BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering with placement year in Loughborough United Kingdom | Loughborough University

Chemical Engineering is a dynamic and multifaceted engineering discipline that integrates concepts from chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, and economics to convert raw materials and energy into practical, cost-effective products. This field involves investigating, designing, and optimizing industrial processes to reduce environmental harm, adhere to regulations, and enhance societal and economic value. According to the 2020 UK engineering skills survey, there's an anticipated shortage of qualified chemical engineers needed to achieve the nation's green recovery and net-zero objectives, making these professionals increasingly valuable. Chemical engineers play pivotal roles across diverse industries, from energy and water management to pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and finance. Their expertise helps tackle global issues like climate change and mass vaccine production. At Loughborough University, we pioneer sustainable innovations through cutting-edge research in low-carbon solutions, healthcare advancements, and manufacturing breakthroughs. Our National Centre for the Circular Chemical Economy exemplifies this by working to eliminate waste and fossil fuel dependence in the UK chemical industry. Our research directly enhances our curriculum, preparing students to address modern challenges.
Our Chemical Engineering programs train students to use scientific and engineering fundamentals for designing and evaluating chemical processes and equipment. Through hands-on labs, VR simulations, computing exercises, and projects, students gain practical experience while honing technical, collaborative, and digital skills.

The degree offers flexibility, with language courses (French, German, Spanish, or Mandarin) available in the first two years as alternatives to Materials Processing or Food Engineering. Final-year students can select up to three specialized modules in areas like management, environmental studies, IT, bioprocessing, or healthcare. The capstone design project requires students—working both collaboratively and independently—to devise an industrial facility tailored to a specific challenge, often reflecting departmental research expertise. This comprehensive task encompasses technology selection, process design, equipment specification, optimization, safety assessments, and economic/environmental analysis, synthesizing all aspects of their education.