering courses have been designed in close collaboration with the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) accreditation body to prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career in one of the fastest growing engineering disciplines.

• GCE A-level AAA-ABB including Maths and one of the following subjects; Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Environment Studies, Computer Science, Electronics or Design and Technology (Use of Maths and General Studies not accepted).
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) DDD in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, with Distinctions in Further Mathematics for Technicians and Further Mechanical or Further Electronic/Electrical Principles modules.
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) DDD in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, with Distinctions in Engineering Principles and Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems.
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF)/BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (RQF) DD in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, with Distinction in Further Mechanical or Further Electrical Principles (QCF); Engineering Principles & Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems (RQF), AND A-Level Maths at grade B (Use of Maths not accepted).
• BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)/BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (RQF) D in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, with A-Levels grades BB to include Grade B in Maths and Grade B in one of the following subjects; Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Environment Studies, Computer Science, Electronics or Design and Technology (Use of Maths and General Studies not accepted).
• International Baccalaureate Diploma 31 points, including 5 in Higher Level Maths and Higher Level 5 in one of the following subjects; Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Geography, or Design Technology. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 4 or HL 4.
• Obtain a minimum of 128 UCAS tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma in Engineering with 45 credits at Level 3.  All Maths and Science units must be Distinctions at level 3.
• T levels : For subjects accepted and grade requirements please contact the admissions office.

For Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year progression requirements, see the course page.

A minimum of five GCSEs are required, including GCSE Mathematics grade C or grade 4 and GCSE English Language grade C or grade 4 or GCSE English Literature grade B or grade 5.

Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We will fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.

If you are unable to meet the direct entry criteria above, you are invited to apply for a foundation course in Engineering at Brunel Pathway College. When you successfully pass the foundation year, you can progress on to the Chemical Engineering BEng.

• IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)
• Pearson: 59 (59 in all sub scores)
• BrunELT: 58% (min 55% in all areas)
• TOEFL: 77 (min R18, L17, S20, W17) 

Your progress will be assessed via assignments, coursework, presentations, laboratory reports and the final year major design project.

In your first two years, assessment is through a combination of exams and assignments. In your third year, assessment is assignment-based only. This gives you the opportunity to put into practice your soft skills (such as communication and teamwork) as well as your technical abilities, so better preparing you for the work environment.